Limping Dog on a Rear Leg: Things to Consider 

It’s shocking how people respond to each other. This Vet was merely trying to offer a self help video on checking your dog if limping. Here come all of the righteous folks who don’t have an ounce of compassion for another human being. I can only hope that none of you holier than thou folks never have an unexpected adversity in your lives. According to you people if a person becomes down on their luck, loses their job or gets sick and can’t work they should all get rid of their pets because they don’t have unlimited funds for vet care. Shame on the lot of you. Why don’t you offer something constructive instead of tearing others down.

It can take a week or two for the pain to completely go away! If she's still limping in a week or so or gets worse, have her checked out

The body is amazing and resilient. It can handle most sprains, strains, and even torn ligaments in time. Weeks for mild conditions and months for more severe injuries like tendons

Excellent Greg. I've never had a virtual pet consultation before. It was good. I have a Chihuahua, 7yrs old. I understand problems with hip joints can be common with this breed. Sometimes, like in the morning or after she's been lying down for a while she is reluctant to weight bare. Another subscriber to add to your very healthy list. Thank you for your help.

Thank you for sharing is very informative. I will try it on my dog. He's been limping for some time now and he is only 3yrs...

Our 5 year old Yorkie is experiencing some limping for the first time today and I found your video extremely helpful. I mimicked your check-up (as best I could!) and she didn't respond with any yelps. I'll monitor her limp and hopefully it will clear up by the weekend or I will see our local vet for a check-up. It's very admirable that you offer free advice and videos on animal care, when other vets easily charge for this info. Thank you so much, what a wonderful doc!

My Yorkie is one year old and has been limping a few weeks. I had blood work done and all went well. Next I am having a x-ray but I wanted to thank you for giving free advice. It really is helpful and from reading the posts it helps even more than you can ever realize. For al those that don't take time to thank you, I say: Thank You!!!

Just wanted to thank you for your video, my Doug's leg was shaking, she was making little noises of distress. I did the exam and lo and behold discovered she had been stung by a bee. She is fine now, stinger is out and you saved me a costly vet visit and my dog from extended misery waiting to see a vet. Thank you! Thank you!

Thank you so much for posting this! I, for one, appreciate your time in giving this good, simple advice. My dog was limping on her right hind leg this morning. She hadn't done anything (as far as we know). So I'm going to do what you did in this video and see if I can find the problem!

Hi Peg, Glad the channel helps! I enjoy sharing and explaining these medical issues in a way they can be understood

@dwewe622 There are many common things that everyone can check for. Glad these videos help.Thanks for watching

Take him in if painful. You can try aspirin. dr greg's 11 practical home remedies at dogdishdietcom. It's free

If she does not improve, or feels badly, take her to get checked out. The unofficial rule is three to fours days

As long as she can walk on it, you can usually wait a day or two.You can give her a baby aspirin twice daily for a couple days. My free download 11 practical home remedies at dogdishdietcom has dosages for aspirin and antihistamine

Thank you, my mini Aussie is over weight and has been for 2-3 yrs. I’ve tried every expensive kibble and finally saw the light with feeding a balanced raw diet and finally saw some weight loss. Still not enough but working on cutting her back slowly. Back when the planets aligned I had taken her and her brother who’s currently dealing with autoimmune stuff himself, to go walk and observe the planets aligning, I opened the back door she hopped out before I could catch her, normally she waits but she was excited and I stupid to assume she’d wait watched her land. She landed or fell and immediately plopped her butt down yet never cried but immediately limped around so of course I took her home, carefully gave doggy aspirin and since then hoped it was a sprain yet today she’s still not putting lots of weight on her back left leg. She can and does run to chase her ball but walking is when I see the limp and discomfort. I’m getting her in soon, she’s had a sprain in that leg before that healed within a couple weeks but this time it hasn’t :/

Thank you Dr. Martinez. You are truly a kind person sharing knowledge.

Thanks so much for ALL your info. Most vets hold their info for the very expensive visits only. Your love for animals versus making money is very imperative and comforting in times when our desperate need for info when they are hurt. (cont)

I am so happy for you and her!

Could be a muscle strain, hip problem, stifle problem.Aspirin for a few days may help. Check out Dr Gregs free 11 practical home remedies download at dogdishdietcom

You would usually wait 2 days. Make sure and checked for wounds, bumps, broken nails, and stickers. You can use aspirin for a couple days if needed. The dose is in the free download at dogdishdietcom

Thanks for the walkthrough doc, with your guidance I was able to find a blood blister on one of the pads of my Border Collie's hind feet (likely from a recent hike we went on).

Chondroitin glucosamine msm and fish oil caps are the first supplement for arthritis and joint issues. Low doses of prednisone may help with pain and stiffness

Thank you doctor, I live out in the country and our country vet retired. A good doctor doesn't have to charge for common sense advice. Thank you for you love and support of all animals and owners!!

My Anatolian had problems about a month ago, we just lost our little Jack Russell, we thought he was mourning. Everything happened all at once. He was feeling ill and more. I finally took him to our old vet, he discovered he had perianal fistulae. So now he's on medication. When we lost our other dog, we decided to take him on car rides last month, that was the first time he experienced problems with his hind end. We kept him up for about six days. He had been doing well until yesterday. Suddenly he can't put weight on his right leg at all. I've checked him all over. It's just horrible going through all of this. I love this boy so much..I'll be shattered if he's not well. He's just turned eight. Thank you for this video.

Thank you! Our 9 month GSD puppy is very active and gets regular exercise. Several days ago, we heard him getting up in his crate and he began yelping. We went in to see what was up and my guess is that he was laying on his back and when he went to roll over he got a hind leg stuck because he was immediately holding it up! We have crate rested, hand walked and he seems to do better walking but very stiff at first. This video will help us locate where he is sore. Because as of now, any palpating we do he does not react. But when he stops on his walk he will occasionally hold his right hind leg up. His limp seems not so exaggerated. We will take him in this week for an xray but I am thinking he torqued something just the way he yelped and the crate was rattling. Thanks again.

Thank you for your quick response it's greatly appreciated. I'll definitely take him back to the vet if it doesn't get better. Thanks once again 😊😊

@mybeautifulbailey You didn't say it was painful, so it may be the suture rubbing. Often the stabilizing suture may rub across the side of the joint and make a sound. Once your dog starts walking with more weight on it, it make stop rubbing. It could also be the meniscus, but that usually doesn't make too much noise. My practice is in the garlic capital of the world Gilroy, Ca

@mybeautifulbailey You are welcome glad to help

Thank you SO much. My (too fat) Cheagle started limping after chasing a squirrel. I kind of felt around, but this explanation helped me give her a thorough exam at home. It's a muscle sprain, which makes me feel much better about how to care for her. Taking her to the Vet stresses her out for days (she's a rescue that has a tragic History) so we try to limit care to Home visits if possible. Avoiding the stress of an x-ray is the best thing, and I can just make sure she is comfy. THANK YOU!

Thanks Greg, he started keeping his leg on the floor, may be it was some kind of strain due to fall, he is much better now.. Appreciate you reply..

Hope that she feels much better!

Thank you so much for your response. We took her to our local vet and found out she had a spine injury. With high doses of stroids and antioboits she seems to be doing much better. We just have to limit her running and jumping now..But surgery is still an option

my dog is 14yrs old and Iv notice she has loads of lumps you can pick her skin up and feel the lumps she has also got a growth on her back like a wart and now she has a limp on her back leg

Love your advice and videos. Thank you 👏🏼

@mybeautifulbailey Sounds like part of the healing process. It's great she's putting weight on it.

@TheAM2333 If it is really painful and wobbly get it checked. Could be a bite sting or break. Aspirin or benadryl may help. Check free home remedies dogdishdietcom

So what made the swelling in the dogs leg?

I found this video really helpful in understanding some of the key things to look out for with lameness. 2 weeks ago my 3 year old lab starting limping on his rear leg after resting but after a few steps he's fine. He's not in any pain but there has been no improvement, the first few steps after resting seem to cause him a problem. I'll be following your video guide to make sure I've covered off everything before I take him to the vet.

Hopefully she'll continue to improve!

We use dexdormitor or torbugesic for sedation to check for an ACL tear. We often do not tranquilize to check the leg for joint pain and localize the area. Swollen foot pads are usually either a bacterial infection, yeast infection, contact allergy or food allergy. Try eliminating wheat from the diet(no biscuits, chews). You can try cortisone ointment on the feet or 1/10 vinegar for yeast infection and bacterial infection twice daily

dude u sre amazing i thought that my dog had a sprained ancle but she just had a rash and after a few days she was all good thanks bud!!!!

Hey Greg! My dog isn’t bearing any weight in her back leg. She’s favoring it. She got into a scuffle with another dog last night. I’ll give it the four day rule. What kind of pain medication can we give dogs? Over the counter medicine? I would really appreciate your feedback ❤

Good job! Hope she's OK!

You can easily wait a day. You can give a low dose aspirin per 10 pounds twice daily for a few days. Check out Dr Gregs free 11 practical home remedies at dogdishdietcom

I would love to help, but I really would have to see and feel the pup to help. It can be quite a few different things. Those symptoms sound really bad!

Hi Doc! She's a Pom & 8.8lbs. She walks and kicks just fine since yesterday after I took her on a long walk. Then today she started limping for brief bit, and then again, it went away. She has no problem putting weight on the leg when we're on walks. Is it possible dogs can get used to acting a certain way, for instance using only 3 legs, and adapting to it by matter of habit? I will continue the walks. Thank you for your advice, you are a true dog lover, the community is lucky to have you.

Usually a strain or pain. Too sudden and painful for a tick disease. Time and aspirin may help. Free download with dosages at dogdishdietcom (Dr Greg's 11 Practical Home Remedies )

@elibeth121 I have seen many bowlegged dogs do just fine. No reason to worry too much if the way he or she gets around seems ok and not painful

Dear Doctor, My 9 month old Lab who weights 28.8kgs suddenly started limping(Right Hind Leg) since this morning. I checked his paw but had nothing and I also tried moving his joints and feeling his muscles but he showed no signs of pain. Kindly help. Regards,

Thank you, he is good now. he is walking and running normal now. he must have just irritated it somehow

Thank you for this, my very active dog came back from a potty break in the yard limping. Will check on him based on this video.

@andreaoldham Pitts commonly injure their ACL ligaments but other causes of pain in the hindquarters could be from the lower back or the hips. These other causes should be visible on the x rays or feeling when the pain comes from. If the stifles are extended and they hurt,that's where the problem is.Be thankful that the pain is mild. Make sure she gets glucosamine chondroitin daily 1 cap or a chicken wing 2-3x weekly(Dog Dish Diet) Fish oil caps 1-2 daily also help

hey doc , my 3 years old terrier was fine last night , but couldnt walk on his rear legs this morning ... tried everything on your video and there was no signs of pain or discomfort , can you help or instruct in any kinda of way ? thanks !

Hello Dr. Martinez, I have an 8 year old corgie/ fox terrier mix and on Friday she began limping in her left back leg. Saturday she was still walking but limping and could not go down the stairs. Sunday she didn't seem to want to walk so I took her to a vet who touched around her back and legs and said maybe she sprained her knee and gave me pain meds and an inflammatory medication. Monday she was still limping but walking ok. Monday night both legs were completely limp and she could not move her back legs at all. I took her to the ER where they ran no tests but said she would need Emergency surgery. They said "it seems" like she could have degenerative myelopathy, or a blood clot or cancer but they don't know. I opted out and they gave me a steroid to give her and said to just keep her on meds and in the cage for months and see what happens. I was heartbroken so Tuesday morning I went to a 3rd vet and demanded x-rays to be done. The x-rays came back showing a space or 2 spaces in the vertebrae but the vet can't determine what caused it, or if it indeed a blood clot or the spinal disease etc, just says we need surgery but cannot guarantee it will work. However all 3 vets advised me that she does have sensation bec she feel the pain when they did a hard pain test. It is now Wed and I don't want to let her sit in pain or can't enjoy the quality of life she deserves. I read about dog wheelchairs. But with the docs telling me to keep her caged for months, won't she eventually lose the sensation and then be completely paralyzed? I'm afraid if I put her in a wheelchair now, while she has pain then it will make it worse. Please, I am extremely grateful on any advice or understanding you can provide. Thank You

A check up is always a good thing. Muscle pulls, strains, and sprains take a week or two to heal

@SensualCoconuts07 Shih's are ofter very allergic to grasses and their paws get very red and inflamed. Try some cortisone ointment from the drugstore, That will sometimes help also

I have a 4 year old Miniature Australian Sheppard. About 6 montsh ago she came out of her crate and fell to the floor yelping, we thought her leg was broken. After feeling it and extending she did not cry at all I simply gave her aspirin and and she was fine in a day. This has happened twice since then lasting a day, leading me to belive maybe arthrits? on Tuesday she would not come out of her crate at all. I left the door open she did not come out all day, so I took her out and carried her downstairs. she would not get up. Finally that evening I had to lether out to use bathroom, caried her out there and she gingerly limped and went down deck steps. She is eating and drinking, wagging her tail, no fever or whimpering as if in pain, but simply will only walk (slowly and gingerly) to use the bathroom. Today is Thursday and this has been going on since Tuesday. I am giving her Dog Aspirin/anti inflammaroty and Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Hello Dr.Greg Martinez what happens if your dog won't put no weight on their foot?My dog Bella was running outside and she stopped and start licking her foot and limping.When I took a look the bottom of her paw was a little red and she is having no problems with resting and no yelping.What should I do.

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully it is just a sprain or kneecap problem and not a break. The vet should be able to localize the pain and help her with treatment

Sprained or fractured toes can takes weeks to heal. May be a toenail infection causing the swelling if the toenail/toe area is painful or red

My dog is hurting and I did that exam and only sore spot was that same muscle as dog in video. What is next step

My dog had the same exact reaction in the same exact spot. He doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort unless we touch that same hip/leg area. Otherwise, he's fine. Any suggestions or an idea of what it might be? I've been seeing a lot of potential sprains/strains.

@DialgaPalkiaLover They often pull muscles or strain the leg during play. Sometimes the kneecap or patella is a bit sore. Try a baby aspirin twice daily for three days. If it gets worse , get it checked out

@bigcloud950 I adult aspirin per thirty pounds twice daily helps a bunch!

Hello. I have a 4 year old pomeranian. My dog has been limping for quite some time now. At first we thought his leg was numb because he tends to sleep on it. I've done everything in this video to determine if there is any pain in that leg, but we get no reaction from him. The limp goes away after massaging him a little bit. The limp comes back every time he naps or lies down for a while. What do you think it could be?

Hello. Quick questions in regards to this video. I have a 9 month old staffordshire who somehow in the 20 minutes I was outside managed to either strain or sprain his leg. He has been limping on it for the last 5 days. My room mate and I discovered that it feels as if there is a tendon in his "ankle" region that doesnt feel quite right (loose and disconnected) compared to his other leg. Approximately how long do either take to heal and is it common for dogs to lose all interest in food to the point of anorexia? Lethargic, doesnt want to play, has to be fed small amounts.. Should I hold off on his food for a few days or continue trying? Everything else is normal. Any advise would be a major help. Thank you and have a wonderful day

@firax456 Could be arthritis in the hips or back. His patellas may be slipping in and out also. You can use 1 pill glucosamine/chondroitin/msm daily for joint pain and 1 baby aspirin a couple times a day for a few days to see if it helps.

@SSRedBaron1 What kind of dog? How old? Did you check the nails, pads, and leg for swelling?

Hey Doctor, thank you so much for the video! I just had a quick question: For the past few days or even weeks, I've noticed that my 5 month old sheltie has a slight limp in his right hind leg. We just spent around half an hour checking it out by ourselves. I checked his paws, bones, muscles, hip and etc, but I cant seem to find anything and he doesn't seem to be in pain. But, when he starts running he doesn't put pressure on that leg. Sometimes it seems like he is fine, but then sometimes we can clearly tell he's running on 3s instead of all fours. Please, if you could give me some advice and let me know if this is worthy of a vet visit. Thank you so much!

My dog jumped down off of my couch and he whined and cried, and one now back left leg isn't being used. My dog is 8 years old. I don't know what to do, he's crying, WHAT DO I DO?! IS HE DYING SOMEONE F Ing REPLY! I'm worried! :((((

@TheAM2333 check for wounds and clean them up. Get him checked if big cuts, bumps, pain, or infection.

@Claya94 Does she limp front or back? Her back or hips may be sore if the back end is stiff or hurt

Thank you My beloved best friend Has a pulled muscle 90% positive He’s 6 years old. No yelping Just limping on both hind legs. Bought him some hip and joint Supplements. I consulted with our Vet. He does have an appointment coming up… in two weeks. I hope we can make until then lol I hate when he’s not feeling well. Rest is the name of the game. Btw thank you for this video

Could be a strain, Hip Dysplasia, or ACL problem. Could also be sore bones from growing if he has had a spurt. Hopefully it will improve. Check out my free 11 practical home remedies for dosage of aspirin at dogdishdietcom

Glad to hear he doesn't need surgery! I would feed him dry food or canned food that doesn't have wheat or barley. Good examples are "taste of the wild" and "natural balance" Add healthy meats, veggies, oils like I talk about in the "dog dish diet"

@panbazo007 Thanks for the additional diagnostic rule outs. For the lay public I often don't make it too complicated. But for students, techs, and vets watching I should include everything!

Could be a strained or torn ligament, arthritis, or Patella problems. Hard for me to know. Pain relievers like prednisone and walking May help

@Claya94 My own lab randomly limps on occasion and I xrayed everything. Turns out it's just him. You might not find anything in the xrays

Knee or hip issues are common with poms. Luxating patellas, hip arthritis, or a strain or sprain. If it doesn't get better in a few days, get it checked out!

I'm glad she is better. Let's hope the meds do their job and help!

@SeanydoggTV Feed her when you are looking or have someone hold her.

@SSRedBaron1 If he is growing fast, he could have painful joints that will get better in a few weeks. Give two aspirins twice daily for discomfort for a week to see if that helps. He could have pulled or strained a muscle. Get the leg checked out if it gets worse.

@sav0405 Sounds like he hurt it when he jumped out, May have broken something. Try aspirin 1 pill per 30 pounds twice daily for a day and if he is not better take him in to be checked out

It can take a couple weeks for a sprain or muscle pull to heal. Hope she's better!

Could have a strain or sprain. You can use an adult aspirin twice daily for four days. If it gets worse or keeps bothering her, then you may need to have it checked out. Shepherds are often affected by sore joints due to rapid growth that can last the duration of the growth spurt. They will have mild pain on and off

You've done what you can. He needs a check up to localize the problem. It can be stifles or hip problems, a muscle pull, or a strain. It sounds like medial luxating patellas if it is happening in both legs

He is limping on the right rear but seems painful all over.Hips and back were OK in x rays? ACL ligament OK? How long has this gone on? After vaccines?

Is the lump around a joint? Hip? knee? Hock?

Sprain, strain, or pulled muscle if he puts weight on it.It takes 4 days to a week or two to get better If it hurts or gets worse have it checked

It could be patella problems(painful luxating patellas common to toy breeds) or strained to torn ligaments in the knee.It Toy breeds can also have hip problems. If it is a strain he'll get better in a week or two

Could be hip dysplasia (arthritis in the hips)or a ligament injury in her stifle or knee. Other trauma could injure a joint anywhere that could take 3-6 weeks to heal. X rays and careful palpation should help localize the problem.

You can order a splint custom made, but too hard to keep wrapped. Symptoms are reluctance to walk, tires easily. Keep walking,taking care of her , and loving her

Commonly a strained muscle or joint. It often will take a few days to a week to heal. If he is in pain or it gets worse, he may need a check up and xrays

Hopefully he's OK

Wow this is truly helpful. My girl went into the bush and came out limping on her hind leg. I examed her nothing visible and touched her leg gently to see if it was something else. She's not vocalizing anything so time will tell. Thank you kindly ☺️

Sprains can last for a few days to a week.Get it checked If painful or lasts too much longer

Muscle strain, hip dysplasia, or ACL ligament strain or tear are possibilities. An exam and x rays may be needed

Thank you very much. I just examined my yorkie and found she has a pulled muscle in one of her hind legs as well... She tends to sit on that leg and upon standing and walking she limps and it tends to ease up once she's up and about... I can feel the swelling like a rubber ball and she'll quiver a bit when i squeeze it. I am going to give her a baby asprin for the pain and keep her from jumping off the couch or bed... You're wonderful... again , thanks :)

Check his pads and nails, then for swelling on leg. If nothing is apparent it may be a sprain or strain. Hip dyplasia or ligament injury to the stifle or knee could be the cause. If he puts weight on it while standing, doubtful that there is a break. If it does not improve in a week or so, you may need a check up for localization and diagnosis

This subject is the center of debate. Many feel we are taking too many dogs to surgery, when braces would work just fine with some. Many dogs in my practice have recovered without surgery in a few months. Haven't had experiences with braces, but that would be better than bearing all that weight on a sore leg.I think if a dog is really painful or has an unstable joint you could entertain surgery. Sounds like you could try a brace and rehab!