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 puppy fell and is limping. Should I take him to the emergency vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | 3 months and 22 days old

My 16 week old 9 pound aussiedoodle was having a bit of an energy spurt running in circles and playing - and he leapt up and ran into the cabinet and fell and squealed loudly for nearly a minute. He then wouldn't get up and is acting very subdued. He won't put weight on his left hind leg, but he'll let me touch and bend it and doesn't seem in discomfort when I do. He won't walk on it and is limping around. Should I take him into the emergency vet?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 6th, 2017

It's possible that he just sprained or jammed something. I'd let him rest for a bit but if he continues to be painful or won't use it then get him seen. He may have a fracture or dislocation if he hit hard enough. If he's crate trained out him to rest in there for a bit to see if he settles. Do not give otc medicines for pain!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
I am so sorry that Fiddle has hurt himself. Since he will not walk on his leg, I would strongly recommend taking him to the emergency vet to ensure that he has not broken a bone. They will be able to do an exam on him and they potentially will want to do x-rays on his leg. They will also be able to give him some pain medication to make him more comfortable. I hope he starts to feel better really soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 12th, 2018
HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Injections to sedate him for X-rays? It is always risky to sedate a pet that just ate because the anesthesia can make them nauseous and they could vomit and aspirate. We tend to try to take the X-rays with out sedation if the animal isn't too rowdy or painful. It sounds like he needs the X-rays to see if a bone is broken. It could be just a strain or sprain but it could be a broken toe or more seriously a broken long bone that would require anesthesia. He should be fine tonight as long as you keep him confined and they provided pain medications.

I wish you both the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My puppy fell and is limping. Is it a serious injury or just a sprain?

It could be a sprain, but given that he is a young puppy, I would recommend having him checked out by a vet. You want to make sure it is just a sprain, instead of something more serious like a fracture of torn ligament which could affect his growth. I would rest him for now, no running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when done. Take him into the vet on Monday for an exam to be safe.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy jumped from my arms and is limping. Should I see a vet?

Oh poor finn!! This is such a common occurrence with young, excitable puppies. If he is just limping slightly and able to bear some weight I would just allow him to rest and give him 24 hours to see if the limping resolves. If he can't use the leg or if limping is persisting beyond 24 hours I would have a vet evaluate him. I hope we wakes up from his rest feeling better!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Puppy fell down stairs, limping and yelping. Should I take him to vet or ER?

It would be a good idea to have your vet do an exam to determine the cause of his pain and if treatment is needed. He may just have a soft tissue injury and your vet could prescribe and anti-inflammatory to help alleviate his pain.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy fell off bed, limping, lethargic, shaking. Should I call vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. So if he is limping, he is in pain. Shaking is another sign of pain. The question is how much pain and why? Is it a minor, short-lived pain like when you stub your toe? A sprain? Or did he break a bone? The only way to know is to see an emergency vet and take some x-rays. That being said, in most of these cases, they shake it off and are walking normally within a few hours. If he seems OK to you, it is completely reasonable to let him sleep tonight and if he is not himself by morning, then see the vet first thing. If he is worrying you or any other signs arise, you always have the option of heading to the emergency vet tonight. Under no circumstances do I recommend any human pain medication - most are unsafe in dogs. However, if you want to do something for pain, ice can be a tremendous help. Applying an ice pack (wrapped in a thin kitchen towel or paper towel) to the leg for 5 minutes every 4-8 hours is great for inflammation and pain. Best wishes to you and Uno!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy fell off bed, limping but seems fine. What should I do?

If it just started you can let her 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 her to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, she 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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Puppy slipped and limping but not in pain. Is it an emergency?

Hi and thanks for your request. In these cases it is likely that Kushi had a minor soft tissue trauma but the you should keep a close eye on the persistency of the lameness. My practical advice would be to rest him completely for the next 24 hours and if there is no improvement by then take him to your local veterinarian for a check up.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is limping after jumping. Is it an emergency or can I wait?

I am sorry to hear about your pup! If you can locate the sensitive area you can try to do some ice packs (being sure to wrap the ice or frozen veggies in a towel so not directly on the skin) for 10 to 15 minutes every couple hours to help with discomfort. If he is able to rest comfortably and you are not seeing significant swelling or bruising develop, then it is likely safe to wait until tomorrow when your vet opens to have him be seen.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share