Why is my dog dragging paws, unbalanced, and yelping after a fight?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This sounds serious and warrants a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible. There is usually even more trauma than what you can appreciate in cases of dog fights. There may be cuts that need suturing, wounds that need antibiotics and the need for pain control medications as it sounds like he is very sore. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to evaluate him to look at the extent of his injuries so therapy can be recommended accordingly. Good luck and have a good night!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Crash. If he comes inside licking the paw, I worry about an insect bite or sting or something stuck in his paw such as a piece of plant material like you mentioned. If he is just holding the leg up, the pain could be from higher up in the limb. He could have been excited at the veterinary appointment which allows the adrenaline to over ride the pain he is likely experiencing at home. Is it always the same leg? Some puppies will experience lameness that shifts legs as they grow. If no pain was found in his leg, he could be experiencing neck pain. This can radiate down the leg causes referred pain. If it continues, he should be re-evaluated and may need x-rays to determine the cause of his pain. I hope this information helps!

Based on the injuries you are describing I would be concerned that Flick was hit by a car while he was loose. I would recommend taking him to the vet to have his injuries examined. He will likely need pain medication as well as some antibiotics to help his wounds heal. A lidocaine wound spray is ok for short term use as long as Flick doesn’t lick it off. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

It sounds like Denver is in pain. 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.

It is possible the fight may have caused muscle strains or stretched nerves, the pain and discomfort of which is often worse 24hours after a trauma. I recommend a recheck by your vet if this is persisting beyond 48hours, acupuncture and chiropractic care may also help

Poor Simba! I'm wondering about your description that he's dragging his back paws, and I'm curious if he's not using them at all. Should they literally be dragging behind him and he's not walking on them, then yes this requires immediate attention and I would drive the one hour to the 24/7 clinic. It could be he has broken something or hurt his hips or spine preventing him from using his back legs, and that is something that could get progressively worse over time. In situations where a dog suddenly cannot use his legs and they drag behind him, that is a medical emergency. Now if he's able to put weight on the back paws and use them, even if he's limping on them, then it can wait until the morning but definitely have him seen by a vet first thing. It's very important to not give him an human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

As long as Xander is behaving normally, he can likely wait until your veterinarian is available. Without a physical exam, it is difficult to say what may have happened. he could have strained a muscle, stepped on something or simply stepped awkwardly. Monitor for lameness, lethargy, excessive licking or restlessness. These are symtpoms that should be addressed by your vet. if the paw becomes swollen, very painful or has bleeding/discharge then have Xander seen at the local veternary ER. You can place an e-collar (cone) on him if he is licking. There is nothing OTC that you can safely give. If he develops lameness, restrict his activity to just leash walks for elimination until he sees the vet.