Your dog can be running around happily one minute and the next, they are limping. It can be difficult to identify why they are limping on one of their legs. First of all, if this happens, it is always the best idea to contact your veterinarian. The last thing you want is for your furry friend to be in pain. Lameness can be accompanied by stiffness and pain, which can mean that the issue affects your dog for a long time. A vet is going to be able to give your pooch medication. But, here are some reasons why your dog might be limping so that you can try to identify the problem first.
A Paw Injury
First of all, you want to rule out that your canine does not have a physical injury to their paw. This could be caused out on a walk somewhere. Unfortunately, there can be glass lying around as well as other debris and things like thorns. This will cause a sore injury to your dog’s paw. It can pierce the skin and it can make them limp. In this situation, you can try and remove the object yourself. You should be careful and use tweezers. There is going to be a risk of infection so it will be important to clean the wound carefully. It will be best to see a vet for suitable treatment.
Too Much Exercise
Lameness is a common symptom of over exercising your dog. For example, if you go out on an adventure and walk 10 miles with your pooch when they are not used to this, it can mean they are very tired. This can lead to lameness and they can limp as a result of overstretching a muscle. Often, rest is the only way to help your pup in this situation. It can be beneficial for your furry friend to have a joint supplement on a regular basis. This can help to protect their joints and allow them to recover after a lot of exercise.
Osteoarthritis
As your dog becomes older, they can develop osteoarthritis. This is a condition that can occur that leads to joints becoming uncomfortable and stiff. As a result, your furry friend can begin to slow down and limp. It can be best to consult your vet if you think that this might be the case. There is can be some good supplements that can assist with joint help. Again, a joint supplement can be beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis. This may help to reduce some symptoms they are experiencing, such as limping, discomfort and stiffness.
Long claws
Do you trim your dog’s nails and keep their claws short? If the answer to this question is no, this might be the root of why your dog has started limping. For a lot of dogs, hard surfaces, such as pavements, are able to wear down the claws. But, if your canine is walked on a variety of terrain and their nails grow quickly, this might not happen. After a while, the nails can be long enough that they start to grow inwards. This can become painful for your pooch and this can lead to them limping. The best thing you can do is trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. Just make sure that you do not hit the quick of the nail, as this can be sore for your pup.
What to Do If Your Dog is Limping
If your dog is starting to limp all of a sudden, this is going to be concerning for you. The best thing you can do is take a look at their leg and paw. Check that there is not a visible injury, such as a cut or something being stuck in the paw. In these cases, you might be able to deal with the problem yourself. If you think that it is your dog’s nails, make sure that you trim them and clean the paws.
However, if the limping continues, it is going to be time to contact the veterinarian. They are going to be able to take a look at your pup and find out what is wrong. Perhaps your canine has muscle strain after a long adventure. But, it could also be something like osteoarthritis, which requires changes to your dog’s lifestyle. A vet is also going to be able to give you medication to give to your dog if they are in any pain or discomfort.