My dog's limping on a swollen wrist after activity. Vet or rest?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Lennox isn’t feeling well. I would recommend taking him in to a vet first. You don’t have to do a lot of diagnostics first if you want. They can prescribe a safe medication to give him that may help him recover. I would not give anything over the counter as most human medications are toxic to pets. I also wouldn’t wrap it because you could cause more damage. I would recommend rest for at least a week as well (no running, jumping, playing, or stairs). Good luck and kisses to Lennox!

Ouch, poor Peyton! I would rest him tonight, and then have him seen by a vet in the morning. It could be that he strained a ligament or muscle, but it is concerning that the leg appears to be swollen and he is favoring it. Don't allow him to run, jump, or play tonight. Take Peyton out to toilet on a lead and bring him right back in when he's done. Then have him seen by a vet in the morning to diagnose what is causing the pain so he can be treated. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe him some safe pain medications as needed.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can see an an obvious swelling, I recommend taking Trigger to the vet. Many times with mild limping we don't see any swelling at all. So I worry that Trigger may have torn a muscle or have an abscess or other injury that may cause worse problems if left alone. Until he is seen, I recommend keeping him confined (as possible with a pup). If he is crate trained, then keep him crated and leash walks only until he is evaluated to prevent furhter injury. I hope he's back to normal quickly!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures I don’t see anything abnormal. But if it has been 3 days and he is still limping then he is painful somewhere. In a younger dog it could be from growing but they could still have small fractures without swelling. I recommend taking Goliath to a vet where they can do a full physical exam and check for pain in the bones or joints. There could be an issue higher up in the limb or even in the neck causing the limp. The vet may need xrays to look at the bones and joints. If anything, they can prescribe Goliath some medications to alleviate his pain and get him comfortable again. I wouldn’t give anything over the counter as there isn’t anything safe for dogs. And until you can get him to the vet I wouldn’t encourage any running or jumping. Good luck and kisses to Goliath!

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!

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.

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Zeus'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!