Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog tripped and is limping. Is her paw sprained or something worse?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 12 years and 11 months old | 24.5 lbs

Four hours ago, my dog, Shadow (a 12 year old Beagle) was running about in the living room and she suddenly tripped over her front left paw and began to limp. There are no signs of swelling, she hasn't cried out in pain, and she allows me to touch it. However, I have seen no improvement. Is it possibly just a slight sprain, or could it be something more serious? What's the best way I can help her currently? I greatly appreciate your help!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 1st, 2019

Poor Shadow! It could just be a sprain. 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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Bette Isacoff
Dog Trainer
Published on January 25th, 2017
She may have injured a muscle, tendon or ligament. Dogs typically are reluctant to show pain, even if they are in considerable discomfort. I would keep her quiet for a few days, with no tricks. If she does not improve, a visit to the vet is in order. In the meantime, please do not give her any human pain medicine, as most are toxic to dogs.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on September 26th, 2018
The best thing is to rest her in a confined area, such as her crate if she has one, or a small room, like a bathroom, and only take her outside for potty breaks on a leash, to further limit her activity. There aren't any over the counter human medications that are safe for dogs for minor pain relief, as a matter of fact, ibuprofen and Tylenol can cause a lot of harm. She may have a greenstick fracture or have a strain, sprain or torn a tendon or ligament. If she does not improve significantly in a couple of days or gets worse, she needs to be seen by your vet for an exam and probably xrays.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog limps after jumping, but shows no pain. Should I see a vet?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Limping is a sign of pain. It sounds as though it is likely a strain or a sprain. The best thing to do it limit his activity because continued use will not allow a strain or sprain to heal. So no running, jumping, no stairs or jumping on/off the furniture and leash walks only for at least 7 days. If the limp doesn't improve with in those 7 days Shadow should be seen by a Vet or sooner if it worsens. It is not wrong to have Shadow seen sooner than later as well. Do not give any human pain medications, dogs do not metabolize drugs like people do and they may interfere with medications your Vet may want to prescribe. I hope this helps and I wish Shadow a speedy recovery!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog tripped and is walking funny. Is it a sprain or other injury?

Poor Athena. It certainly sounds like she could have hurt herself last night. 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. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog yelps when I touch her front leg. Is it sprained or just sore?

Poor Indy. She may have overdone it, or could have strained something. 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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is holding her paw up after being stepped on. Sprain or break?

Poor Callie! It sounds like she was injured when your larger dog stepped on her, and she's in pain if she is holding her paw up all day. I would avoid touching it for now since she clearly doesn't like it. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, 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. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is limping and holding his paw up. What should I do now?

Poor Sam! I would be concerned in that he is clearly showing you he is in pain if he's limping and doesn't like his paw touching the ground. I recommend resting him 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, 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is limping after a walk. What could be wrong with his paw?

Poor Leo! He could have injured his paw on the walk causing the limping. I recommend resting Leo 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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share