Why does my dog limp after playing, especially when wearing a harness?

We often see torn ACLs in large breed dogs with limping in the hind limbs. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. An orthopedic exam and possibly an x-ray may be recommended to help determine the diagnosis and best treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

This is probably due to hip dysplasia, a chronic knee problem or arthritis in her joints. She also could have a bulging intervertebral disc causing the symptoms. I recommend using a Help em Up harness on her so you can easily assist her to stand up. In addition speak with your veterinarian about giving her pain medication. I also like to give an omega 3 supplement to reduce inflammation. If she’s overweight reducing her weight will reduce the strain, stiffness and pain in her joints. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tiara.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Sophie. It could be she injured herself, and it may be sore and painful when she first starts walking. As she walks more, it doesn't hurt as much, making the limp go away. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

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 using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Levi definitely could have hurt himself while hunting - he could have caused some soft tissue damage (damage to the muscles or ligaments) or a fracture (broken bone). X-rays would be able to determine if a bone is broken or if there is damage to a joint. He is a little bit young to have arthritis, but it is still possible. It is definitely concerning that the carprofen did not help him, as it is a great pain reliever for dogs, especially for bone/joint pain. A few other things that could be going on are a tumor of the bone or a disease transmitted by a tick. Because Levi was hunting, it is very possible that he was bitten by a tick (he does not necessarily have to have a tick on him at the moment). Ticks can transmit many diseases, including Lyme disease, which can cause limping. A quick blood test could rule this out. In the meantime, I recommend keeping Levi as quiet as possible - definitely no hunting until the cause of his limp is diagnosed. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Limping can be due to many reasons that go from relatively uncomplicated such as soft tissue injuries and osteoarthritis to more complicated and serious injuries such as fractures and even bone tumors. I highly recommend that you have Roxy evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to localize her pain and decide what the next diagnostic step which will likely be radiographs. At the very least, they can start her on pain control medications. Good luck and have a good day!

I am very sorry to hear that Mickey is limping, I am sure it is worrying for you both. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a dog may limp, ranging from injury, infection, osteoarthritis, disorders of the growing bones or joints, and even some cancers. Since you noticed it occurred right after playing fetch I believe it is most likely that he sprained something while playing. I would suggest smaller intervals of fetch more often. Rather then long sessions, in the future. In order to determine the precise cause of Mickey's limping it would be best to take him in for an examination by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will also be able to make Mickey comfortable by providing pain relief medication. The vet may also perform an orthopaedic exam and an X-ray. If Mickey seems very uncomfortable or depressed, you suspect a broken bone, the limb is dangling at an unnatural angle, a limb is being dragged, severe swelling is occurring, the limb is hot, bone is piercing the skin, or nonstop bleeding is occurring, Mickey needs to see a veterinarian immediately. If none of the above are occurring, and due to the high frequency of trauma/ sprain/ injury cases in limping dogs, you can try conservative management at home for 24 hours to see if Mickey improves. Keep Mickey as comfortable as possible, and strict rest with as little movement as can be managed When moving handle with care Do not give Buddy any medications without a veterinarian’s approval Apply a cold compress for first 24 hours Switch to a warm compress after 24 hours If pain or limping continues after 24 hours then take Mickey to see a veterinarian. I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Mickey feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both.