How to care for a limping dog
What can you do to ease the pain that makes a dog limp? 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. A limping dog though cannot meet its exercise requirement because of impaired mobility?
There are several reasons why the dog's ability to walk or to run is impaired. Nothing much can be done if the limp is caused by a broken bone as this case would naturally need a vet's knowhow. Other reasons for the dog's impaired mobility can be determined by a pet owner by doing a thorough hands-on examination on the dog. A limp that is caused by a damaged toenail, a thorn or a cut on the foot pads or a small rock that was lodged on the paws, can be easily remedied at home. To ease the dog's discomfort you simply need to remove the thorn, clean the wound with warm water and apply antibiotic ointment. If the limping is attributed to these simple causes, the dog will be up and about in no time.
Dogs are very energetic thus it would not be surprising is pulled muscles, sprains or soft tissue trauma would happen. Sprains or soft tissue trauma does not really need a vet consult as the condition can be righted simply by letting the dog rest. 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. To prevent the dog from using the injured foot, it would be best confine the pet in a crate.
Limping and impaired mobility is commonly seen in older dogs. 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 would put the pet under agonizing pain thus a pet owner has to bring the pet to a veterinary facility as soon as possible so that the pain the dog is suffering from can be alleviated. Thorough physical examination and x-rays will be necessary to properly diagnose the condition of the dog. Vets commonly prescribe pain medications to ease the pain that is felt by the dog.
There are several reasons why the dog's ability to walk or to run is impaired. Nothing much can be done if the limp is caused by a broken bone as this case would naturally need a vet's knowhow. Other reasons for the dog's impaired mobility can be determined by a pet owner by doing a thorough hands-on examination on the dog. A limp that is caused by a damaged toenail, a thorn or a cut on the foot pads or a small rock that was lodged on the paws, can be easily remedied at home. To ease the dog's discomfort you simply need to remove the thorn, clean the wound with warm water and apply antibiotic ointment. If the limping is attributed to these simple causes, the dog will be up and about in no time.
Dogs are very energetic thus it would not be surprising is pulled muscles, sprains or soft tissue trauma would happen. Sprains or soft tissue trauma does not really need a vet consult as the condition can be righted simply by letting the dog rest. 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. To prevent the dog from using the injured foot, it would be best confine the pet in a crate.
Limping and impaired mobility is commonly seen in older dogs. 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 would put the pet under agonizing pain thus a pet owner has to bring the pet to a veterinary facility as soon as possible so that the pain the dog is suffering from can be alleviated. Thorough physical examination and x-rays will be necessary to properly diagnose the condition of the dog. Vets commonly prescribe pain medications to ease the pain that is felt by the dog.
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At Sarah's Dogs you can read more about what to do if the dog is limping and many other interesting dog facts.
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