Why Is My Dog Limping? Common Causes and When to See a Vet
If your dog starts limping, it can be hard to know whether it’s something minor or a sign of a more serious injury. A limp may come from a sore paw, torn nail, muscle strain, or overexertion. But it can also point to orthopedic problems like a torn CCL, fracture, luxating patella, arthritis, or joint injury.
Because dogs can’t tell us exactly where it hurts, changes in how they walk, stand, or move are important clues. Some dogs may hold a leg up completely, while others may only seem stiff after resting, slower on stairs, or hesitant to jump.
Common Causes of Limping in Dogs
Limping can come from the paw, leg, knee, hip, shoulder, back, or neck. Common causes include:
- Paw injuries, torn nails, or something stuck between the toes
- Muscle strains or soft tissue injuries
- Sprains or ligament injuries
- Joint pain or arthritis
- CCL tears, often called ACL tears in dogs
- Luxating patellas
- Fractures or dislocations
Some limps start suddenly after running, jumping, slipping, or playing. Others develop slowly and may get worse after activity or after resting.
When Limping Is an Emergency
Seek veterinary care right away if your dog cannot bear weight, is crying out in pain, has obvious swelling or bleeding, has a limb that looks bent or out of place, was hit by a car, or suddenly seems weak or very quiet.
If the limp is mild but lasts more than a day or two, keeps coming back, or gets worse with activity, schedule a veterinary exam. Even occasional limping can be a sign of an orthopedic condition that needs treatment.
How DoveLewis Can Help
Veterinary orthopedic care is about helping pets move more comfortably and return to the activities they enjoy. At DoveLewis, our orthopedic surgery team works closely with pet owners and primary veterinarians to understand what’s causing a pet’s pain or limping and create a treatment plan that supports healing, mobility, and quality of life. With the right care, many pets can get back to walking, playing, and feeling more like themselves.
