How to Care for a Limping Dog at Home
Learn how to care for a limping dog at home.
Why Is My Dog Limping?
There are many reasons why dogs may limp, from minor issues like a thorn in their paw to more serious problems like broken or dislocated joints. In dogs, strained or torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles are the most common causes of limping. Sometimes, limps are due to injuries sustained in accidents or traumas that need emergency veterinary treatment. If your dog starts limping for no apparent reason and this lasts for more than a day or two, it's time to visit the vet. In the meantime, the following tips can help you care for your dog at home.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Limping
While some limping will go away on its own, it's always a good idea to call your veterinarian for guidance. If the vet suspects a sprain, strain, arthritis, or another minor issue, rest and medication will be the first steps of treatment to lessen pain and inflammation. Orally or topically, delivering pain relief at home can be helpful. But first, you want to ensure each approach is safe for your dog.
What Can I Give My Dog for Limping?
When caring for your dog at home, please avoid the temptation to give your dog a human painkiller to ease minor limping. In general, many human painkillers are dangerous for dogs, particularly over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin.
Instead, talk to your vet about safe pain relievers. Amantadine is one of the safest analgesics for dogs and can reduce discomfort and swelling. You can get a prescription from your vet.
Home Remedies to Reduce Swelling
- To reduce inflammation, gently soak your dog's foot and leg in warm water containing plain Epsom salts. The water's motion can promote healing by enhancing circulation.
- After using a towel to dry it gently, apply some antibiotic ointment to the leg. Neomycin or bacitracin-containing creams may be good options for dog antibiotic creams. It would be best to speak with your vet before using either.
- Applying ice packs to the area for 15 minutes twice a day on the lame leg can also be very effective if your dog has swelling brought on by a sprain, bruise, or tendonitis.
How Can I Comfort My Dog in Pain?
Here are a few tips to comfort your dog and help him feel better:
- Give your dog a comfortable place to rest. Ensure his maximum comfort level by giving him a soft couch or bed covered in cozy blankets. A warm, relaxing spot will help him feel safe and content while recovering from his injury or illness.
- Provide lots of love and attention. Dogs are social animals and thrive on attention. Giving your pup lots of fuss will help him feel loved and cared for; it will also help to distract him from any discomfort or pain he may be experiencing.
- Offer his favorite food and toys. When your dog is limping around the house and feeling uncomfortable, he may lose his appetite or become fussy with his food. You can help encourage him to enjoy his meals and provide much-needed mental enrichment by presenting him with plush toys and tasty treats.
- Avoid giving too many treats: While it may be tempting to give your pup plenty of goodies to keep him happy, remember that snacks are high in calories and can, over time, contribute to unwanted weight gain and other health issues. Opt for healthy snacks and a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients to support his recovery.
- Limit exercise: As much as your dog may want to go out for a brisk walk, it's best to keep activity to a minimum for a couple of days while focusing on reducing pain and inflammation. Doing this will give his body time to rest, recover, and help prevent further injury or strain.
Make your dog as comfortable as possible while his leg heals.
How Can You Tell if Your Dog’s Limp Is Serious?
If the limp doesn't start to go away on its own in a few days, is getting worse, or is accompanied by whining or yelping, please call your vet or go to the closest emergency vet. A veterinarian can perform a thorough examination to identify the cause of your dog's limping and provide a suitable treatment plan.
Potential Causes
There are various reasons why your dog may be limping. It could be due to a muscle or joint injury, arthritis, a sprain, or a broken bone. It may sometimes signify a more severe underlying condition.
Because limping is a vague symptom in dogs with many possible explanations, a veterinarian needs to evaluate your pet's condition and perform the necessary tests to determine the cause of the problem.
Treatment Options
The vet will determine an appropriate treatment for your dog's limp based on its underlying cause. Here are some possible scenarios:
- Should the limping be due to muscle or joint injuries, the vet may prescribe rest and anti-inflammatory medication.
- In more severe cases, such as fractures, surgery may be necessary.
- If arthritis is the cause, the vet will offer different medication options, including painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint supplements.
- Whatever underlying condition causes the limp, the veterinarian will focus on treating that condition.
Final Thoughts
If you notice that your dog is limping on one or more of his legs for no apparent reason, it may be due to something minor, such as a thorn stuck in his paw or a minor muscle sprain.
While a sprain is more serious than a simple strain, most dogs fully recover from a sprained leg. If you're concerned about the severity of his limping, please don't hesitate to call your vet for advice. Otherwise, follow these tips to learn how to treat a limping dog at home by making him comfortable and reducing his pain and inflammation using safe methods.
Possibly the biggest challenge you could face as a pet owner is convincing your dog to take it easy for a few weeks while he recovers.
Sources and Further Reading
- What Can You Give a Dog for Pain? | PetMD
Dr. Amanda Simonson talks about whether human pain meds are safe for dogs and safe options for helping your dog with pain. - First Aid for Limping Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital
Although most limps need veterinary attention, there are a few first aid measures you can perform at home if your dog is hobbling around. - Lameness in Dogs Explained: What It Is, Symptoms, Care Tips | PetHelpful
Understanding lameness in dogs is crucial for pet owners. This article covers the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of lameness, as well as preventive measures to keep your pet healthy.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2022 Louise Fiolek
