My puppy limped after I stepped on his paw. Why is he hovering it?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bruno! Possible causes of Bruno's limp are: strain or a sprain from being stepped on, if he is older it could have aggravated arthritis, a toe or a bone could be broken, or it could be something unrelated like Lyme disease. Since Bruno can hardly walk on the leg that indicates pain. I recommend having Bruno seen by your Vet for an exam. If there is concern for the paw then they may want to take X-rays, otherwise they may just prescribe anti-inflammatories and rest. I hope this helps and I wish Bruno a speedy recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rocco! Yes it could just be sore soft tissue. I’d rest him for 1-2 days and see if there is improvement. But if there is no improvement he should see your Vet. He is young and if there is a fracture we want to know that sooner than later. He could have a fractured toe, a fractured bone in his wrist or a fracture a long the growth plate. I wish Rocco a speedy recovery!

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!

Rest him completely for the next 48 hours (just go out on lead walks for his business). If the signs do not resolve and Bobby is not putting weight on the leg after 48hours a check is necessary to treat at least the pain/inflammation with appropriate meds. Ice packs on the affected leg (on the spot where you think Bobby might have been injured) may be helpful (10 minutes 2 times daily). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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!

It sounds like poor Max injured himself playing outside. He is in pain because he's limping. I recommend resting him 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!

Puppies are stronger than you think and they are a lot like babies, traumatic events such as this scare them more than actually hurt them. If he is walking on it then it is unlikely broken. It may be a little sore though so you may want to not let him run and jump too much for the next day or so. As far as his mood goes, he may be tired for the activity and the stress from the event. Puppies play and sleep hard so it is not uncommon that he needs a break or nap afterwards. If he is not normal by morning then I would be concerned and have him checked by your vet.