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My dog is limping but seems fine. When should I take her to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Newfoundland | Female | spayed | 4 years and 3 months old | 180 lbs

My Newfoundland has been limping for 3 days. Let's me touch leg and foot up and down. Diean't seem to be in any pain. Wants to run and play. How many days should I give her to heal or should we go to Vet? She doean't hold paw up. Is eating & drinking as normal....

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 1st, 2018

You can give her about a week. Make sure she rests, and only leash walking to eliminate. If she still limps in a week, or of the limping gets worse, she will need to see a vet for an exam, x-ray and pain medicine and other treatments depending on the diagnosis.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 24th, 2018
I would have him seen by a vet first thing in the morning. If he has just started limping, I would have recommended resting him, but since he has been limping for a few days and it's gotten worse, now is the time to see a vet. He is in pain because he's limping (limping is a sign of pain dogs). It could be that he strained or torn a ligament or muscle. I strongly recommend having him seen by a vet in the morning. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 21st, 2019
If the limping just started i would recommend complete rest for 2-4 days, no running, no jumping and just very short walks, if the limping does not get better within 4 days you will need to take her to the vet in order to get it checked and treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 27th, 2019
I think giving her 24-48 hours to see if she recovers is fine since she's not limping all the time. You can also soak the foot with the redness in an epsom salt bath for 5 minutes twice a day to help heal the skin. If she's still limping Monday/Tuesday, I would schedule a vet visit for an exam, possibly x-rays, and pain medications.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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