Dog Limping: When to See a Vet
Quick answer
PDSA says to contact your vet immediately if your dog is in severe pain, cannot put a leg down, or has a serious wound. For any other limp or stiffness, contact your vet too: some dogs hide pain, so even a mild limp is worth checking. Minor injuries and arthritis are the most common causes. Never give a dog human painkillers.
From PDSA. Not veterinary or financial advice. Worried about your pet now?
On this page (6 sections)
When to call
- Immediately: severe pain, cannot put a leg down, or a serious wound.
- Soon: any limp or stiffness. PDSA notes some dogs hide pain, so see a vet even if it seems minor.
- Still worried? Contact your vet anyway.
Out of hours: find an emergency vet. Source: PDSA Pet Health Hub, Limping and stiffness in dogs.
Signs you may notice
Holding a leg up, reluctance to jump or use stairs, stiffness after rest, swollen legs or joints, walking slowly, licking or over-grooming one spot, an unusual gait, and general slowing down. Source: PDSA Pet Health Hub, Limping and stiffness in dogs.
Common causes
PDSA lists minor injuries and arthritis as the most common causes. Others include:
- Injuries: sprains, strains, wounds, claw injuries, something stuck in the foot (glass, grass seeds), broken bones, dislocations.
- Front legs: shoulder or elbow dysplasia, bone growth problems.
- Back legs: hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation, cruciate ligament injury.
- Any leg: arthritis, panosteitis in young dogs, joint infection, nerve or spine problems, bone tumours.
Source: PDSA Pet Health Hub, Limping and stiffness in dogs.
No human painkillers
Medicines for people, including ibuprofen and paracetamol, can poison dogs. Only give pain relief your vet prescribes. If your dog has already eaten some: my dog ate something.
Questions people ask
When should I take my limping dog to the vet?
PDSA says immediately if your dog is in severe pain, cannot put a leg down or has a serious wound, and to contact your vet for any limp or stiffness, because some dogs hide pain.
What are the most common causes of limping in dogs?
PDSA lists minor injuries and arthritis as the most common causes, with others including grass seeds or glass in the foot, cruciate ligament injury, kneecap dislocation and hip or elbow dysplasia.
Can I give my dog ibuprofen for a limp?
No. Human painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can poison dogs. Only give pain relief your vet prescribes.
Sources
- PDSA Pet Health Hub, Limping and stiffness in dogs, read 11 November 2026.