Dog Suddenly Limping and Won't Put Weight on Leg: Sprain, Bone Spurs, or Something Else?

One moment your dog is happily running and jumping, the next they're suddenly holding up one leg and limping—this always makes owners anxious. Causes of limping range from minor foreign objects in paw pads to serious fractures. Learning to make an initial assessment and handle the situation correctly can help your furry friend recover faster.

## Common Causes of Limping in Dogs

### Paw Injuries or Foreign Objects

The easiest cause to rule out is a problem with the paw itself:

* Cut by glass shards, splinters, or small stones
* Nails grown too long and curving into paw pads
* Paw pads burned (on hot summer pavement) or frostbitten
* Foreign objects stuck between toes

In these cases, dogs typically hold up their paw and lick it. You can start by checking the paw for obvious wounds.

### Sprains and Strains

If your dog recently made sudden sprinting movements, sharp turns, or jumped down from a height, they may have injured muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

Typical signs of a sprain:

* Mild limping, but occasionally still able to bear light weight
* Swelling at the injured area
* Limited range of motion
* Pain response when touching the affected area

### Cruciate Ligament Rupture

This is the most common serious cause of sudden hind leg limping in dogs. The cruciate ligament is located in the knee joint, and when it ruptures, the joint becomes unstable.

Characteristics:

1. Hind leg suddenly unable to bear weight
2. Swelling around the knee
3. Leg extends outward when sitting
4. Usually requires surgical treatment

### Luxating Patella (Common in Small Breeds)

Toy Poodles, Bichons, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and other small breeds are prone to the kneecap slipping out of its normal position.

The typical presentation is "three-legged hopping"—walking a few steps then suddenly holding up one leg and hopping, then returning to normal after a while.

### Arthritis and Bone Spurs

More common in senior dogs or large breeds, usually progressive:

* Limping more noticeable in the morning after waking or after rest
* Worsens in cold weather
* Improves somewhat after moving around for a while
* Difficulty with stairs or jumping

## How to Initially Assess Severity

| Severity | Signs | Recommendation |
|----------|-------|----------------|
| Mild | Occasional limping while walking, still willing to bear weight | Observe for 24-48 hours |
| Moderate | Obvious limping, reluctantly bearing weight | Restrict activity, see vet if no improvement in 1-2 days |
| Severe | Won't bear weight at all or holds leg up | Seek immediate veterinary care |

## Initial Home Care

If you assess it as a mild sprain, you can try home care:

* **Ice pack** (within 48 hours of injury): 15 minutes each time, 3 times daily
* **Warm compress** (after 48 hours): Promotes blood circulation, temperature around 40°C
* **Restrict activity**: Avoid running and jumping, only short walks outside
* **Monitor recovery**: If improvement within 3 days, usually not serious

**Never** give your dog human pain medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.)—these cause serious liver and kidney toxicity!

## Situations Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care

Don't wait in these situations—take your dog to the vet immediately:

* Can't bear any weight, leg held up and won't touch the ground
* Obvious swelling or deformity of the leg
* Open wound or bleeding
* Limping accompanied by fever, vomiting, or extreme lethargy
* Mild limping not improving after 24 hours
* Young large breed dog with front leg limping (may be a warning sign of bone cancer)

## Daily Tips to Prevent Limping

* Trim nails regularly to avoid overgrowth causing discomfort
* Check paws after outings and remove foreign objects
* Avoid walking on excessively hot pavement
* Control weight to reduce joint stress
* Limit jumping for high-risk breeds (like Dachshunds and Corgis)
* Senior dogs should take joint supplements and maintain moderate exercise

There are many causes for dog limping—some will resolve on their own, while others need timely treatment. When in doubt, it's better to make an extra trip to the vet than to let a small problem become a big one.

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**References:**
* https://www.dogcatstar.com/blog/lameness-in-dogs/
* https://www.mons-pet.com/blogs/knowledge/167936
* https://www.hills.com.tw/dog-care/healthcare/dog-sprained-leg-signs-and-treatment
* https://www.poaipets.com.tw/狗狗縮腳/
* https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/why-is-my-dog-limping
* https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-is-my-dog-limping/

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