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My puppy is limping and won't walk after coming inside. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 50 lbs

My dog was outside to go potty and she came back in limping. She won’t put her foot dog and doesn’t want to walk. When she does, she walks three legged and falls. She is a black lab/Great Dane mix puppy. We have poked and moved her leg/foot all around with her not minding. What could this be or what could we do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 26th, 2020

It sounds like Hazel hurt herself tonight outside. I would rest her tonight. 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 in the morning, 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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 6th, 2019
Poor MJ. Dogs in pain can have intermittent lameness. It could be going outside and running around aggravates her pain, leading her to limp when she is back inside. 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. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 18th, 2019
Poor Lou! 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. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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