Dog Limping — Causes, Severity Levels & What to Do
Limping (lameness) in dogs can range from a minor strain to a sign of serious injury or illness. The severity, which leg is affected, whether it started suddenly or gradually, and your dog's age all provide clues about the cause. Some limping needs immediate attention while other cases can be monitored.
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Common Causes
Muscle Strain or Sprain
Monitor at HomeOverexertion, jumping, or rough play can strain muscles or sprain ligaments. Usually causes sudden limping that may improve with rest over a few days.
Paw Injury
Schedule Vet VisitCuts, punctures, burns, foreign objects (thorns, glass), or cracked pads are common. The dog may lick the paw or be reluctant to put weight on it. Check between toes.
Broken Toenail
Schedule Vet VisitA torn or broken nail can be very painful and cause limping. May see bleeding or the nail hanging at an odd angle.
Arthritis
Schedule Vet VisitJoint inflammation causing chronic, gradual lameness that's often worse after rest or in cold weather. Common in older dogs and large breeds. Affects multiple legs over time.
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
Schedule Vet VisitGenetic joint malformation causing progressive lameness. Hip dysplasia affects rear legs; elbow dysplasia affects front legs. Common in large breeds.
Cruciate Ligament Injury (ACL)
See Vet ImmediatelyTear of the knee ligament causing sudden rear leg lameness, often after activity. The dog may hold the leg up or toe-touch. Common injury requiring surgery.
Luxating Patella
Schedule Vet VisitKneecap that slips out of position, causing intermittent "skipping" or holding up the rear leg. Common in small breeds. Severity varies.
Bone Fracture
See Vet ImmediatelyBroken bone causing severe lameness, swelling, and pain. The dog won't bear weight on the leg. Requires immediate veterinary care.
Tick-Borne Disease (Lyme)
Schedule Vet VisitLyme disease and other tick illnesses can cause shifting leg lameness (different legs on different days), fever, and lethargy.
Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)
See Vet ImmediatelyAggressive bone cancer causing progressive limping, swelling, and pain, typically in large breed dogs over 7 years. Usually affects legs near the knee or shoulder.
How to Photograph for Best AI Analysis
Getting a clear photo helps our AI provide more accurate insights. Follow these tips:
- Record a short video of your dog walking — this shows the limp better than a photo
- Film from the side and from behind to capture the gait abnormality
- If there's visible swelling, photograph the affected leg compared to the other
- Check and photograph the paw pads, between toes, and nails
- Note which leg is affected — front or back, left or right
- Film on a flat, non-slippery surface for best assessment
When to See a Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- •Your dog won't put any weight on the leg (holding it up)
- •Visible swelling, deformity, or the leg looks "wrong"
- •Severe pain — crying, snapping when touched, won't move
- •Limping after known trauma (hit by car, fall, fight)
- •Sudden limping with no obvious injury that doesn't improve in 24-48 hours
- •Limping accompanied by fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- •Limping that's progressively getting worse
- •Intermittent limping that keeps recurring
- •Any limping in a puppy (growth plate injuries are serious)
How PetSensAI Can Help
PetSensAI's gait analyzer can assess video or photos of your dog's movement to identify abnormalities in walking patterns. Our AI helps determine the severity of lameness and whether it's likely a minor issue that can be monitored or something requiring prompt veterinary evaluation.
Related Symptoms
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Lameness in Dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
About the Author
PetSensAI Editorial Team
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Last updated: 2025-01-09