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Dog limping, crying, off balance: Is it serious or hardwood floors?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 5 years and 11 months old | 72 lbs

My dog has been crying when standing up from laying down for two days and within the past two hours she has developed a limp in her back right leg and is walking a bit off balance. Previously she had been bunny hopping her back legs up stairs and I planned to take her to vet soon to look for arthritis. Also we are now in a home with hardwood floor and hardwood stairs so I'm wondering if it's simply the switch from carpet to wood that could cause her condition to worsen or if it is more serious.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2017

Hi there. It definitely sounds like Shia is in pain. Your veterinarian will likely recommend x rays to take a look and see if her back is ok, as well as checking her hips for any sign of dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, etc. they will likely also perform an orthopedic exam to check her for cranial cruciate tears or other injuries. Some injuries are indeed more noticeable when an animal goes from wood floors from carpet because they cannot grip with their nails like they used to, good observation! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best.
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