# Why Is My Dog Limping UK? — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-limping-uk): Why Is My Dog Limping UK? — Quick answer. A limping dog is usually protecting a painful leg. Check the paw first for thorns, cuts, torn nails, or swelling between the toes. If lameness lasts more than 24 hours, worsens, or follows an injury, see your vet — sudden hind-leg limping in active dogs can signal a cruciate ligament tear.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-limping-uk): Why Is My Dog Limping UK? — Check the paw first. Many limps start in the foot. Gently inspect: - Pads for cuts, burns, or foreign objects (grass seeds, glass) - Nails for splits, breaks, or overgrown nails catching on fabric - Toes and webbing for swelling, redness, or grass seed abscesses - Between the toes for interdigital cysts or foreign bodies If you find a minor cut, clean it and restrict activity. Deep wounds, torn nails with bleeding, or embedded objects need vet care.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-limping-uk): Why Is My Dog Limping UK? — Common causes. | Cause | Typical signs | |-------|---------------| | Paw injury | Sudden onset, localised to one foot | | Arthritis | Gradual, worse after rest, common in seniors | | Cruciate ligament tear | Sudden hind-leg lameness, may not bear weight | | Hip dysplasia | Hind-limb lameness from puppyhood or young adult | | Soft tissue strain | After exercise, improves with rest | | Fracture or dislocation | Non-weight-bearing, deformity, trauma history |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-limping-uk): Why Is My Dog Limping UK? — What to do at home. - Rest on a lead for toilet breaks only - Apply a cold compress for 10 minutes if swelling is recent (not open wounds) - Do not give human painkillers — ibuprofen and paracetamol are toxic - Book a vet appointment if lameness persists beyond 24 hours

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-limping-uk): Why Is My Dog Limping UK? — When to call your vet. Contact your vet if lameness lasts more than a day, worsens, or your dog cannot bear weight. Emergency care for obvious fracture, open wound with bone visible, or lameness after a road accident.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-limping-uk