My dog's back leg limps then he's fine. When should I see a vet?

Good Evening...thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Luna is experience some trouble with her left front leg. Since the lameness seems to be reoccurring, I would recommend you bring her into a veterinarian for an examination. Young dogs can often experience many conditions that can cause lameness. These can range from conditions such as panosteitis (growing pains) to congenital conditions such as elbow dysplasia, or OCD lesion of either the shoulder or elbow. Certainly a soft tissue injury (muscle strain or sprain) may also be the culprit. Regardless, it may be nice to see if the veterinarian can determine her "pain point" and localize where her lameness is coming from. They will also be able to give you prescription medications that ma help to ease her discomfort. I hope this information helps, good luck and I hope Luna gets some relief soon! :-)

If Sonnie has been limping for 2 weeks, then it is time to see your vet to see what is going on. Often when dogs have the adrenaline rush of being outside and running, they will limp less than when they are walking slowly inside, so that is not unusual. The licking you are noticing may be due to pain at that location, so hopefully your vet can find the problem and figure out treatment to make Sonnie feel better. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Sonnie feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Snots has been lame. Most mild causes of lameness resolve within 24-48 hours with some rest. Since it seems to have gone on longer than this, I would recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He will likely need some x-rays of the affected bone or joint and some prescription pain medication. In the meantime, keep him quiet (no running, jumping, playing). He should avoid stairs as much as possible and go out on a leash to go potty. Do not give him any over-the-counter medications. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor Coal! It could be a strain or a sprain from being overly active yesterday. If he is weight bearing I doubt it is broken. Other causes for limping are tick borne illness like lyme disease. If it a back leg it could be a torn ACL or a luxated knee cap which is common in small breeds. If he is eating and drinking and otherwise acting normal set up an appointment monday if he is still limping. Good luck!

It can be so hard to get an active dog to rest an injury! Because this has been going on for a few months I think it would be a good idea for Abraham to see a veterinarian. Often active dogs will injure their ACLs or hips which can result in on and off lameness. Your veterinarian can assess Abraham's left hind leg and decide if pain medications or even X-rays are needed. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs so your veterinarian will need to prescribe meds for Abraham. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and wishing for a speedy recovery for Abraham!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Baby! I am assuming Baby is limping? Causes of limping really depends on whether it is a front or hind leg. It could be just a strain or sprain but it could also be Lyme disease, ACL tear and many other things. If he is acting lethargic and not eating he should see a Vet today. If he is otherwise fine then rest him and see how he is by Monday. If by Monday he is still limping then he should be seen by your Vet. I do not recommend giving Baby any human medications. I hope this helps and I wish Baby the best!

Poor Dexter. I'm glad to hear he isn't painful when you manipulate and palpate his leg. He likely has a soft tissue injury like a sprain. These will usually heal on their own with rest. I would recommend to rest him for a couple of days and if he isn't improved by Monday or Tuesday then I would let your vet do an exam and potentially some X-rays to ensure there is nothing more serious going on. Also, they will be able to prescribe him some pain meds. I do not recommend to give him any human pain meds as these are usually toxic to dogs.