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My dog limps after fetch. How can I help him recover and prevent it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 8 years and 11 months old | 91 lbs

Our 9 year old lab mix has a limp for a day or two after playing fetch vigorously. Other than an aspirin and keeping him on glucosamine is there anything we can do to help him recover faster and prevent it from happening? Fetch is his favorite game and we don't want stop playing it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

I am very sorry to hear that Mickey is limping, I am sure it is worrying for you both. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a dog may limp, ranging from injury, infection, osteoarthritis, disorders of the growing bones or joints, and even some cancers. Since you noticed it occurred right after playing fetch I believe it is most likely that he sprained something while playing. I would suggest smaller intervals of fetch more often. Rather then long sessions, in the future.

In order to determine the precise cause of Mickey's limping it would be best to take him in for an examination by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will also be able to make Mickey comfortable by providing pain relief medication. The vet may also perform an orthopaedic exam and an X-ray.

If Mickey seems very uncomfortable or depressed, you suspect a broken bone, the limb is dangling at an unnatural angle, a limb is being dragged, severe swelling is occurring, the limb is hot, bone is piercing the skin, or nonstop bleeding is occurring, Mickey needs to see a veterinarian immediately.

If none of the above are occurring, and due to the high frequency of trauma/ sprain/ injury cases in limping dogs, you can try conservative management at home for 24 hours to see if Mickey improves.

Keep Mickey as comfortable as possible, and strict rest with as little movement as can be managed
When moving handle with care
Do not give Buddy any medications without a veterinarian’s approval
Apply a cold compress for first 24 hours
Switch to a warm compress after 24 hours
If pain or limping continues after 24 hours then take Mickey to see a veterinarian.

I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Mickey feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
I would not recommend giving Aspirin (an anti-coagulant) to your older puppy without strict instruction to do so through your vet. I would recommend having him examined first to determine if perhaps a serious injury has occurred to his leg. If he has a back leg that is injured, then there is a chance he could have torn his ligament in his knee, called a CCL rupture. If this is the case (which can be diagnosed with a radiograph) then no amount of medication will fix the problem, he will unfortunately need surgery to repair this. If he just has a muscle sprain, then he will slowly improve over the course of 4-5 days with rest (leash walk only outside, cold compresses warm compresses for 5-10 minutes on the sore areas, and don't encourage any jumping or rough housing) and often time pet friendly NSAIDs through your vet can help pets recover faster. I hope this helps and best wishes getting Mickey back to his normal, happy, active self. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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