There are several causes of dog limping, and while some are severe, others can be easily treated with medication and supportive care. To find out the cause of the limp you need to first find out if the pet cries out in pain or if he shows signs of swollen joints, inability to climb stairs and reduced painfulness. If the affected limb is not swollen or sensitive to the touch, the pet may be limping because of a broken toenail or due to a small injury on the foot.
What to Watch For
If you find that the pet suddenly starts limping earlier in the day and gets back to normal in a few hours, monitor him for a few days to find out if he exhibits the same symptoms every day. Dogs are known to limp in the morning or after resting for several hours if they're suffering from joint disorders like arthritis. Although the pet will not cry out in pain in the early stages of arthritis, the condition will worsen in time if the dog isn't administered any joint supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin.
Other Causes of Limping
Dogs suffering from Lyme disease also start to limp after they've been bitten by the tick. Although the limp is not very prominent, the condition of the pet will deteriorate after a few months. Dogs suffering from Lyme disease also show signs of fever and listlessness along with the limp. Since many pets succumb to Lyme disease every year, it's important to make note of any abnormal changes in your pet's behavior and seek medical care at the earliest.
Neurological Imbalance
If the pet has suffered from an injury to the spinal cord or is taking certain medications that cause side effects, he may start limping or walking with an altered gait. Dogs suffering from a slipped disc are most likely to show signs of limping and collapse. If the dog is suffering from spinal injury or trauma, the brain won't be able to send messages or signals to the legs and this gives rise to the limp and sudden collapse.
Tips for Pet Owners
If your dog has a noticeable limp you will have to inspect the affected limb to look for any abnormalities. Consider giving your pet a few treats so that he allows you to carefully examine the entire limb. If you don't see any wounds, cuts or bruises, make sure you conduct a vet check to diagnose the problem.
Dos and Don'ts:
- Avoid taking your dog on long walks or vigorously exercising the pet if he is limping.
- Make note of all the medications that are prescribed to your pet and the symptoms exhibited by him before conducting a vet check.
- Avoid giving your pet any over the counter muscle relaxants or medicines without obtaining vet approval.
- Seek medical attention at the earliest and conduct X-rays to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other illnesses.
Since your pet relies on you for help and support, make note of any changes in his behavior and initiate prompt treatment for speedy recovery.