Causes and Treatment of Limping in Dogs

Lameness in dogs is often the sign of a painful condition, such as a pulled muscle, broken bone or sprained ligament. There are many reasons for a dog to limp. No matter what the cause is, limping is typically a reaction to pain. The first warning sign of strains or sprains may be that your dog starts to limp or is suddenly lame, meaning they can't use their leg. Younger dogs (less than a year or 18 months of age) may develop sudden lameness from congenital conditions.  In senior dogs, arthritis can cause pain in the joints, causing difficulty in movement and overall health. Read How to help your limping dog?