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My dog is limping and holding his paw up. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 29 days old | 12.7 lbs

My dog was playing with one of his friends and hurt something on his front right leg, he keeps holding his paw up. He still jumps, and doesn't cry in pain no matter how hard I squeeze from paw to shoulder. Should I still be concerned? He is limping and doesn't like for the paw to touch the ground.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2018

Poor Sam! I would be concerned in that he is clearly showing you he is in pain if he's limping and doesn't like his paw touching the ground. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 17th, 2018

    It sounds like Cloud has injured his paw, and he could have broken it, may have strained or torn a ligament, or he could have a foreign body in it. I would rest him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. You can try putting a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel on his paw if he will let you to see if that helps with the pain. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 12th, 2019

    Poor Ace! I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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