My dog is limping after lying down. Can I bandage his leg at home?

Hello and thank you for your questions. I hate to hear that Bandit is injured. Since Bandit 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. A pulled muscle will result in limping but this sounds different based upon your description. If the leg is not appearing to move like it should, I am more suspicious of nerve damage, a broken ligament or (less likely) a broken bone. Since you are noticing that something doesn't seem right when he walks, I recommend to have him examined since this appears more involved than just a normal limp. Some of these causes need to be addressed quickly for best long term results. At home, you can apply a cool (not cold) compress to the area you suspect is the problem every hour for 10 minutes. A gentle massage twice a day can also help. Until Bandit is examined, I recommend STRICT rest until he is given the clear by the veterinarian. That means no walks, running, jumping or stairs. He should also be crated anytime you are not watching him. Not resting your pet can allow this to get worse. Any limping pet who is not improving within 3 days of strict rest, needs to be examined by the veterinarian. Bandit may need radiographs and the doctor will determine this based on the exam. I hope your pup starts feeling better quickly.

We don't typically wrap legs in dogs who are limping unless we know the cause. It would be important to localize the pain to help determine if it is a soft tissue injury, a torn ligament, or a broken bone. A good physical exam and radiographs can really help determine how to treat Tallulah. Make an appointment with your regular veterinarian soon to help figure it out.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mickey. The only thing you can do at home is to keep him quiet. Limit his movements and do not allow any running, jumping or stairs. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian though. He is very painful if he is holding the leg up. Shaking and panting also indicate pain. He may need x-rays of his leg to determine why he is limping. Based on these results, pain medication can be prescribed. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications at home as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

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.

Hi there. No, I would not recommend putting any kind of wrap or bandage on her paw, as this is likely to do more harm than good. I would restrict her exercise for the next few days to keep her from hurting her leg further, and give the pain medication as prescribed by the emergency vet. If she is still limping with no improvement by Monday, then I would take her in to see your regular vet for a recheck and possible x-rays.

It's hard to know without an examine. First, check the bandage to see if it is too tight. A tight bandage can cause problems like pain but it can also cut off the blood supply (which is bad). Check the incision for any opening or signs of infection. Potter may need to be re-examined today if you can't find a cause or if the foot/incision is compromised. Remember you must keep Potter from licking the incision and he may need to wear an elizabethan collar. I hope this helps.

Hello. At this point I would ensure that Spirit rests that leg as much as possible. You do not indicate if it is a front or hind leg, but the most common areas to be injured are the wrist & shoulder area of the front leg & the knee or hip area on the hind. I would start using a warming compress concentrating on the shoulder, knee or hip, depending on leg, applying the warmth for 10 minutes 2-3 times a day. I am sure she is uncomfortable, so make sure she is well padded while lying & assist her as best you can. See your vet as soon as possible if she is not improved. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.