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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 10 days old | 7 lbs

My 8 week old Lab fell off the bed. Now he's favoring his back leg, is lethargic, and shaking. He's not yelping and doesn't seem to be in any pain, just laying here beside me but shaking. Should I take him to vet? The back leg pictured is there one he's favoring.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 11th, 2019

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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