Why is my dog suddenly limping after a nap and struggling to stand?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Female | spayed | 88 lbs
My dog started limping after getting up from a nap. She is bearing weight on all extremities but right leg seems to limp when walking. No whining or wincing when I looked at her paw and rubbed her shoulder. She is otherwise eating and herself, sleeping more but uncomfortable when going from laying to standing.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 26th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Gertrude. Poor girl. She may have slept on it wrong causing her 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. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 10th, 2017
Poor Sallie! She could have injured her paw leading to the limping, and it's clearly painful because she is limping. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, 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. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 17th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could potentially be a soft tissue injury such as a muscle sprain or tendinitis for example. There are of course other possibilities like a fracture, bone tumor, among other possibilities that are less likely. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for assement and treatment. Further diagnostics such as radiographs would be performed depending on what the examination findings are. At the very least, your veterinarian could prescribe pain control medications. Good luck and have a good night!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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