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Why is my puppy limping on her back leg but not crying out?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 21 days old | 2.5 lbs

Hi, I have a 9 week old puppy and she seems to have injured her back left leg. She is limping and try's not to put pressure on it yet doesn't cry if she does. She doesn't seem bothered if I touch her leg, paw or hip but she still limps. I have also checked for thorns or splinters and there are none visible. Do you have any idea what could be wrong with her? What shall I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2017

Poor Lily. When a pet isn't showing a pain response but limping on their back leg, it could indicate that they have either torn a ligament in the joint or have a severe muscle sprain. Also if you don't notice any obvious swelling, then a fracture is likely not the cause.
Rest her, no running, jumping playing and leash walk only for the next couple of weeks. You can also do cold compresses on the limb 1-2 times a day. if there is no improvement within 3-4 days, then it's best to get her seen by your veterinarian for a full exam and pet friendly pain medication. She may also need x-rays of the leg to determine the underlying injury (cause). Do not give her people pain meds however because these can be quite toxic to pets and cause major liver and/or kidney damage. It's better to get all pain and anti-inflammatory meds from your vet. Even though she isn't crying out, there is presumed inflammation at the very least, so she can benefit from medication at any time. I hope your puppy gets well soon. Best wishes.
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 1st, 2020

    This could be due to knee pain or hip pain. Restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination. If she doesn't improve or if she worsens in the next 48 hours, have her physically examined by your veterinarian. X-rays of the limb may be indicated after the exam. Do not medicate her without the advice of your veterinarian.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 26th, 2019

    I'm wondering if Miley could have torn her cranial cruciate ligament. This can be common in large breed dogs, and it s painful. Given that she has been limping for 2-3 days, plus had a previous episode of limping, it's now time to take her into the vet to get this checked out.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2018

    This is nearly always a sign of pain - Lucy may have injured her paw or another bone joint in her leg. Muscle, tendon and even bone injuries like fractures can make a dog reluctant to bear weight on a leg. Occasionally some infections can cause joint pain as well. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian- they can localize the pain and may recommend an x-ray or other testing. I do not recommend giving any over the counter medications for pain - this can limit the options that your vet has for safe effective prescription medications.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My dog is limping and crying after running, not using her back leg.
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
Vet Q & A
My dog fell, limping on front leg, no pain. When should I see a vet?
Poor Lily! There are many different possibilities in this case. It may be that she has simply bruised herself or damaged a muscle or ligament. However she may have a more serious injury such as a fracture or ligament rupture. If she seems to be comfortable and nothing looks out of place you could let her rest 24 hours then if she is no better or getting worse head to the vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog limps and cries in pain, but then acts normal. What's wrong?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tictac. It sounds like that back leg is really bothering her. If she is otherwise acting normal, I would give her strict rest for 24-48 hours to see if that improves her lameness. This means no running, jumping or playing. Take her outside on a leash to go potty and bring her straight back inside. Allowing her body to rest will resolve most mild causes of lameness. If this does not help, then she will need to see her veterinarian. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medication as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my 9-month-old puppy limping on her front leg but still active?
Since Kilba can't talk, only a physical exam will be able to determine the source of the lameness. Just like people, the pain/limping can be related to many causes including a ligament tears, soft tissue injury, a developmental abnormality or even a spinal issue. You may try strict rest for a few days (no walks, running, jumping or stairs). If Kilba does not improve, have her examined by the veterinarian. She may need radiographs and the doctor will determine this based on the exam. I hope she starts feeling better quickly.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My puppy is limping and sleeping a lot. What could be wrong with her?
Limping means Lilah is in pain. 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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog's back leg is limping for a week after running. What to do?
I’m sorry to hear about Fluffy! Unfortunately, there are many reasons a dog might be limping including: sprain/strain, fracture, ligament tear (the ACL specifically), cancer, fungal disease, something stuck in the paw, or others. In general, if it’s been a week, it’s time to see the vet. He or she may offer X-rays if necessary and will prescribe appropriate pain medication for Fluffy. In the mean time for pain: Ice the leg/painful area for 5 minutes twice daily. If it seems to be the paw or the pawnis swollen, try mixing 1 tbsp Epsom salts in 1 cup warm water and stirring until dissolved. Put Fluffy’s hurt leg in that solution for 5-10 minutes twice daily. Try to put an hour between the icing and the warm epsom salt soaks. I do NOT recommend any over the counter pain medications for a dog this age. (Your vet can prescribe a safe one.) Best of luck to you and Fluffy!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why does my puppy cry and limp when she gets up after resting?
Something is obviously hurting Maggie as you are seeing crying when she gets up. You can try resting her for 24 hours (no running, no walks, no jumping) and see if it improves. A soft tissue strain will generally get better with rest. If she is not improving, then I recommend to take her into the vet. You could obviously go ahead and take her into the vet who can look her over to figure where the pain is coming from as well as provide safe pain medication. It could be a soft tissue strain but an injury to one of her joints is not excluded. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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