My pet is limping, what can I do?
Our Thrive Pet Healthcare veterinarians get this question often - and due to the variety of causes, symptoms, and possible problems, there's no one true answer! Pets can suffer from innumerable issues that lead to limping, but they aren't able to tell us what caused it or how painful it is. Some of the most common causes of limping in dogs to look out for include:
When do I need to head to urgent care?
There are some cases where a vet appointment or urgent care visit is essential to healing your pup's limp. If any of the below apply to your pet's care, it's time to go to the urgent care clinic:
A broken limb (at an irregular angle)
A dangling limb (usually dislocation)
Moderate to severe swelling
Limbs that feel hot
Limping in combination with fever
How can I tell the severity of my pet's limp?
Noticing a limp can be a scary moment, but it could be a temporary injury - stepping on a rock during a walk or a sore leg from missing a jump. However, if you notice a sign, try to let your pet rest and avoid exercise. Take the following steps to decide the severity of the injury:
Examine your pet's foot for signs of injury like cuts or foreign objects
Examine your pet's feet for inflammation
Check for bleeding on the foot or paw pad
In most cases, it's better to head to the veterinarian or urgent care facility regardless - it can reduce cost and increase healing time. The examination and tests your pet undergoes will help urgent and primary care physicians diagnose the issue!
