A sore paw, or more?
Limping is one of the most common reasons dog owners call our emergency medicine team. Sometimes it's nothing more than a sore paw. Other times, it’s the first sign of a torn ligament, fracture, or infection that needs immediate treatment.
So how can you tell the difference? At BluePearl Irvine, we help pet owners make that call every day. This guide will help you assess your dog’s limp and know when it’s safe to wait – and when it’s time to come in.
Common reasons dogs limp.
- Muscle strain or sprain
- Torn toenail or paw pad injury
- Foreign body (like a foxtail)
- Joint dislocation or fracture
- Cruciate ligament tear (like ACL injuries in humans)
- Insect stings or bites
- Infection or abscess
- Neurologic issues or spinal pain
When is limping a medical emergency?
Get veterinary care as soon as possible if your dog is:
- Refusing to put any weight on the limb
- Yelping or crying out when touched or moved
- Showing swelling or visible injury
- Bleeding from the paw or leg
- Limping after trauma (e.g., fall, dog fight, car impact)
- Dragging a limb or knuckling the paw
- Limping along with lethargy, fever, or shaking
What to do if your dog is limping – FAQ.
Limping is fairly common in dogs and isn’t always an emergency. Minor strains, sore paws, or a little too much playtime can cause a temporary limp. However, some limping points to deeper problems that require urgent medical attention.
There are many potential reasons your dog might be limping, including:
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains
- Cuts, torn nails, or injured paw pads
- Debris (e.g., foxtails or thorns) lodged in the paw
- Broken bones or dislocated joints
- Cruciate ligament injuries (similar to ACL tears in people)
- Bug bites or stings
- Abscesses or infections
- Neurological conditions affecting balance or coordination
It’s time to head to the vet immediately if your dog:
- Won’t put any weight on the affected leg
- Cries out or flinches when you touch the area
- Has visible swelling, bleeding, or deformity
- Is limping after a fall, rough play, or vehicle accident
- Drags a limb, knuckles their paw, or seems disoriented
- Has a limp along with other symptoms like fever or shaking
Yes, in some cases. If your dog:
- Shows only slight limping
- Doesn't seem bothered when the leg is touched
- Is eating, drinking, and acting normally
You can try rest, restrict exercise, and monitor for 1-2 days. If the limp doesn’t improve or gets worse, it’s time to get them checked out.
At BluePearl Irvine, we begin with a full orthopedic and pain assessment. Depending on the severity, we may recommend:
- Digital x-rays to rule out bone injuries
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications
- Referrals to surgical or neurological specialists if needed
Our goal is to quickly identify the source of the limp and start your dog on the road to recovery.
Yes – not all injuries are obvious from the outside. Ligament tears, infections, or nerve-related problems can cause limping without any surface signs.
Absolutely. We’re open 24/7 and see limping cases every day – from minor irritations to urgent orthopedic conditions. Walk-ins are welcome for emergency situations, or you can call ahead to speak with our team.
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