My puppy woke up with a limp in her leg. What should I do right now?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My English bulldog puppy woke up with a limp. Her back right leg out of nowhere this morning
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 5th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your puppy. If she is otherwise normal, then I recommend keeping her very quite. Carry her if you are able or take her outside on a leash. No running, jumping, stairs or playing. Many causes of mild lameness can resolve without treatment. However, if the lameness gets worse, she is not acting normal or the lameness does not resolve, then she needs to see her veterinarian. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 12th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nala. If she is otherwise acting normal, I would keep her very quiet for the next 24 hours. No running, jumping or stairs. Take her outside on a leash to go potty and bring her right back inside. If the lameness improves with rest, she likely sustained a mild soft tissue injury. If this does not help or it is worse, then she will need to see her veterinarian. She may require x-rays if the painful portion of that limb can be identified. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Hi my dog started limping last night and still is and just not acting her self at all useally she is running about mad as she is a puppy but all she is doing is sleeping just wondering if i can get some advice please
Limping means Lilah is in pain. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi our 20 week old labordoodle puppy went to our is suddenly limping and lethargic. She came with us to our families St. Patricks Day Party yesterday. She seemed fine. Today she will only walk a few steps and then lays down. She is normally a very ac
Poor Lou! I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My puppy peanut she's 5 months old she slipped and fell yesterday and now today she's limping but when I touch her paw or her leg it don't hurt her but other than that she seems fine she's not whining she's wanting to play and jump around should I be
I M fraid, limping is always a sign of pain or at least discomfort. I would relegate her to resting, no playong, no jumping and only leash walking to go and do her business for 2-3 days. If the leg does not improve by then I suggest you take her to your veterinarian for an exam. She may have a sprain or a damaged ligament. If she is still limping by that time your vet will likely prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for pain, if indicated.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 5 month old English bulldog was playing earlier and now she is limping but she is not crying or whimper when I touch her feet just wondering what can I do for her
I'm sorry to hear the Scarlett is limping. I would watch her overnight and keep her confined to an area where she cannot jump up and down and so she will rest. Although she isn't crying when you touch her, limping is a sign of pain. If she is still limping in the morning, I would recommend taking her to your veterinarian for an exam. It may be something minor that can be treated with rest and pain medication or it could require x-rays to determine the extent of the injury. Please do not give her any over-the-counter human pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or Tylenol as these can have serious side effects in animals.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I have a 4 months puppy and tonight all of sudden started limping with her hind left leg. She slept all day (but that it’s not too strange) even though I felt she was calmer than usual. Then we played a little and she seemed fine, she was running
Poor Poodle. Limping means she is in pain. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. she may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 9 week old puppy is limping (had her back right leg lifted up) not sure what happened but she doesn't seem to be in pain & doesn't cry when I touch it.She does touch it to the ground sometimes. Wondering if it's necessary to bring her to vet alrea
Poor Lucy! Limping is a sign of pain in dogs, so it is hurting her if she's limping. Because she has had her leg lifted up only touching it to the ground sometimes and it's been a day of her doing this, I think taking her into the vet now would be a good idea. It's clearly hurting her, and she likely needs pain meds. Please do not give her any human pain medication, many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe a safe pain medication for her, and can diagnose what is causing her to be non-weight bearing.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 2 month old dog fell off the couch and landed on her back, she started to limp afterwards on her back leg. What should I do to help?
Given her age, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian. X-rays may be indicated to rule out fractures. Restrict her activity to just leash walks for elimination. Avoid excessive running, jumping or rough play. Do not medicate her as many OTC drugs cannot be used in puppies or may be toxic to dogs.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 6mo large breed puppy is limping on her back leg (left) it started this morning out of no where. She doesn't seem to be in pain but wont put weight on it. Yet after a few minutes standing she is back to jumpling and walking.
Some causes of hindlimb lameness in growing dogs that are less than 12 months of age include: Hip dysplasia, Avascular necrosis of the femoral head - Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, where the ball of the thighbone in the hip doesn't get enough blood, causing the bone to die Osteochondritis of stifle - fragments of cartilage or bone have become loose within the knee joint Patella luxation - medial or lateral disorder, in which the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location Osteochondritis of the hock - fragments of cartilage or bone have become loose within the hock, the joint of the hind leg Panosteitis – inflammation of the bones Hypertrophic osteodystrophy - a disease characterized by decreased blood flow to the part of the bone adjacent to the joint Trauma to the soft tissue, bone, or joint Infection – may be local, or generalized (systemic) Nutritional imbalances Congenital abnormalities (present at birth) If the lameness persists, even if she seems better afterward, I re
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My sister dropped our pitbull and now she is limping with her back leg it is weight bearing and she isn't whining what should I do to help her limp
You can try restricting activity to just leash walks for elimination. Prevent any running, jumping or rough play. If the lameness does not begin to improve after 24-48 hours, then Bella should be seen by your veterinarian. If you notice any bruising or swelling, this is also reason for an exam. Do not give her any OTC medications for pain as many are toxic or easily overdosed. Contact your vet to discuss pain management if necessary.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
We believe that my 6 month old Aussiedoodle tripped on the stairs and she is now limping and occasionally yelps when her front left leg is being used. We are at the beach and I’m notnsire if I should just see if her aching resolves or take her to a v
Restrict her activity. Use a leash or crate if you must. Monitor for bruising swelling or excessive pain. If the lameness or discomfort worsens, you'll need to have her examined by a veterinarian. Do not medicate her without the advice of a vet.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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