My dog is limping, whimpers when touched. Could it be hip dysplasia?

Yes, this can be a sign of poor hip conformation or hip dysplasia. Usually dogs with hip joint laxity run with both rear legs together or bunny hop. As Coco is still growing the pain also could be due to panosteitis which is pain in the bones from growing too fast. I recommend switching her to adult large breed dog food so she will grow slower. She will still reach her full size, it just may take a little longer. Adult food is fine for all ages so you do not need to be worried, she will still get the nutrition she needs. Your veterinarian can feel her hip joints for laxity, but X-rays are not conclusive until she is six months or older. It is best to exercise Coco on a leash and prevent running and jumping. Your veterinarian may also prescribe pain medication to make her. more comfortable. While hip dysplasia can cause arthritis later in life, many dogs go through short painful episodes, then they are pain free for long periods of time. If she has poor hip conformation she shouldn't have puppies as they may have bad hips also. Keeping Coco active, thin and well muscled in addition to joint supplements and pain medication when needed will give Coco the best chance to live a normal active life. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Coco.

Limping means Lilah is in pain. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Hi Hillary! I'm sorry that Gemma isn't doing well at the moment. It could be that she injured herself falling, and is still painful when she gets up. Because she isn't actively limping at the moment, you can try resting her at home to see if that helps. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe safe pain medications for Gemma. I hope this helps!

I am sorry to hear about Alex. IF she yelped and now is not bearing weight on a hind leg, the more common injury would be a torn cruciate ligament in the knee. Hip dysplasia is a chronic/ongoing/slowly progressing issue in most cases though it can be exacerbated by certain activiities. We can also have small fractures in toes and things occur, so this is also a possibility. If she is limping/painful I would recommend a visit to her veterinarian.

Poor Addy. It sounds like she is in pain. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck.

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.

Poor guy. If he can bear weight on the limb at all, then it is ok to give him 24-72 hrs with strict activity restrictions (leash walk only, no jumping, running, etc), rest, and cold compresses on the seemingly painful area (the hip), and then taking him in to the vet if not improved. However if he is not bearinng any weight on the leg, it is best to take him in asap because a more serious injury has occurred that needs to be determined via x-ray and treated right away.