Why is my dog moving his front leg a lot when lying down and awake?

Thank you for using Pet Coach! This sounds like it may be positional and might not be anything to worry about. It does not sound normal for him to be holding his foot in such a way but every dog is different. You did not mention he was limping at all so I assume that he is not showing any signs of lameness? If he is in pain, he may be showing this by holding his paw up. This pain could be from a soft tissue injury or growth problem in that particular leg. If it continues and does not resolve, I would get your veterinarian to check the leg out during an examination to rule some possible diagnoses out and to determine if it is nothing to worry about. Please feel free to contact me again regarding Ziggy. I would be more than happy to help answer any other questions you may have.

It could be that Lester has injured his paw, or he has a foreign body in it such as a foxtail or grass seed causing him to hold it up when sitting or resting. I recommend resting Lester for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time (holding up his paw is a sign of pain), 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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Crash. If he comes inside licking the paw, I worry about an insect bite or sting or something stuck in his paw such as a piece of plant material like you mentioned. If he is just holding the leg up, the pain could be from higher up in the limb. He could have been excited at the veterinary appointment which allows the adrenaline to over ride the pain he is likely experiencing at home. Is it always the same leg? Some puppies will experience lameness that shifts legs as they grow. If no pain was found in his leg, he could be experiencing neck pain. This can radiate down the leg causes referred pain. If it continues, he should be re-evaluated and may need x-rays to determine the cause of his pain. I hope this information helps!

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Jeter's care today! Lameness or pain or an abnormal hair can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. In some cases this is actually a nervous system abnormality. 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!

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Bentley's care today! Lameness and/or possible leg pain and shaking 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!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mickey. The only thing you can do at home is to keep him quiet. Limit his movements and do not allow any running, jumping or stairs. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian though. He is very painful if he is holding the leg up. Shaking and panting also indicate pain. He may need x-rays of his leg to determine why he is limping. Based on these results, pain medication can be prescribed. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications at home as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

The symptom you report could have a few origins; the nervous system, bone, muscle, blood vessels, or the soft tissues. If he is limping (toe touching or hopping) this could be a knee related issue (cruciate injury) which is a common problem. If he is dragging the limb and not placing his foot over correctly (dragging the top of his foot and not flipping it to put the pads down) this may be a neurologic issue. There are a few disease processes that can cause neurologic impairment so a neurologic exam by your vet would help to localize if this is the issue. If there is no trauma a vascular event (clot) is also possible as well. Is the foot warm? It is good that Lakota does not seem painful although sometimes not using the leg is their symptom of pain, any swelling anywhere on the leg? I think what is best is an exam with a veterinarian to localize which organ system is causing the issue, orthopedic (bone, soft tissues) vs neurologic, and help ease your mind about what is causing this. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!