Why is my puppy limping on his back leg?

Broken bones, fractures, sprains, dislocations, ligament tears, joint trauma, and spinal injuries can all cause moderate to severe limping, and in some cases the dog may not be able to put weight on the affected leg at all.

When should I worry about my puppy limping?

A puppy’s bones are still soft and developing so even mild trauma could result in an injury such as fractures or breaks. If your puppy’s leg is at a strange angle or he won’t bear any weight on it, you should seek immediate care from a vet. Inherited problems are also a consideration for some breeds.

Do puppies limp as they grow?

It is sometimes called growing pains. Panosteitis may occur in more than one bone at a time or may move around, causing a shifting lameness that goes from one bone or leg to another. The lameness tends to occur very suddenly and usually occurs spontaneously and without a history of trauma or excessive exercise.

How long should a puppy limp?

Regardless of the cause, sudden lameness that persists longer than twenty minutes requires veterinary attention. Emergency situations that demand immediate medical attention are bleeding, obvious and/or open fractures, dislocations, clear infections, dangling legs, and extreme symptoms of pain.

Should I take my dog to the vet if he is limping?

In most cases, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and scheduling an appointment with your vet may help both you and your dog to feel better. If the limp doesn’t begin to resolve itself, is becoming worse, or is accompanied with whining or yelping, it’s time to call your vet or visit your nearest emergency vet.

How do you treat a limping puppy at home?

Apply gentle pressure to each toe and note painful areas. Most dogs will pull the leg back when you touch a sore spot. Work your way up the limb identifying areas of tenderness by applying gentle pressure on each part of the leg. Note areas of swelling.