Why is my dog limping?

Dogs can limp for many reasons ranging from a minor muscle strain to a serious orthopaedic injury. The first step is to identify which leg is affected and observe when the limp occurs — only after exercise, constantly, or only when bearing weight.

Common causes of limping in dogs

- Paw injury – Check between the toes for cuts, thorns, cracked pads, or a foreign object stuck in the paw. Gently clean the area with warm water.
- Muscle or ligament strain – Often caused by sudden movements, jumping, or rough play. The dog may hold the leg slightly raised at rest but still put weight on it.
- Joint problems – Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis are frequent in medium and large breeds, particularly older dogs. Stiffness that improves after a few minutes of walking is a classic sign.
- Cruciate ligament rupture – A common knee injury in dogs, especially after abrupt directional changes. The dog typically refuses to bear any weight on the affected hind leg.
- Fracture or dislocation – Always an emergency. The limb may appear at an unusual angle.
- Lyme disease or other infections – Can cause joint inflammation and shifting-leg lameness.

What you can do at home

Rest your dog for 24–48 hours, avoid stairs and jumping, and check the paw carefully. You can apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.

Tracking matters

Use the Flovvi app to log when the limping started, which leg, and any other symptoms. This timeline is invaluable for your vet.