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Why Is My Dog Limping?
Did you notice a change in your dog’s walk? Without explanation?
There are many reasons as to why your forever friend is limping, but unfortunately, it’s not as simple as asking them to figure out what’s causing it.
A sprain, broken bone, and fractures are obvious reasons for a dog to limp while walking or not wanting to walk at all, but what are other causes of this clear sign of discomfort?
We did some digging and rounded up other common explanations for limping dogs outside of broken bones and that variety.
Your dog has a broken nail.
When your dog’s nail breaks, a pink tissue is exposed. This is what’s called a quick and it’s a really soft tissue that begins to bleed, causing pain and inflammation whenever weight is put on your dog’s paw. This can be treated and your dog’s toe will heal over time.
We recommend reading Petful’s 5 Tips for Treating Your Dog’s Broken Nail for step-by-step instructions on helping your dog but also advise a visit to your trusted local veterinarian for assistance.
Your dog has something stuck in their paw.
The paw pads can take hold of loose, light objects and debris as they walk around outside or in your home. Your dog might have dug up an impressive dirt pile and got some pebbles stuck between their paw pads, or maybe your dog has a thorn or splinter. These are scenarios that could be causing your dog to limp.
Your dog has a joint disease.
The following was reported by the American Kennel Club (AKC):
Some conditions cause gradual wear and tear on joints and the musculoskeletal system. This leads to limping. Osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, ligament disease, intervertebral disk disease, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) all can cause limping on any of the affected limbs. Infections like Lyme disease can also cause joint pain and limping, which is just one more reason why it is important to have your dog on an effective tick preventative.
If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis or suffers from dysplasia, your vet will most likely recommend a veterinarian-grade joint supplement of glucosamine and chondroitin. Joint supplements like Glyde Mobility Chews are often used as an early intervention and throughout the progression of osteoarthritis because they are safe for long-term use in most patients. While research is still limited, joint supplements such as Glyde can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia.
Your dog has a torn ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament).
If your dog is medium to large size and is very active, your dog may experience a torn ACL. This ligament is what aids dogs in keeping them stable as they walk, and with a torn ACL, your dog may not even try to walk or limp. They may choose to stay off their paws.
Whatever the cause of your dog’s limp may be, in most cases, the best option is to seek professional assistance through your local veterinarian. They can provide the right treatment, medications, and at home care instructions applicable to different causes.
What you’ve just read is a sampling of blog posts we offer at Joyride Harness. We cover current events, informational posts, interviews, and more! You can find more content including tips and tricks and how-tos for caring for your dog on our blog at this section.
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