My dog is limping after playing. What to do when home remedies fail?

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!

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.

I am very sorry to hear that Mickey is limping, I am sure it is worrying for you both. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a dog may limp, ranging from injury, infection, osteoarthritis, disorders of the growing bones or joints, and even some cancers. Since you noticed it occurred right after playing fetch I believe it is most likely that he sprained something while playing. I would suggest smaller intervals of fetch more often. Rather then long sessions, in the future. In order to determine the precise cause of Mickey's limping it would be best to take him in for an examination by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will also be able to make Mickey comfortable by providing pain relief medication. The vet may also perform an orthopaedic exam and an X-ray. If Mickey seems very uncomfortable or depressed, you suspect a broken bone, the limb is dangling at an unnatural angle, a limb is being dragged, severe swelling is occurring, the limb is hot, bone is piercing the skin, or nonstop bleeding is occurring, Mickey needs to see a veterinarian immediately. If none of the above are occurring, and due to the high frequency of trauma/ sprain/ injury cases in limping dogs, you can try conservative management at home for 24 hours to see if Mickey improves. Keep Mickey as comfortable as possible, and strict rest with as little movement as can be managed When moving handle with care Do not give Buddy any medications without a veterinarian’s approval Apply a cold compress for first 24 hours Switch to a warm compress after 24 hours If pain or limping continues after 24 hours then take Mickey to see a veterinarian. I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Mickey feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Goose. Poor boy. I'm concerned hr leg is in pain causing her to lick it a lot and leading her to limp. Limping means she 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. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Charlie! Causes of limping can be just from a strain or a sprain, but other causes could be fracture or ligament tear. If resting doesn't resolve the limp I recommend having your Vet examine Charlie. I do not recommend giving him any human OTC pain medications. I hope this helps and I wish Charlie a speedy recovery!

Poor guy. If he can bear weight on the limb at all, then it is ok to give him 24-72 hrs with strict activity restrictions (leash walk only, no jumping, running, etc), rest, and cold compresses on the seemingly painful area (the hip), and then taking him in to the vet if not improved. However if he is not bearinng any weight on the leg, it is best to take him in asap because a more serious injury has occurred that needs to be determined via x-ray and treated right away.

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.