Coming back from a walk, you go through the front door and go through the motions, when all of a sudden, you notice your best buddy limping in. Yikes! What gives?
We love our dogs, and seeing them hurt or in pain is heartbreaking. Fret not. From common injuries that will heal on their own to chronic conditions that can be managed, limping can be managed.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what the common causes of limping are, and how you can prevent or manage them.
Common Causes of Limping
Joint health is the foundation of a healthy, active life. However, as they age, dogs are prone to certain conditions remarkably similar to what we humans go through.
1. Injury or trauma
A dog may limp if it’s injured or has sustained a traumatic injury like stubbing his toe, getting a sharp object or some grass seeds (yep, seeds!) or simply landing wrong when stepping off a rock.
A dog’s paw is delicate, and injuries can happen easily if they’re not careful. If you think your dog has sprained or hurt its paw, try wrapping in up to limit movement, and keep exercise low-key for the next few days.
If there is a cut, first, gently clean the wound with a warm, soapy washcloth. if there is any debris in the wound, use tweezers to remove it carefully.
Next, apply a generous amount of antibiotic ointment to the wound and wrap it in a clean bandage. Be sure to check the bandage regularly and replace it if it gets wet or dirty.
To reduce the risks of injuries, make sure you check your pooch’s paws regularly, especially after a long walk or hike.
2. Arthritis and Joint Conditions
A common degenerative condition especially with senior dogs, there’s a good chance your furry friend is dealing with joint pain on a daily basis. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to help ease your dog’s pain and improve their quality of life.
For example, regular exercise can help to keep joints moving and muscles strong. You might also want to talk to your vet about giving your dog supplements like glucosamine or anti-inflammatory medications specifically designed to ease arthritis symptoms.
Of course, it’s important to consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s care routine. They can help you develop a plan that will address your dog’s individual needs and give you peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything you can to keep them comfortable.
3. Infections
Many pet owners have experienced the frustration of watching their dog limp seemingly out of nowhere. While there are a number of possible causes of limping, one often-overlooked possibility is an infection.
Infections can occur anywhere in the body, and if they aren’t caught early, they can lead to serious health problems. Dogs that are limping may be experiencing pain, inflammation, or swelling in the affected area. In some cases, the infection may be visible as redness or discharge.
If you suspect that the limping may be due to an infection, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. With prompt treatment, most dogs make a full recovery and can return to their normal activity level.
4. Overstraining
If you took your ordinarily sedentary dog out for a 3-hour hike, your poor pooch could be so knackered that he can barely keep on his feet.
When a dog overexerts himself through running or playing too hard, he can pull a muscle or put too much strain on his joints and ligaments. This can cause inflammation and pain, leading to limping. In some cases, the injury may be more serious, such as a torn ligament or bone fracture.
With rest and proper care, most dogs recover quickly from overstrain-induced limping. However, if the condition is left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and disability. Therefore, if your dog is limping, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care.
