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My dog is limping after jumping off the bed. When to see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed

My dog jumped off the bed last night and now she is limping her hind leg but doesn't seem to be in pain at all should I just give it a couple days or does she need to be seen immediately

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2016

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.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 23rd, 2019
Poor Luna. Limping means she is in pain. I would rest her for the next 24 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to potty on a leash, and bring her right back in when she’s done. If she is still limping after this time, have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing her pain, and can prescribe pain medication. 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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Katie S
Certified Dog Trainer
Published on January 26th, 2016
If she is not using her paw/leg at all now then I would go to the vet as something could be broken or dislocated.

If she is hobbling around a little bit, you can monitor her at home. I would try to keep her comfortable and not use it any more than she has to. Resting her leg for a couple days will be helpful and reduce further injury. If it does not improve after a few days then its time to visit your vet.
35Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on July 12th, 2019
Poor Stella! If this just happened and she is acting normal otherwise, you could opt to restrict her exercise for the next few days (meaning short leash walks to potty only, no running or jumping) and see if the problem resolves. If there is no improvement in the next 3-5 days, or if she starts to hold the leg up completely or act excessively painful, then I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam and possible x-rays to find out what's wrong.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 15th, 2020
Limping means Millie is in pain. 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.
9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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