My Yorkie hurt his leg jumping. What should I do if he's limping?

It sounds like poor Max injured himself playing outside. He is in pain because he's limping. 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!

Poor Hank! It sounds like he really hurt himself when he fell down the stairs, and he could have torn a ligament. It sounds like he has been in a pain for a long time if this limping has been ongoing for two months, and he really needs to see a vet. Two months is a lot of time for a dog to be in pain, and the cause of the pain needs to be diagnosed so it can be treated. I would even consider taking him into a vet today because he sounds so painful. If you can't find an open vet, take him into one first thing in the morning. Best of luck!

Legally, we are prohibited from recommending any medication without a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). Many OTC medications can be toxic to dogs, so it important to discuss them with your veterinarian before giving anything. If Max is extremely painful, have him examined at the nearest veterinary ER. If he is behaving normally, crate him or restrict activity until morning and have him seen by your vet when the clinic opens.

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).

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Max. Poor boy! He's limping because he's in pain, and unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. You need to take him into a vet immediately to get examined and treated. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Limping is a sign of pain. It sounds as though it is likely a strain or a sprain. The best thing to do it limit his activity because continued use will not allow a strain or sprain to heal. So no running, jumping, no stairs or jumping on/off the furniture and leash walks only for at least 7 days. If the limp doesn't improve with in those 7 days Shadow should be seen by a Vet or sooner if it worsens. It is not wrong to have Shadow seen sooner than later as well. Do not give any human pain medications, dogs do not metabolize drugs like people do and they may interfere with medications your Vet may want to prescribe. I hope this helps and I wish Shadow a speedy recovery!

Limping is a sign of pain in dogs, so Aires is feeling pain from jumping off. She could have strained a ligament jumping off the bed, possibly torn her cruciate ligament, done meniscal damage to her knee, or may have fractured a bone. I would try resting her for 48 hours to see if that helps. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she is done. Keep her as quiet as possible. If she is still limping at 48 hours, or if in that time she stops putting weight on it at all, I would take her into the vet right away for an exam. Do not give her any human pain medications, many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe safe pain medications for her, and can decide the best course of treatment based on the diagnosis of her limping. For example, cruciate ligament rupture and meniscal damage requires surgery to fix.