Reasons Why Dogs Walk Limp: Common Causes Explained
What is Limping?
Limping refers to any abnormal gait or irregular stride frequency when a dog is walking. This can encompass a range of situations where the dog's movement is not smooth, such as limping, dragging a limb, or showing discomfort while walking.
So, today's article aims to explore how to handle a dog's limping. Let's delve into this topic together!
Limping
What is Limping?
Limping in dogs occurs when they exhibit pain, reluctance to move, swelling in a limb, fractures, or dragging a leg while walking. These behaviors are indicative of limping.
Firstly, it's important to note that limping in dogs is quite common, so there's no need to be overly concerned.
However, it's crucial to understand that there are numerous potential causes for limping, and each dog's situation should be analyzed individually rather than making assumptions.
Let's explore some common causes of limping: sprains, cuts, foreign objects, broken nails, insect bites, arthritis, fractures, dislocations, elbow dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, pancreatitis, and various muscle, nerve, and skeletal disorders.
Now, how do we analyze the cause of limping?
Assuming there are no obvious wounds, begin by examining the limping leg. Look closely for any foreign objects or broken nails. Be aware that when you touch an affected area, your dog may show significant discomfort, with some dogs barking, others whining, and some even excessively licking the area.
After a preliminary visual inspection, if no issues are found, the "pressure test" is often used to further investigate. This involves gently pressing on the limping leg systematically, observing the dog's reaction as you go. Keep in mind that internal issues like arthritis or fractures may not be visible to the naked eye, but they often present with symptoms such as heat and stiffness in the affected area.
What if no external injuries are found?
Typically, limping in puppies and adult dogs may resolve within two days, often related to daily activities such as energetic puppies jumping around and straining their muscles.
If you can identify a possible cause for the limping (such as recent intense exercise), mild cases may not require immediate veterinary attention. You can monitor the situation at home for two days before deciding. During this time, reduce your dog's activity level and avoid stairs.
Of course, if you cannot determine the cause of the limping or if your dog is older, it is advisable to seek veterinary care promptly. Early detection of the cause and treatment can make a significant difference.
