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My dog slipped downstairs, limping, not sore. Is it a sprain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 8 years and 10 months old

My dog is limping on his back leg. He slipped back down the stairs. Hes done it before. Its not sore to touch. Has he just sprained it?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 23rd, 2016

Poor Becks! It's possible that he may have sprained or twisted it when he slipped. If he's acting okay otherwise, I would recommend restricting his exercise for the next few days to see if the limping resolves - short leash walks outside to potty, no running or jumping. There are unfortunately no over-the-counter human pain medications that are safe to give him, so I wouldn't recommend giving him anything right now. If it's a minor injury like a sprain, he should be back to normal in 2-3 days.

If there is no improvement in the next few days, or if he seems excessively painful, it would be best to have him seen by a vet since he may need x-rays to help determine what's wrong. Your vet can also prescribe safe and effective pain medication for him if needed.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2018
If it just started you can let him rest for a few days with minimal walking and minimal physical exercise, if it does not improve within 3-4 days you will have to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, he might need pain killers for a few days. if the vet think it's something more serious such as a fracture, joint injury or foreign body, he might recommend to have an xray done as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 31st, 2018
If it just started you can let Shy rest for a few days with minimal walking and minimal physical exercise, if it does not improve within 3-4 days you will have to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, he might need pain killers for a few days. if the vet think it's something more serious such as a fracture, joint injury or foreign body, he might recommend to have an xray done as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on April 18th, 2017
Poor Kobe! It's always difficult to diagnose a sprain - usually, this is what we assume the problem is if x-rays are normal and we don't see any other obvious problems :)

If he is putting some weight on the sore paw and acting normal otherwise, you could opt to restrict his exercise and monitor him at home for the next few days to see if the problem resolves - this means ideally, short leash walks to potty only, and no running or jumping.

If there is no improvement in the next 2-3 days, or if he is holding the leg up completely or seems excessively painful, it would be best to take him to the vet for an exam - he may need x-rays to help determine what's wrong.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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