My Dog Is Limping

Veterinarians would agree that limping in dogs is a common reason for a visit to the clinic. In most cases, limping can easily be detected and treated. But in rare occasions it can also be complex, depending on the diagnosis determined by the vet.

Limping or lameness can be defined as any decline in a dog’s capacity to bear weight on a limb. This can be evident when a dog begins to walk unsteadily, favoring a limb from the rest, which is contrary to its limb’s customary mobility and function. Cases of limping in dogs can vary from extremely subtle or intense, involving one or more limbs, and irregular or constant, experiencing the worse in different hours of the day or suffering from it all throughout the day. Knowing and understanding the causes and available treatments can allow dog owners to provide the proper course of action to take on the occasion limping would occur to a pet.

Limps arise from several factors, which could either be a result of a sudden traumatic event or through a gradual occurrence caused by a dog’s aging process. Injuries, such as foot, nail and back injuries, are common causes of limps. Before heading directly to the vet, it is recommended that pet owners examine the paw/s affected to check for sharp objects lodged in the skin or a chipped nail that could cause injury. Since dogs are playful by nature and reckless at times, these types of injuries are unavoidable and can be easily treated with an iodine solution that is good for infections. However, if an infection persists, it is important to see the vet to rule out any harmful infection caused by the injury. Back injuries, on the other hand, more often than not affect elderly dogs that suffer from limps associated to spinal degeneration. Aside from this, elderly dogs especially common in large breeds, who suffer from a limp may also be diagnosed with arthritis, which usually involve the rear legs. Arthritis in dogs can be intermittent, occurring mostly in the morning and during cold days.

Furthermore, infection from insect or animal bites and abscesses are some other causes of limping in dogs. The affected area would appear swollen, red and tender. In some other cases, limping in dogs can be caused by more serious and detrimental factors. A traumatic accident, such as getting hit by car, can cause serious injuries. These can be a torn ligament, a broken bone or a dislocation. Treatment for these situations may require surgery, especially for a torn ligament since in this particular case is difficult to heal. Otherwise, the vet would recommend splinting for the fractured and the dislocated bone. On a lighter note, a less serious form that would cause limps in dogs is a sprained or strained muscle and ligament. With a dog’s active lifestyle or even its inactivity, this injury is a common cause for limps. There could be little or no swelling that could be easily soothed with a warm compress.

Aside from understanding the root causes of limps, it is also essential that dog owners become aware of measures that could prevent limping in dogs. In most cases, limps arise from a dog’s day-to-day activity, which usually involve play and outdoor activities. Providing the proper containment of one’s pet can help avoid any traumatic accidents that could occur. The appropriate use of the leash is also an important measure to go by to let dogs steer clear from any injuries or occurrences that would result to limps. Furthermore, regular check-ups with the veterinarian is an essential measure to reduce and avoid future causes of limping in dogs.