My puppy has a neck lump and limps after playing. Is it serious?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures I don’t see anything abnormal. But if it has been 3 days and he is still limping then he is painful somewhere. In a younger dog it could be from growing but they could still have small fractures without swelling. I recommend taking Goliath to a vet where they can do a full physical exam and check for pain in the bones or joints. There could be an issue higher up in the limb or even in the neck causing the limp. The vet may need xrays to look at the bones and joints. If anything, they can prescribe Goliath some medications to alleviate his pain and get him comfortable again. I wouldn’t give anything over the counter as there isn’t anything safe for dogs. And until you can get him to the vet I wouldn’t encourage any running or jumping. Good luck and kisses to Goliath!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can see an an obvious swelling, I recommend taking Trigger to the vet. Many times with mild limping we don't see any swelling at all. So I worry that Trigger may have torn a muscle or have an abscess or other injury that may cause worse problems if left alone. Until he is seen, I recommend keeping him confined (as possible with a pup). If he is crate trained, then keep him crated and leash walks only until he is evaluated to prevent furhter injury. I hope he's back to normal quickly!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see the bump you are referring to in the wrist area. This can be a mass, bone cyst, fracture, or infection of the joint and is likely painful. I recommend having your dog seen by a vet as soon as possible. Your vet can take x-rays to determine exactly what is going on. i hope this helps and that all is well!

Ouch, poor Peyton! I would rest him tonight, and then have him seen by a vet in the morning. It could be that he strained a ligament or muscle, but it is concerning that the leg appears to be swollen and he is favoring it. Don't allow him to run, jump, or play tonight. Take Peyton out to toilet on a lead and bring him right back in when he's done. Then have him seen by a vet in the morning to diagnose what is causing the pain so he can be treated. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe him some safe pain medications as needed.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. Limping means he is in pain. That paw pad does look a bit swollen. 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. I hope this helps!

Oh no! I am sorry Duke is hurt! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. What you are describing could be due to a soft tissue or a bone problem in the paw. You should take him to a veterinarian for an examination. They may likely recommend doing x-rays of the area. If there is a serious injury, they may recommend placing a splint or cast on it. Less serious injuries may heal with just rest. They may also prescribe medications for pain and discomfort.

If the pup is nursing and acting normal he should be fine. Puppies are very flexible and usually heal quickly with injuries. If he's not eating or acting different from the rest then he may have a more serious injury. Your veterinarian will examine the pup and may give an anti inflammatory injection to reduce the swelling especially if there is a neurological problem. In the meantime you can put a cold pack on the area to reduce the swelling. There is not much else to do. Even if it seems bad as long as you keep the pup fed and warm he should improve with minimal treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.