My small maltese dog (12 yr old, 3.5 lb) jumped off the sofa today and started limping soon after. She lifts up her back left leg when she’s walking (still attempts to walk) but i’ve felt around her legs/hip and she doesn’t seem to be in any pain. Could this just be a muscle sprain and should I wait a day or two before taking her to the vet? She’s been sick before and would try to bite me if she was in pain and i tried to touch her painful area so im pretty sure she’s okay for now.

Since your pup can't talk, only a physical exam will be able to determine the source of the lameness. Just like people, the pain/limping can be related to many causes including a ligament tears, soft tissue injury, a knee cap out of place or even a hairline fracture. Since she is not bearing any weight on the leg, I recommend to have her examined today. She may need radiographs and the doctor will determine this based on the exam. She needs STRICT rest until she is examined. I hope she starts feeling better quickly.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Roberta. She could have suffered a muscle strain. Small breed dogs are also prone to neck and/or back pain. Unfortunately, it is easy for puppies to fracture bones as well. I have seen it with a puppy jumping only a few inches off the ground. Their bones are very fragile. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She will be examined and possibly need x-rays. In the meantime, carry her as much as possible. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!