We get worried when our four-legged family members have trouble walking. Limping is a natural reaction by your dog’s body to alleviate sudden pain, discomfort, or abnormal joint alignment. Although limping may not be cause for a vet visit, but it’s good to know what the possible causes are and how to support your limping pet. In this article, we’re going to talk about what to do if you notice that your dog is limping.
Acute Paw Injury: Acute paw injuries are among the most common causes of limping in dogs. Therefore, if your dog enjoys running or hiking outdoors with you, they may be exposed to plant material such as foxtail or sharp edges or even an insect sting that can get in their paw, causing them to limp. Also, make sure that you always check the pavement before you take your dog on a walk during the summerr months of the year. Take your hand and touch the pavement. If it’s too hot, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Trauma or Bite: Accidents can occur at any time, and even injuries sustained during rough play may cause limping.
Ligament Tear or Dyspasia: There are several other more serious orthopedic conditions, including ligament tears and joint dysplasia. As with the ACL in humans, the CCL ligament is one of the most commonly torn ligaments in dogs. Most commonly, this ligament tear occurs in dogs who jump up and down on furniture or run a lot. When your puppy is growing, their joints don’t form correctly, so they get hip, elbow, and shoulder dysplasia. This is mostly caused by genetic factors, but poor nutrition can also contribute.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint condition that can also cause limping as your dog ages.
Patellar Luxation: This is another joint disease that is commonly seen in dogs of smaller breeds. There is also Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) which is also seen in dogs with long backs.
Skin Allergies and Infections: Aside from joint conditions, allergies and infections can cause your dog to lick their paws excessively, leading to a self-inflicted injury that then causes them to limp.
Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is an immune-mediated disease that can cause joints to swell, which can also cause your dog to limp. Make sure your pet receives flea and tick prevention prescribed by a veterinarian. There are ways in which you can prevent these immune-mediated diseases such as Lyme disease.
Bone Cancer: A more serious condition like bone cancer can also cause progressive limping in your dog and be extremely painful. The fact is that limping can be caused by a wide range of factors, some of which can be more serious than others, so you should never hesitate to take your dog to the vet for a checkup when in doubt.
When To Head To The Vet?
Make sure you bring your limping dog in for emergency care if you notice any of the following signs: lethargy, swelling anywhere on the leg, vocalizing when touched or moved, warm limbs, active bleeding, bones protruding through the skin, a dislocated joint, and it’s important to note that most dogs won’t put any weight on a dislocated joint, a dangling limb, a broken bone or a limb that’s an odd shape or conformation. Getting your limping dog some relief at home might be tempting, but don’t give your pet any medical treatment unless your vet says so. You should also avoid giving your dog any human pain relievers because most of them are harmful, if not deadly. Your vet will examine your dog nose-to-tail and may recommend several tests, including blood work or x-rays, to determine what’s causing your dog’s limping. There are several treatments that can be used to treat your dog’s limp, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the limp, including strict crate rest for more than three weeks, anti-inflammatory medication and pain relievers, surgical correction of a fracture, antibiotics, a biopsy of a mass, and cast or brace on the affected limb, or physical therapy.
How To Support Your Limping Dog?
Besides veterinary-prescribed treatments for limping in your dog, you can also ask about some non-prescription ways to support them. For example, warm or cold therapy can help ease your dog’s pain and help them when they’re recovering from surgery. You could also talk to a certified rehabilitation veterinarian or look into acupuncture for alternative therapies. At home, you can try supplementing your dog’s diet with fish oil, which can help reduce inflammation in their joints, be sure to speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, since fish oil may interact with certain medications.
Green-lipped mussels and turmeric are also ingredients that can help protect the joints. There’s also a couple of lifestyle changes you can make to support your limping dog. Make sure that you keep your dog a healthy weight and always ensure that their daily treat allotment does not exceed more than 10% of their daily calories. You should provide an orthopedic bed for your aging dog so that they can rest comfortably while sleeping. If you want to prevent them from jumping on and off your bed, put some ramps or stairs nearby. Provide carpeting in areas of your home where your dog likes to walk or rest. Slick floors like tile or concrete can be difficult for pets with arthritis or sore joints. Protect your dog’s paws by placing protective booties or paw wax such as Musher’s Secret before a walk. Be sure to bring your dog to the vet on a regular basis to ensure their joints and internal organs are in great health. You should also trim your dog’s nails to prevent broken toenails and enable them to grip the ground more effectively.
As pet owners, we all want our dogs to live happily and as pain-free as possible, so if you notice any changes in their gait or if your dog suddenly starts limping, it’s a good idea to have them checked out as soon as possible.
