Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My Basset hound is limping. What's causing his back leg pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Basset Hound | Male | 3 years and 3 months old | 70 lbs

My Basset hound is only three years old. He is limping around. It seems like his back legs/hip area is all out of alignment. I walk him regularly and sometimes several times a day. He hasn't had this problem before so I am wondering if he may need see a vet. He seems to want to be in his rocker swivel chair instead of the couch. What should I do to make him feel better, aside from giving him a massage in his back leg/hip area??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Charlie. I am sorry to hear that he has been limping. He will need to see his veterinarian. He could have damaged a ligament in one of his knees, he may have developed arthritis or he could be experiencing a soft tissue injury such as a muscular strain. The examination will hopefully tell his veterinarian where he is painful and it can be decided of x-rays are needed. In the meantime, I would give him strict rest. No walks, avoid stairs as much as possible and do not allow him to run or play. This will allow his body some rest. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medication as these can be toxic to dogs or interfere with prescription pain medications. I hope this information helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on July 8th, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear that Charlie Brown is having this problem again. If it appeared to completely resolve and has now recurred after activity, I would be worried that he has a problem along his back such as a bulging disc. I am attaching a handout with more information about that below.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4953012
I would recommend having your veterinarian examine him to see if they can find any back pain. They will also be able to prescribe medications for him. In the meantime, be sure to keep him rested (no running or jumping) to allow his back to rest and give it time to heal.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog fell and is limping. What are the recommended next steps?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 8-month-old puppy suddenly limping and sensitive to touch?

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Charlie's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog limping and avoiding weight on his front paw?

Poor Charlie. There are several reasons why they can limp and have a painful leg like a broken toenail, a sprain (soft tissue injury), a small or large fracture, and even a dislocated joint. Your vet will be able to localize the pain and take X-rays if needed. Your vet will be able to get him in an anti-inflammatory that you can give with the tramadol. Your vet will also likely recommend strict confinement to help him rest so it can heal. If there is a fracture, your vet may recommend a splint. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog limp on his back leg after walks, but shows no pain?

Poor Alfie! It sounds like he has a chronic problem. This could be related to an abnormality within the bone structure of his lower back, or hips. Sometimes an issue like hip dysplasia or a pinched nerve can show up like this. It would be less common, but an injury to his cruciate ligaments could also present this way. The only way to know will be to have Alfie visit his veterinarian. The doctor will palpate all his legs to determine the cause. The doctor may also need radiographs to look for changes to the bone. Until you get him into the veterinarian, he needs strict rest, so no walks, no running, no playing and try to keep stairs to a minimum. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is limping on his back leg and is in pain, what's wrong?

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Pablo. Limping can be caused by many different things in dogs. It can be something such as a strained or sore muscle from rough playing; or could be a sign of a torn ligament/tendon or broken bone. Sometimes infections can also make dogs limp. If you feel that Pablo is in pain I would recommend having him evaluated by a veterinarian so that they can examine his leg and prescribe pain medications. Depending on their findings they may also suggest taking x rays of his leg. In the meantime I would recommend rest for Pablo, no running/jumping or playing off leash, to prevent further aggravation of the injury. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is limping after just sitting. What should I do next?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 6-month-old chihuahua is limping but shows no pain. What's wrong?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chico. If he is limping, this means that his leg is painful to him. Being a young dog, muscular injury from rough play is likely. He also could have a congenital problem where his kneecaps are loose and slip in and out of place. This can cause lameness as well. If he is eating and drinking and acting normal otherwise, you can give him strict rest for 24 hours. This means no running, jumping, stairs or playing. Carry him as much as possible. If the lameness does not resolve, then he will need to see his veterinarian. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share