How can you help a limping pet? Apparently, a dog that is limping is in pain. Pet owners are very concerned with the welfare of the pet and for sure something will be done to alleviate the pain and the discomfort that burdens the pet. Dogs are naturally energetic and some breeds are noted to have high exercise requirements. As such, pet parents make sure that dogs are given opportunities to let off steam as this is an important technique of preventing the pet from developing unwanted behaviors. Movement makes a limping dog uncomfortable so how can the pet meet its exercise requirement?

The dog’s impaired mobility can be caused by several factors. Nothing much can be done if the limp is caused by a broken bone as this case would naturally need a vet’s knowhow. A dog owner can determine what makes the dog limp by examining the pet thoroughly. Home remedies can be given to a limping dog if the pain and discomfort is caused by a torn toenail, by a thorn embedded on foot pads or simply by a rock that is lodged between the toes. To ease the dog’s discomfort you simply need to remove the thorn, clean the wound with warm water and apply antibiotic ointment. Our four legged friends are tough and as soon as the wound is healed, the dog would be its usual energetic self.

Dogs are very energetic thus it would not be surprising is pulled muscles, sprains or soft tissue trauma would happen. This is another cause of limping that would not need a vet’s attention as the common treatment is rest to allow the affected muscle or joint to heal completely. The dog’s mobility may be restricted by the limp but being highly energetic, dogs would still try to use the injured limb so that a dog owner would be challenged to restrain the dog. Confining the dog to a crate would force the dog to rest.

The age of the dog may have something to do with the impaired mobility. Limping is common in mature dogs as the deterioration of joints and ligaments results to painful movements . Impaired mobility and limping is seen in dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia and abnormality of hip and leg bones.

These cases certainly call for a vet’s attention especially if it is apparent that the dog is in excruciating pain. Thorough physical examination and x-rays will be necessary to properly diagnose the condition of the dog. Limping dogs would suffer immense pain thus vets commonly prescribe medications to alleviate the pain and discomfort.

At Sarah’s Dogs you can read more about what to do if the dog is limping, first aid for dogs and many other interesting dog facts.

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