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My dog yelped, is slow, paw spot. Is it an emergency? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 36 lbs

My dog yelped and trembled a little while moving from the couch. He can move around freely now except for the fact that he won’t roll over into his back to let me scratch his belly and is slower. Otherwise, he is acting normally. I took a picture of his paw, and it has a little reddish spot on it. I have questions: What might it be? Should I take him to an emergency clinic? If I can wait on the emergency clinic, is there anything I can do to ease any discomfort he may experience in the meantime?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 13th, 2019

As long as Xander is behaving normally, he can likely wait until your veterinarian is available. Without a physical exam, it is difficult to say what may have happened. he could have strained a muscle, stepped on something or simply stepped awkwardly. Monitor for lameness, lethargy, excessive licking or restlessness. These are symtpoms that should be addressed by your vet. if the paw becomes swollen, very painful or has bleeding/discharge then have Xander seen at the local veternary ER. You can place an e-collar (cone) on him if he is licking. There is nothing OTC that you can safely give. If he develops lameness, restrict his activity to just leash walks for elimination until he sees the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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