Why do my dog's legs go numb and cause him to limp after sleep?

I hate to hear this is happening to Harley. Back pain can be severe and debilitating. The fact that he suddenly can't use the back legs is extremely worrisome and could indicate an emergency situation! Back pain and paralysis can signify a compressed disc or a disc that is pushing on the spinal cord. This is very worrisome because these pets can experience a sudden paralysis that requires surgery. These pets can end up suddenly paralyzed and this can even happen if they have surgery. I recommend to have Harley examined by the veterinarian today. These pets are often given anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs or steroids), muscle relaxants, pain control and STRICT rest so no walks, running, jumping, stairs. Crate rest is best. This could last for up to 8 weeks. Sometimes acupuncture or other therapy is also required. Play it safe and have him examined today. I hope this helps.

Oscar may have injured one of his legs or may have a joint abnormality. It is fairly common for dogs with various joint injuries or arthritis to be more painful when waking and then 'warm out' of the lameness. I would recommend seeing a vet if the limping continues for an exam and potentially some x-rays and/or pain medication.

Harley is so cute! It could be that he injured himself while outside, and he's clearly in pain at the moment. 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. If over the next 48 hours you are very concerned about his level of pain (i.e. he's still refusing to put any weight on his leg), it's absolutely fine to take him into a vet sooner. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Poor Alfie! It sounds like he has a chronic problem. This could be related to an abnormality within the bone structure of his lower back, or hips. Sometimes an issue like hip dysplasia or a pinched nerve can show up like this. It would be less common, but an injury to his cruciate ligaments could also present this way. The only way to know will be to have Alfie visit his veterinarian. The doctor will palpate all his legs to determine the cause. The doctor may also need radiographs to look for changes to the bone. Until you get him into the veterinarian, he needs strict rest, so no walks, no running, no playing and try to keep stairs to a minimum. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This sounds suspicious of arthritis. In a younge dog this often indicates a defect in cartilage or other soft tissue. These injuries are often difficult to detect, but can be narrowed-down with an exam and possibly x-rays. Considering this has been going on for a month, it's best to have a vet evaluate him sometime soon. Once the cause of this is identified, the appropriate treatment can be recommended. For now, it's best to restrict his exercise and keep him from running and jumping until he is seen by a vet. I hope that helps and Rio gets better.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Harley. I suspect that he may be in pain or he could have a problem with his spine or hips. A problem with his spine would explain the issues he has been having with both the front and hind legs. He could have a slipped disc. I would take him into a vet asap. The vet can diagnose what is causing his problem and can treat him. I would suspect the vet will want to do x-rays. I hope this helps!

This is a common issue with arthritis in the spine, hips, or back legs. I would recommend that you have Millie examined by her vet to determine if this is the case. The vet may recommend x-rays to evaluate the severity and blood work to make sure her organs are healthy enough to get started on pain medications for arthritis.