Leg Pain in Dogs
It's not always obvious when your dog is having leg pain. Instinctually, dogs are good at hiding discomfort — a survival behavior passed down from their wolf ancestors — so we don't always realize they're struggling until the issue becomes serious. Leg pain can come on suddenly or develop gradually. Below we cover common symptoms, causes, and ways to help with this common problem.
Symptoms of Leg Pain
If your dog appears to be in serious leg pain with an obvious limp, we highly recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian right away. A gradual-onset limp happens slowly over time — your dog may start walking more slowly or seem reluctant to do normal activities. Sudden limps happen quickly and usually occur after an injury or trauma; sometimes a sharp object lodges in a paw, or a nail breaks and causes pain. Knowing whether the limp is sudden or gradual can help your vet determine possible causes and help you decide whether it's an emergency.
If your dog is favoring one leg or limping while walking or running, it indicates pain in that leg. A dog with leg pain will often groom the leg excessively, and may seem withdrawn, have changes in mood, or prefer to hide in a safe place. Get in the habit of watching how your dog stretches, walks, runs, and jumps. When healthy, your dog's motions are graceful and balanced; if you pay attention, you'll notice subtle symptoms like stiffness, loss of energy, tenderness, restricted movement, or a slight change of gait.
Causes of Leg Pain
The causes of limping are varied, and with a thorough history and physical examination — sometimes involving x-rays or other tests — your vet should be able to help determine the cause. Limping in dogs may be associated with one or more of the following:
- Joint disease such as arthritis, associated with degenerative conditions like inflammation
- An infection or infectious condition
- Sprain or fracture
- Muscle inflammation (myositis)
- Tendonitis
- Nerve injury
- Injury to foot pads or nails
- Foot or toe injury
- Hip dysplasia
- ACL injury
- Luxating patella
Whatever the cause, give your dog time to rest to aid recovery, and work with your veterinarian on the right approach.
Medication for Leg Pain
If you give a pain medication, it's important to know that anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, and pain medications are not a treatment or a cure for your dog's underlying condition — they address symptoms. Medications prescribed by a vet, such as Galliprant, Tramadol, and Prednisone, all have potential side effects and should only be used at the smallest dose for the shortest period to provide temporary relief. Before giving any of these to your dog, please read up on them and the safety risks involved. Addressing the underlying issue often involves other approaches such as joint supplements, weight management, exercise, and special diets.
A Daily Joint-Support Option
If you're looking for an all-natural daily option to support your dog's joints, consider our joint supplement. Flexpet is formulated to support joint health in pets — without prescription medication. Supplements take a little more time to build up in your pet, and to maintain support they should be taken daily. Flexpet is built around CM8® (cetyl myristoleate), a naturally occurring fatty acid studied for its role in supporting joint comfort and a healthy inflammatory response. Flexpet is a supplement, not a medication — it isn't intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it isn't a substitute for veterinary care. Flexpet also contains:
- Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium — a naturally occurring compound that plays a key role in cartilage construction and the incorporation of sulfur into cartilage.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) — a naturally occurring sulfur compound; sulfur is needed by the body to form connective tissue.
- Hydrolyzed Collagen Type II — a building block of the cartilage that cushions the joints, providing tissue-oriented nutritional support.
- Bromelain — a plant enzyme found in pineapple that supports a healthy inflammatory response.
- Enzyme Blend — helps the body absorb larger molecules like CM8® so your pet gets the most from each serving.
Both our chewable tablets and soft chews are designed to nourish the joints, support healthy cartilage, support the joint's natural lubricating fluid, and support a healthy inflammatory response.
The Flexpet Guarantee
At Flexpet, we're dog owners and dog lovers too. We back Flexpet with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee — try a 90-day supply with no financial risk, and if you're not satisfied with the results, simply return your first order (up to three empty pouches/bottles) for a full refund of the purchase price, less shipping and handling.
Questions? Our customer care team is available M–F, 9am–6pm EST at 1-800-505-0575, or by email. Flexcin International, Inc.