Why Is My Dog Limping?

Limping in dogs ranges from a minor paw pad irritation to a serious orthopedic injury. The key is assessing severity: is your dog still putting some weight on the leg, or holding it completely off the ground?

Weight-bearing lameness (still using the leg but favoring it) is generally less urgent and often caused by minor muscle strains, a thorn in the paw pad, mild arthritis flares, or early ligament issues. Non-weight-bearing lameness (holding the leg up entirely) suggests more significant injury — a fracture, a ruptured cruciate ligament, or a dislocated joint.

Check your dog's paw pads and between the toes for cuts, thorns, foxtails, or swelling. Run your hand gently along the leg feeling for heat, swelling, or a pain response. Watch how your dog moves — intermittent limping that comes and goes may indicate arthritis, while sudden onset after play or jumping may indicate a soft tissue injury.

For older dogs, osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic or recurring limping, especially after rest. Large breed puppies can develop conditions like panosteitis ("growing pains") or hip dysplasia. Active dogs are prone to cruciate ligament tears, which often start as intermittent limping and worsen over time.

If the limping started after a known event (jumping off furniture, rough play), it's likely a soft tissue injury that may improve with 48 hours of strict rest. If it started with no obvious cause in an older dog, arthritis is the most likely explanation.