My dog is limping after jumping out of the car. How can I help?

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.

The walk may have been too much for Benji. 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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Gojo! If you have pain and anti-inflammatory medications that are safe for dogs then using those medications and strictly resting him is all you can do. No running, jumping, stairs, on/off furniture and short leash walks only. If the limp isn't improved in 7 days he needs an exam and likely an X-ray to check for a broken bone. I wish Gojo a speedy recovery!

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).

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!

It could be Betsie is painful, and may have been laying on his leg causing the pain. 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. Best of luck.

Well as long as she isn't painful then a vet visit can be scheduled when you get back if she is still having problems. It may not be enough time to get her seen before you go on vacation. And she may just have a muscle sprain, in which case it will improve and resolve on its own within a few days to a few weeks. There are no safe over the counter pain mess to give pets so I would not recommend that. However you can do a warm compress on the painful areas twice daily for 5-10 minutes and do light massage of her leg daily. Have whoever is watching her to monitor her closely and have her on strict limited activity and leash walk her only when she goes outside. I hope Lily has a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care.