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My dog fell off couch, limping, not bearing weight. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 20 days old

My dog fell off the couch and has now started limping. He doesn't cry out when you move his leg but is not weight bearing at all.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2016

He may have dislocated his hip or fractured one of the bones in his leg. Please take him to the nearest veterinary ER or to your veterinarian right away. An exam and x-rays may diagnose the underlying cause for the lameness. If it is a fracture it may need to be splinted or surgically repaired depending on the severity and location. If it is a dislocation it will need to be reduced. If this is done earlier, it is more likely that surgery will not be required.

17Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 5th, 2020
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Charlie. He needs to see a veterinarian as he sounds very painful. He will be examined and x-rays will likely be recommended. For example, he could have torn his cruciate ligament in his knee. This is a common cause of non-weight bearing lameness in the rear. Based on these results, treatment can be started. In the meantime, keep him quiet and 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
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 9th, 2021
Hello. I am so sorry for Doobie possibly injuring himself. If he is not putting any weight on the leg at all, I would be most concerned that he may have fractured a bone when he fell. It would be best to let your vet take a look, as puppy bones are pretty fragile. The good news is if this is a fracture, puppy bones can heal very quickly. It is best, though, to know as soon as possible to prevent possibly further damage to the leg. I do hope Doobie is doing well soon. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog fell off bed, limping, won't put weight on leg. What's wrong?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. If he continues to not bear any weight on that leg, then he will need to see his veterinarian. He will likely need x-rays to ensure that he did not fracture his leg. In the meantime, keep him very quiet to allow his body to rest. Carry him if he needs to move. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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My dog jumped off sofa, limping but no pain. Should I see a vet?

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.

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My dog jumped off couch, limping on back leg. When to see vet?

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My puppy jumped off bed, limping, won't walk, no vet money. What now?

It sounds like Trixie is in pain. Her fall may have caused her to fracture a bone, damage a joint or ligament, or caused some muscle damage. While joint/muscle damage may resolve on its own, a fracture may require stabilization. Without it, the bone may heal in a deformed way and even alter the growth of the leg in the future. A vet will be able to perform x-rays to see if there is a fracture and offer you treatment options - likely a splint, cast, or surgery to chose from. X-rays are usually not very expensive and will give an answer regarding the cause of the limping. They will also be able to prescribe the appropriate pain medication that is safe for dog. In the meantime, I recommend keeping Trixie as quiet and calm as possible to prevent further trauma.

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My dog is suddenly limping and won't move. Is it a hip injury?

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My puppy fell and is limping. Should I take him to the emergency vet?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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