My 9-week-old puppy is putting weight on his paw. What should I do?

Poor Maximus! I have done this to my own dog too, it's stressful! It sounds like Maximus has it sustained any serious injury given that he is happy to put weight on the paw when he walks around. I would recommend restricting his activity for 24-48 hours and see how he does. If he starts limping again, it is not continuing to improve, then a visit to your veterinarian is in order. They can do a full physical exam, and may recommend X-rays if they are concerned about a broken bone. Do not be tempted to give Maximus any type of over the counter pain medications-human medications can often be harmful to our pets.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rocco! Yes it could just be sore soft tissue. I’d rest him for 1-2 days and see if there is improvement. But if there is no improvement he should see your Vet. He is young and if there is a fracture we want to know that sooner than later. He could have a fractured toe, a fractured bone in his wrist or a fracture a long the growth plate. I wish Rocco a speedy recovery!

I agree, it does sound like King's paw is really hurting him. I'd avoid touching it for now. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, 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.

Poor Boomer! If it's not visibly swollen, I would give him a little bit of rest/limited activity to see if it improves the foot. However, if it is swelling, doesn't improve with kennel rest, or is painful/causing him to yelp or limp badly, then it is best seen by your vet as soon as possible. Until you can be seen by your vet, continued kennel rest (leashed walks only, limited time on foot, etc) can help reduce further injury and discomfort.

Since your puppy has still not been able to put weight on the leg I would be concerned that the leg is broken. Also, hiding away, can indicate that the dog is painful. I would recommend taking your puppy in to the vet to have X-rays performed to check the leg. Hopefully it is not broken and he will just need some pain medication to help him feel better for the next few days.

Poor Sam! I would be concerned in that he is clearly showing you he is in pain if he's limping and doesn't like his paw touching the ground. I 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. 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!

If it just started you can let Bear rest for a few days with minimal walking and minimal physical exercise, if it does not improve within 3-4 days you will have to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, she might need pain killers for a few days. if the vet think it's something more serious such as a fracture or joint injury, he might recommend to have an xray done as well.