My dog's leg hurts after playing hard. Is it a serious injury?

There is a possibility that your dog tore a cruciate ligament in his knee. I would make him rest, ie only leash walk him to do his business outside, and otherwise not let him run or jump around. If the lameness is not gone tomorrow or significantly better, then I suggest you make an appointment with your vet for an exam. Your dog will need anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain.

Poor Finn! He might have strained a ligament with vigorous play. 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. I hope this helps.

Yes, I do think it would be a good idea to have Grundy seen by a vet for this. He could have strained or torn a ligament causing this limping, and because it has been going on for a couple of days, having him seen by a vet today or tomorrow is best. The vet can diagnose what is causing his pain, and can give him pain medication as well as treat the underlying cause.

It could be that Loui has strained or torn a ligament, or it could be that he strained a muscle. There's also a possibility that he could have broken a bone. The only way to know for sure is to have him seen by a vet. I would call the vet in the morning to make an appointment for him. I hope this helps!

Its possible that the leg may still be bothering Michael a little or it may be unrelated. I would recommend strict rest for the next 3 days (no walks, running or jumping), if he is still lame go ahead an take him to the vet. If he is getting worse at any point, go ahead and take him to the vet. You may opt to go ahead and have him seen to get pain medications as well since this is the fastest way to relive any pain. At home, gentle massage and a warm (not hot) compress may help as well. I hope he feels better quickly! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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!

Poor pup! She could could have torn her cranial cruciate ligament in her knee or done damage to the meniscus in her knee. It's concerning that she has been limping on three legs for four days now, and it's time to see a vet. Rest her tonight, no running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's one. Have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning for a lameness exam and x-rays.