12 Causes of Dog Limping and How to Help

Limping in dogs can be due to a minor injury or a serious issue. Learn about common causes and what you can do to help.

9 min read·Updated: Nov 25, 2024
12 Causes of Dog Limping and How to Help

As a pet parent, noticing that your canine companion is limping can be a worrying experience. Whether it’s a sudden change after an active day or a slow, progressive limp that’s become more noticeable over time, dog limping can signal various underlying issues. From minor injuries to serious conditions, a limp is your dog’s way of showing that something isn’t quite right. 

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of limping, differentiate between front and back leg limping, discuss when to seek veterinary help, and provide some ways you can help your dog at home.

What Does Limping Look Like in Dogs?

Limping in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the affected leg. A limp might look like your dog favoring one leg, holding up a paw, moving with a stiff or uneven gait, or even refusing to put weight on the leg entirely. 

Limping can be mild, where a dog may only show subtle changes in how they walk, or more pronounced, like holding up the leg entirely, making it obvious that they’re avoiding weight on a certain limb.

A dog limping on a front leg often shifts their weight back to avoid pressure on the affected limb. If it’s a back leg, you may notice them raising that leg slightly or “hopping” with the remaining legs. 

Limping can also look different based on whether it’s due to pain or structural problems. For instance, a dog with a painful paw injury might lick at their paw or hesitate to place it down, while a dog with a bone or joint issue might walk stiffly or refuse to move at all.

Why Is My Dog Limping? 12 Possible Causes

Limping in dogs can result from various causes, ranging from mild injuries to more serious health concerns. Here are some common reasons dogs limp:

Arthritis

Arthritis is a leading cause of limping in middle aged and older dogs, especially large breeds. It occurs when joint cartilage wears down, causing discomfort and stiffness in the affected limbs.

Hip Dysplasia or Elbow Dysplasia

Common in certain breeds, hip dysplasia and/or elbow dysplasia occurs when the hip or elbow joints don’t develop properly, leading to wear and tear and subsequent limping. Elbow dysplasia affects the front legs, while hip dysplasia affects the rear legs. 

Luxating Patella(s)

Luxating patella, or “floating kneecap,” is often seen in small breeds and causes intermittent back leg limping. The kneecap slips out of place, which can lead to pain and instability.

Bone Fractures

Trauma, such as being hit by a car or jumping awkwardly, can result in bone fractures. Dogs with fractures usually show an obvious limp, along with other signs of trauma such as bruising and swelling, and may avoid placing any weight on the leg.

Sprains and Strains

Active dogs, especially those who love to run and jump, can strain or sprain their muscles and ligaments. Sprains often lead to noticeable limping, especially after play.

Paw Injuries

Injuries to the paw, including cuts, splinters, or torn nails, are common causes of limping. A dog with a swollen paw or visible discomfort when placing weight on it may have an injury to that area.

Bee Stings and Insect Bites

Dogs love to explore, and sometimes, they encounter bees or insects that bite or sting. Bee stings on the paw can cause sudden limping, swelling, and tenderness.

Tick Borne Disease (e.g. Lyme Disease)

Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause joint pain and intermittent lameness. Dogs with Lyme disease might have limping that seems to come and go, often shifting between legs.

Nail Injuries

Broken or torn nails, as well as ingrown toenails, can lead to limping, particularly if the injury affects the nail bed. Your dog might lick at the paw or avoid putting pressure on the affected leg.

Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that can cause severe and progressive limping in dogs, especially large and giant breeds. This is often associated with pain and requires prompt veterinary care.

Torn Ligaments

A common injury in active, large breed dogs, in the back leg, is a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to an ACL injury in humans. This can cause sudden limping, swelling, and reluctance to put weight on the leg.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

A slipped disc in your dog’s back can put pressure on the spinal cord and occasionally cause lameness in the front or back legs depending on which intervertebral disc is affected.  Dogs with IVDD may also have a weak or wobbly gait and/or a hunched posture.  

Front Leg Vs. Back Leg Limping in Dogs

Limping can appear differently depending on which leg is affected:

  • Front Leg Limping: Front leg limping is often due to issues in the shoulders, elbows, or paws. Injuries like sprains, fractures, elbow dysplasia, or shoulder instability can lead to front leg limping. In some cases, arthritis affects the elbow, especially in larger breeds.
  • Back Leg Limping: Back leg limping is commonly associated with hip issues, ligament injuries, or knee problems. Conditions like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and CCL tears are frequent causes of hind limb lameness.

Back leg limping may look different, with a dog holding up their leg or hopping, while front leg limping may show as a head nod with each step to avoid pressure on the sore leg. Generally, back leg issues like ligament tears can be more severe than some front leg injuries and may require more extensive treatment. 

Should You Worry About Dog Limping?

Dog holding up bandaged paw

While not all cases of limping are serious, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s behavior and any signs that may accompany the limp. Consider the following scenarios:

When to Seek Immediate Care

If your dog is not putting any weight on the leg, the limping is accompanied by shaking, panting, or whining, or you notice swelling, an emergency vet visit is recommended. Severe limping, especially if accompanied by sudden changes in behavior, can signal a fracture, a ligament tear, or significant pain.

When to Make an Appointment

If the limp is mild but persistent or recurrent, it’s worth scheduling a visit to your veterinarian. Limping that lasts more than 24 hours, even if your dog doesn’t seem painful otherwise, could indicate an issue requiring medical attention.

If Your Dog Isn’t Showing Signs of Pain

Limping in and of itself is a sign of pain. Your dog wouldn’t limp if their normal gait did not cause them discomfort. So even if your dog seems comfortable, it’s still wise to have a persistent limp evaluated. Conditions like arthritis or minor ligament injuries may not cause visible pain but can worsen without treatment.

Diagnosing and Treating the Cause of Dog Limping

When you bring your dog to the veterinarian, diagnosing the cause of limping usually starts with a physical examination. In addition to watching your pet walk and/or jog, your vet may palpate (gently press) the affected area to identify pain points or swelling. Your vet may also flex and extend individual joints to help pinpoint the source of pain or discomfort. 

Your veterinarian may also recommend certain diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of your dog’s limping. Radiographs (aka X-rays) are often used to look for fractures, arthritis, or other structural issues. In some cases, advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans may be needed, especially for joint or ligament injuries. If an infectious disease, such as Lyme disease, is suspected, blood work can help confirm a diagnosis. Lastly, for certain joint-related issues, your vet may perform a joint fluid analysis to look for inflammation or infection.

Treatment of dog limping depends on the diagnosis and can range from rest and anti-inflammatory medications to surgery. Common treatments include:

  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers may be prescribed for arthritis or minor injuries. Antibiotics are used for infections, and specific treatments are available for conditions like Lyme disease.
  • Rest: Keeping your dog from putting weight on the affected limb can help the healing process. Reducing activity can help prevent the issue from worsening. 
  • Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises or water therapy can be helpful, especially for dogs recovering from injuries or surgeries.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, such as fractures, cruciate ligament tears, or hip dysplasia, surgery may be recommended to stabilize the joint or correct the underlying issue.

Other Ways to Support a Limping Dog

In addition to veterinary treatment, there are supportive measures you can take to help your dog recover and stay comfortable, such as:

  • Provide Orthopedic Bedding: Comfortable, supportive bedding can relieve pressure on sore joints and help your dog rest.
  • Manage Weight: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can reduce strain on their joints, especially for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
  • Modify Exercise: Engage in gentle activities like slow, controlled walks or water therapy, which is easier on the joints and can aid recovery.
  • Home Adjustments: Consider adding non-slip rugs or treads, especially if your home has hardwood or tile floors, to prevent slipping and falls.
  • Follow Veterinary Rest Instructions: Crate rest or limited movement might be necessary for dogs recovering from surgery or a severe injury. This can prevent reinjury and speed up healing.

Conclusion

Limping in dogs can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of a more serious issue. Understanding the possible causes of limping, when to seek veterinary help, and how to support your dog at home can make a big difference in their recovery and long-term comfort. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian, as early intervention can often lead to a better outcome for your furry friend.

Sylvalyn Hammond, DVMS
Written by

Sylvalyn Hammond, DVM

Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond is a 2018 graduate of Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Hammond began her life in the rural desert of southern Arizona where her family owns and operates an Angus cattle ranch. She spent her entire adolescence working as her mother's unofficial veterinary assistant and helping her dad and brothers with ranch chores, mainly caring for the many different species of animals they raised. It was no surprise that she found herself pursuing a career in animal health and welfare. Dr. Hammond is passionate about client education and enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, particularly nutrition, internal medicine, and dentistry. When she isn't at the clinic you can find her cuddling with her rescue pup, Frank, enjoying a meal with her husband, James or playing outside with her son, Charlie.

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The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice. PetLab Co. is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your pet has, or you suspect your pet has any medical condition, you are urged to consult your veterinarian. Medical conditions can only be diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Results May Vary. Not intended for human consumption. Please consult your veterinarian regarding any change in treatment or supplementation.
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