If you’ve noticed your dog limping, it’s normal to be concerned. There are many reasons why a dog could have trouble with moving its leg, ranging from severe to mild. Some may be lifelong conditions; others may be acute issues that pass within a few days.
The most common health conditions that cause limping in dogs are injuries, insect bites, and genetic predisposition. To learn more about what causes limping in dogs, read on.
Considerations for Dogs with Limping
If your dog is limping, it’s important to consider the issue’s severity above all else. For instance, if you have a high-energy dog that spent hours at the beach, they may limp because of overexertion. This generally goes away with some rest and relaxation. Additionally, some obese dogs may limp because there’s too much weight on their joints. Adjusting their meal portions can help them lose weight and regain their mobility.
If your dog is limping so badly that they have trouble walking, then you may consider a more serious underlying cause. There’s no such thing as being too cautious with your dog’s health. If limping affects their quality of life, go to the vet.
1. Injuries, Insect Bites, and Inflammation
Limping may be caused by an injury. Dogs can suffer bone fractures, muscle strains, and open sores that can cause pain and discomfort in their legs.
Bone fractures are very painful and can become serious if not treated immediately, so if you believe your dog has broken a bone, seek a vet immediately.
For wounds and insect bites, you can often treat these at home unless they have become severe. Clean the wound or bug bite to prevent infection. Wrap it up if it is still bleeding and apply any anti-itch creams needed.
Muscle strains also usually resolve themselves in a few days. Make sure your dog rests the strained leg and treats any inflammation with a cold compress.
2. Luxating Patella
This common condition affects a dog’s kneecap, also known as the patella. The patella shifts sideways (or luxates), causing your dog pain and difficulty walking. Dogs with luxating patella have limps that come and go. They have a bowlegged stance in their hind limbs, along with a hunched back. You may even hear a popping noise as they move around.
Luxating patella is usually a hereditary condition in dogs. Certain breeds are more prone to luxating patella than others, such as Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers.
Your dog will need to have an imaging scan and physical to diagnose luxating patella. Vets treat this condition with anti-inflammatory drugs, restricted exercise, and sometimes surgery. There are also ways you can help comfort dogs with luxating patella to ease their pain.
3. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive joint disease that affects older dogs, but it can occur at any age. This disease decreases joint fluid and thins cartilage, which reduces a joint’s ability to move smoothly and absorb shock from movement. As the joint deteriorates, it causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Some symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Change in gait
- Muscle atrophy
- Decreasing activity
- Difficulty getting up
- Sudden changes in behavior (such as aggression)
- Being restless (i.e., a dog that can’t decide whether to sit or stand)
Vets diagnose this disease with a physical exam and x-rays of the joints. Treatments can range from physical therapy to medications to help with inflammation.
4. Lyme Disease
Tick bites cause Lyme disease. Yet, your dog may not show any symptoms until weeks or months after being bitten. The first symptoms are often sudden lameness that may shift from one leg to the other and high fevers.
When you bring your dog in for treatment, a veterinarian will evaluate your dog and run blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Then, your dog will be put on antibiotics as a treatment. A dog can get Lyme disease multiple times.
Some areas of the United States are more prone to Lyme disease than others. Depending on where you live, it may be advantageous for you to ask your vet about a vaccination against this life-threatening condition. There are also oral medications that can prevent your dog from getting mites, fleas, and ticks. You want to do everything possible to prevent these bloodsucking insects from biting your dog.
5. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition that often affects large dog breeds, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs. This condition is a hereditary disease. However, new research shows that hip dysplasia can also result from hormonal changes during a dog’s development. That’s why it’s recommended that you wait a certain period before spaying or neutering your dog.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia include:
- Decreased range of motion and activity
- Reluctance to move
- Lameness in the back legs
- Swaying
- Muscle mass loss
- Shoulder swelling
- Pain
- Limb stiffness
- Limping
If you notice these signs, take your dog to the vet for an evaluation. Treatment for hip dysplasia includes weight reduction, joint supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications. Some dogs may need physical therapy or surgery to retain their mobility.
Talk to Your Vet if Your Dog Limps
There are many conditions that can cause limping in dogs and affect your pet’s mobility. If your dog is limping, be sure to notice any other symptoms that accompany it. Also, note how long the limping has been happening. This helps give your vet the information they need to make a correct diagnosis.
Limping can range from mild to severe with a variety of treatments, options, and outcomes. Your vet will be able to inform you about the specific ways you can help your dog feel better.
