Why do dogs limp? Symptoms, causes & what to do

Why do dogs limp? A common question asked by many pet owners! If your dog is limping, it’s essential to work out why. The problem is that there are so many different causes of limping in dogs, from minor ailments to conditions that are much more serious. Limps can also vary in severity and nature; they can self-resolve, appear intermittently, or even worsen progressively over time.
 
We’re going to discuss various reasons for dog limping, what it might mean to be limping on the back vs the front legs, and when you should seek help for your pet.

Why do dogs limp?

A limp indicates a problem. Limps are commonly caused by pain or a structural abnormality, both of which will affect your dog’s mobility. Neurological issues can cause limping, too.
 
Lameness or stiffness in dogs often indicates something is wrong with their legs or back. This could vary from minor issues like a thorn in a paw or a sprain from twisting too hard while playing, to something more serious like a fracture or arthritis.
 
We always recommend seeking help from a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s limp, especially if the limp isn’t improving or it’s getting worse.
 
To explore pain in dogs further, check out one of our other blogs - How do I know if my dog is in pain?

Symptoms of dog limping

The symptoms of dog limping may vary depending on the underlying issue. Your dog’s age, breed, and personality can play a role, too. Some pets are more stoic than others, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as uncomfortable.
 
Common signs of limping include:

• Not putting their weight down fully on the leg.
• Holding the leg up.
• Not jumping or going upstairs.
• Stiffness after walks or resting.
• A possible wound, injury or swelling.
• Slower on walks or reluctance to exercise altogether.
• Excessively licking the affected area.
• Reacting painfully when the affected area is handled.
• Changes in personality, becoming more irritable, aggressive or lethargic than normal.

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Causes of dog limping

There are so many different causes of limping in dogs that we’ll struggle to list them all here! However, these are some of the most common reasons for limping in dogs –

• Something stuck in a paw like a thorn or a grass seed
• A claw injury
• Sprains or strains
• Wounds or bruising
• Arthritis
• Ligament injury
• Fractured bones or dislocations
• Bacterial or fungal infection
• A tumour (e.g., a bone or nail bed tumour)
• Muscle or nerve issues
• Spinal problems 

Dog limping on back leg

Whilst all the issues listed previously can affect any of your pet’s limbs, there are some problems that are specific to the hind legs. For example, hip dysplasia is an extremely common disorder that contributes to many cases of hind limb lameness. This hereditary condition causes the hip joint to develop abnormally, leading to lameness and mobility issues. Cruciate ligament injury is another example, affecting the stifle (knee) in the hind limb. Also, spinal issues are more likely to impact the hind limbs than the front ones, too.

Dog limping on front leg

The front legs could be affected by any of the conditions on our above list, but conditions like shoulder injuries or elbow dysplasia are specific to these limbs. To help make it easier for you to understand where your dog’s problems are, check out our understanding dog joints blog.
 
Some developmental bone growth issues more commonly affect the front legs, with twisting or bowing of these limbs being a problem for many dogs. Plus, foreign objects seem more likely to become embedded in a front paw than a back one.

Why do dogs imitate limping?

Why do dogs fake limp? Well, in many cases, they don’t. Just because a limp isn’t there all the time, it doesn’t mean that your dog is faking it. Many limps can be intermittent, or your dog may have a problem that affects more than one area. This means that the lameness may shift from one leg to another at different times.
 
It’s very rare that a dog limps just for attention. However, dogs are clever, and if they have received attention in the past, they may repeat or exaggerate the behaviour to get special treatment again.
 
Most vets will tell you that a limping dog should be taken seriously, as it usually indicates pain, so get them checked over to rule out any possible health issues.

When to seek help for dog limping?

If your dog has developed a mild new limp, then you may decide to monitor them for a few days. Only do this if they are otherwise completely well and there are no signs of swelling or injury. You could try checking their paw for anything obvious that might be causing the issue, like matted fur or a thorn. Look at their claws for any obvious nail injuries that might need attention.
 
If your dog doesn’t improve after a few days or they’re getting worse, then you must take them for a check-up. It can be helpful to video your pet at home so that you can show your vet, as sometimes lameness can be less obvious at the appointment due to excitement or anxiety.
 
Signs that your limping dog should be taken to a vet immediately include –

• Vocalisation – your dog is yelping, whining, or growling
• Injury – you can see an obvious wound, swelling, or fracture
• Severe lameness – your dog is not putting any weight on the limb, or they are dragging it
• Behavioural changes – your dog is hiding away, constantly licking at a sore area or they are clearly painful when you try to handle them
• Other signs of illness – including vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, and lethargy

 If in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so get your dog checked over if you’re worried.

Conclusion

Limping in dogs is extremely common, but it can vary considerably in presentation and severity. There are many causes for dog limping, so a vet examination is usually best, especially if they are showing obvious signs of pain or injury.
 
Joint supplements can help support dogs of all ages with their mobility. At YuMove, we have an array of products to promote healthy joints and hips, why not check out our range?