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My puppy is limping after someone stepped on his leg. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered

My Brother stepped on my Puppy’s leg and he cried but A few hours later we examined his paw his nails and his leg movment / everything he didnt yelp or cry but he is still limping now what do we do ( My dad Worked on a farm so he knew how to handle his foot to examin it)

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 8th, 2018

I would rest Chip 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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    Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 14th, 2019

    Poor everyone! I'm sure you feel awful. Don't give him any human pain medication because most are toxic to dogs to a greater or lesser extent. You can ice the area for 10 minutes every 90 minutes - 2 hours if he'll let you. If he's still limping in the morning, he needs to go to the vet. If overnight he's so uncomfortable that he/you can't sleep, it might be worthwhile to go to an emergency clinic if that's an option. At the vet, he will have an exam to find exactly where the pain is, and then x-rays of that area. He could have a broken bone, or muscle/tendon/ligament damage. The treatment will depend on what's wrong, and could be pain medications and rest or something more serious like surgery. I hope you all get some rest tonight. These things happen and you'll get him back to normal soon.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 7th, 2017

    Ouch, poor pup! I would 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. With injuries, it's better that you ice them, and you can put an ice pack on his foot (covered in a towel) for fives minutes at a time a couple of times a day. 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. 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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