Why is my dog limping with a swollen toe after playing fetch?

Pipi could have a soft tissue injury, a dislocated bone or even a broken bone. I recommend having your veterinarian do an exam and maybe an X-ray to diagnose her. She may need rest, dog anti inflammatory medication or even a splint. I would not splint it yourself as that could accidentally affect her growth plates and cause long term issues. Do not give any human medication as it can be toxic to dogs.

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.

Try and keep her exercise restricted today (no running/jumping). Also, check her toe nails on that paw to make sure she didn’t break or tear a nail. If she is still painful tomorrow or you notice a broken toe nail, take her to see a veterinarian for an exam and some pain meds/anti inflammatory drugs. If her toe nail is broken, she may need antibiotics as well. If you think she would benefit from pain meds today, go ahead and take her to see a veterinarian. No need to ice it.

Poor Rocky. The swelling can indicate infection and limping means he is in pain. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain relievers you can give him, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. You should take him into a vet now to have him treated. I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. Limping means he is in pain. That paw pad does look a bit swollen. 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. I hope this helps!

I'm sorry to hear that Diamond isn't doing well. There are many potential reasons for lameness and lethargy. The first thing that comes to mind would be a tick-related illness such as Lyme disease. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause significant joint inflammation, fever and general malaise. I would ensure that Diamond has easy access to food and water and that you offer him some yummy options such as low-sodium chicken broth to drink and boiled chicken to eat. You can also try applying a cool compress to his swollen paw. If these ministrations are not successful and Diamond continues to be lethargic and inappetant, I would strongly recommend that you have him seen by a veterinarian. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are relatively easy to diagnose and are treatable. Other potential causes for his symptoms would be an injury, infection or cancer. Your veterinarian will be able to determine what is going on.

Since Cain 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. You may try strict rest for a few days (no walks, running, jumping or stairs). If Cain does not improve, have him examined by the veterinarian. He may need radiographs and the doctor will determine this based on the exam. I hope he starts feeling better quickly.