Should I walk my dog if they are limping?

Rest the leg until you know the cause. Short toilet breaks on a lead are fine; avoid runs, jumps, and stairs until your vet advises otherwise.

Why is my dog limping suddenly on the back leg?

Sudden hind-limb lameness can be a paw injury, muscle strain, or a cruciate ligament tear — especially in active or overweight dogs. A vet exam is recommended.

Can a dog limp without being in pain?

Limping usually means discomfort, though some dogs hide pain well. Always investigate lameness rather than waiting it out.

When is limping an emergency?

Seek urgent care if the leg looks deformed, the dog cannot bear any weight, there is an open wound or swelling with fever, or limping follows a fall or road accident.

Dog Health

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](/glossary/cruciate-ligament)**.

Key takeaways

Rest the leg until you know the cause. Short toilet breaks on a lead are fine; avoid runs, jumps, and stairs until your vet advises otherwise.
Sudden hind-limb lameness can be a paw injury, muscle strain, or a cruciate ligament tear — especially in active or overweight dogs. A vet exam is recommended.
Limping usually means discomfort, though some dogs hide pain well. Always investigate lameness rather than waiting it out.

The full picture

Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.

Read the full guide Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I walk my dog if they are limping?: Rest the leg until you know the cause. Short toilet breaks on a lead are fine; avoid runs, jumps, and stairs until your vet advises otherwise.
Why is my dog limping suddenly on the back leg?: Sudden hind-limb lameness can be a paw injury, muscle strain, or a cruciate ligament tear — especially in active or overweight dogs. A vet exam is recommended.
Can a dog limp without being in pain?: Limping usually means discomfort, though some dogs hide pain well. Always investigate lameness rather than waiting it out.
When is limping an emergency?: Seek urgent care if the leg looks deformed, the dog cannot bear any weight, there is an open wound or swelling with fever, or limping follows a fall or road accident.

Reviewed 2026-07-19 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.