My dog limps around the house but not on walks. What's wrong?

Limping can mean a lot of different things, including a muscle sprain or a ligament injury. It also depends on which leg is affected and exactly where the injury is on the limb. It is best to get your pet evaluated by a vet who can do a lameness exam to localize where the problem is on the leg. They will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it is just anti-inflammatory medication or potential surgery if the injury is involving the ligament. Many dogs will appear to act completely normal with a knee ligament injury.

Poor Panki! Sometimes dogs will experience an adrenaline rush when they get excited, which can hide signs of pain temporarily. From the sounds of things, it is possible that Panki experienced a soft tissue injury his left front leg or his neck (which can sometimes show as a forelimb lameness). Since Panki seems painful, I recommend taking him to the vet tomorrow rather than waiting. The vet will be able to examine him and determine if additional diagnostic testing is necessary, and will be able to prescribe appropriate pain medications, if needed. Do not, however, give Panki over the counter pain medication, as none are safe for dogs. I hope that he feels better soon!

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern. The excessive saliva could be from activity. If he is very hyper he may be panting in excess which in turn can make the saliva sticky and thick. I would make sure he has plenty of access to water and provide a second bowl if he is finishing his water quickly. The limping could be secondary to a soft tissue injury such as a strain or sprain, which can take many weeks to completely resolve. I would make sure he is resting adequately and not running around or jumping for the next 4-6 weeks so that his leg has time to heal. If the limping persists more than 6 weeks or worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine the leg and have x-rays taken to be on the safe side. The veterinarian can also provide Bones with pain medication to help with any discomfort. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

If he is acting normal at home when walking around then he might have a sprain or strain that is causing him pain while running. The best thing would be to rest him for a while and then see how his is when you take him running. If he is still reluctant to run or he has any lameness at home when just walking around then he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can take an x-ray to diagnose and then prescribe medications to helps. He may need an anti-inflammatory to treat.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Snots has been lame. Most mild causes of lameness resolve within 24-48 hours with some rest. Since it seems to have gone on longer than this, I would recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He will likely need some x-rays of the affected bone or joint and some prescription pain medication. In the meantime, keep him quiet (no running, jumping, playing). He should avoid stairs as much as possible and go out on a leash to go potty. Do not give him any over-the-counter medications. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Sophie. It could be she injured herself, and it may be sore and painful when she first starts walking. As she walks more, it doesn't hurt as much, making the limp go away. 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. I hope this helps!

I am sorry to hear about Boomer! It is not unusual for a dog to limp but then run around as if there is no problem. Dogs are great at hiding their pain and often a young dog will get excited and forget they are hurting or just ignore the discomfort for awhile. If the limping has been going on for more than a few days, I would recommend an exam by your vet. If there is any bruising or swelling a vet exam is recommended. Check all the toenails and be sure none are split or torn and look on the underside of the paw and between the paw pads to check for wounds. If you find nothing, then I would recommend activity restriction for Boomer for several days. He should be crated or confined to a small area and only go outside on a leash to go to the bathroom- we want him to rest his foot. If after several days you aren't seeing any improvement then a visit to his vet is recommended. Best of luck to you and Boomer!