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My dog won't put weight on her back leg. Is it arthritis or injury?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 9 years old | 25 lbs

Hello. Pepper seems to be having an issue with her back right leg. She won't put any weight on it. I'm not sure how much it is hurting her, but she doesn't yelp because of it if she sits on it. We gave her a low-dose chewable Aspirin, but I'm not sure if that helped at all. My mom has been suggesting that it may be arthritis because Pepper is getting older (her birthday was three days ago). She's a good girl and I feel terrible for her when she's uncomfortable. Thank you :)

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2018

Poor Pepper! First off, please do not give her any more aspirin. It's not safe to give in dogs because it causes GI ulcers and GI bleeding. It could be that she is suffering from arthritis, but it could also be that she has torn a ligament in her knee called the cranial cruciate ligament. This would lead her to be unable to put any weight on it. It's very clearly hurting her a lot because she won't put weight on the leg. She needs to see a vet for this problem, and I would call the vet first in the morning to get her an appointment to be seen asap. Tonight, rest her as much as possible. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's done. Do NOT give her any more aspirin or any other human pain medications. The vet can prescribe safe ones as needed. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

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