Symptom triage · dogs, cats and horses
Limping and lameness
Limping or lameness
Quick answer
PETHEALTH+ rates limping and lameness as not usually an emergency — book a routine vet appointment in the next day or two. See the linked UK guides for likely causes and what to do, or use the free symptom checker for instant triage. Information only, not a diagnosis.
Guides for limping and lameness
Dogs
Why Is My Dog Limping?
A limping dog is usually protecting a painful leg.
Cats
Cat Limping: UK Causes & When to See a Vet
Cats hide pain well — **any limp lasting more than 24 hours** or **non-weight-bearing** on a leg needs a vet check.
Horses
Laminitis in Horses
**Laminitis** is painful inflammation of the hoof laminae and affects roughly 1 in 10 UK horses each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is limping and lameness an emergency in pets?
- Not usually an emergency, but it does need a vet. Book a routine appointment in the next day or two, sooner if your pet stops eating or deteriorates.
- Which pets does limping and lameness affect?
- This triage topic applies to dogs, cats and horses. If your pet shows these signs, use the free PETHEALTH+ symptom checker for instant triage or phone your vet.
- What should I do right now?
- PETHEALTH+ rates this as not usually an emergency — book a routine vet appointment in the next day or two. The guides linked on this page explain likely causes and what your vet may suggest. Information only, not a diagnosis.
Not sure how urgent it is?
Answer two questions and the free PETHEALTH+ symptom checker will tell you whether to phone a vet now, today, or monitor at home.