My 5-month-old English bulldog is limping after play. What to do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your puppy. If she is otherwise normal, then I recommend keeping her very quite. Carry her if you are able or take her outside on a leash. No running, jumping, stairs or playing. Many causes of mild lameness can resolve without treatment. However, if the lameness gets worse, she is not acting normal or the lameness does not resolve, then she needs to see her veterinarian. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

You can try restricting activity to just leash walks for elimination. Prevent any running, jumping or rough play. If the lameness does not begin to improve after 24-48 hours, then Bella should be seen by your veterinarian. If you notice any bruising or swelling, this is also reason for an exam. Do not give her any OTC medications for pain as many are toxic or easily overdosed. Contact your vet to discuss pain management if necessary.

It sounds like Stella has hurt herself. 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!

There are a number of orthopedic and neurological problems that can cause pain and weakness that we see in Bulldogs. I agree that having Winnie examined would be the best idea to make sure we know what we are dealing with and get her treated with an appropriate medication. I would not recommend treating her with any medication at home since they can have side effects and may interact with the pain medication that your vet may want to give her. I would recommend having her seen tonight to get her pain relief ASAP. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Winnie feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Limping means Lilah 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.

Poor Rosie! 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!

Hi I am sorry to hear about Sophie. It may not seem that Sophie is in overt pain but in most situations when a dog is limping that is their way of showing they are in pain and uncomfortable she may be limping from arthritis and just some recent overuse of her leg, mild trauma (jumping off a couch or bed, slipping on floors, etc), or she could have a soft tissue injury like a ligament sprain/strain. Most of the human OTC anti inflammatory medications are not safe for dogs so I could not recommend that for her. At her age it would be best for her doctor to examine her so the reason for the limping can be identified and they can provide Sophie with the safest possible medication that will provide her pain relief.