My dog's leg is red, painful, and limping after playing. Sprain?

Aww poor guy. He may have a muscle sprain. You can apply a cold compress onto the areas that appear sore for 5-10 minute intervals twice a day for next few days. Also limit his activity, don't encourage active play, and leash walk him only outside. If this is just a muscle sprain then he should improve over the next 48-72 hrs. However keep in mind that he should be able to at least move the limb somewhat, there shouldn't be a significant amount of noticeable swelling, and it shouldn't appear to be dangling (possible fracture). These are all signs that you shouldn't wait and should take him in right away. I do not recommend giving him any over the counter human pain medication, because these are not safe for pets due to high risk of acute liver and kidney damage. If he is still limping after that time frame, or getting any worse, then it is best to have your vet take a look at him to make sure he doesn't have more serious internal injuries (ligament injury, hairline bone fracture, dislocation).

Limping can mean a lot of different things, including a muscle sprain or a ligament injury. It also depends on which leg is affected and exactly where the injury is on the limb. It is best to get your pet evaluated by a vet who can do a lameness exam to localize where the problem is on the leg. They will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it is just anti-inflammatory medication or potential surgery if the injury is involving the ligament. Many dogs will appear to act completely normal with a knee ligament injury.

It could be a sprain, but given that he is a young puppy, I would recommend having him checked out by a vet. You want to make sure it is just a sprain, instead of something more serious like a fracture of torn ligament which could affect his growth. I would rest him for now, no running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when done. Take him into the vet on Monday for an exam to be safe.

Hi. It is most likely a strain or sprain, but without a full exam it is hard to say. I would rest him very strictly for 4-6 weeks, call your veterinarian to make an appointment to get it checked out. Do not give any over the counter or human medicine. Only through your veterinarian. Good luck

Since Cain 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 developmental abnormality or even a spinal issue. You may try strict rest for a few days (no walks, running, jumping or stairs). If Cain does not improve, have him examined by the veterinarian. He may need radiographs and the doctor will determine this based on the exam. I hope he starts feeling better quickly.

Hi. Poor Moose. He most likely has a sprain or strain of a muscle, tendon, or ligament. This can happen if your dog stretches too far, too much, slips, falls, or jumps during normal play. Strains and sprains can be sudden, or older and worsening. They can range from mild to severe.  Dogs can overdo it, and these injuries are very common occurrences. The main treatment for these is to have your pet examined, xrays taken, and then yout veterinarian will most likely prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease inflammation.  REST will be the most important part of the healing process.  No running. No jumping, no crazy play for 4-6 weeks.  Your first step will be to rest him and th4n call your veterinarian in the morning.

It's possible that he just sprained or jammed something. I'd let him rest for a bit but if he continues to be painful or won't use it then get him seen. He may have a fracture or dislocation if he hit hard enough. If he's crate trained out him to rest in there for a bit to see if he settles. Do not give otc medicines for pain!