Dogs love playing fetch and this is probably their most favorite game. It is said that a dog will tend to play fetch games even if they are feeling a bit lazy or tired. Although it is the best sport for their muscles and to avoid boredom, this can cause some issues as well.
Fetch games require a great amount of leg activity and this factor can also injure them sometimes. So, if your dog starts limping after playing fetch, this article will give you proper guidelines to move forward.
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Why is my dog limping after playing fetch
Limping is when your dog cannot walk properly or cannot put his feet properly on the ground. It looks like he gets hurt whenever he tries to run or walk. The reason behind limping after playing fetch can be minor as if your dog has something stuck in his feet while sometimes it can be extremely serious like having an injury in the leg.
1. Something is stuck in the dog’s paw
Grass seeds, metal, glass, pebbles, and related small objects can get stuck in the dog’s paws which can affect their walking style. You should get this out with tweezers and wash the area to see how the dog is walking now.
2. Experiencing an overstretched muscle
After an extreme exercise or playing activities, your dog may get an over-stretched muscle mainly in the upper part of his legs which can cause him to limp for a few hours.
3. The dog has got injured
Small glass pieces or metal pins can injure your dog’s paw which can cause a cut or injury. Although this will take some time to heal but should be treated immediately to protect injury from germs.
4. An issue in their claws
If your dog has a habit of only walking on grass or soft surfaces, they may tend to limp while walking on abrasive surfaces or may even get issues of claws worn down as well.
5. The dog is aged
The bones of dogs can get weak and muscles can get stiff with increasing age. In this case, you should feed them healthy food after consulting a vet.
6. Your dog has an ache in his knees
Running a lot of jumping on a hard surface can cause knee aches which can be sometimes severe as well. This can also be a reason behind a dog’s limping and you should treat it with a proper ointment.
7. Experiencing Panosteitis
Puppies between the age of 5 months to 1 year can get some infection in their knees known as Panosteitis. This issue can be mitigated and vanished in a few months with growth.
8. Different types of limping
Limping can be different because the age and health conditions of a dog can dramatically change the actual cause and deep considerations behind this limping. It is important to know different kinds of limping so that you can choose the best solutions for your dog’s issue.
9. Sudden or immediate limping
Sudden or immediate limping that starts while playing fetch can be caused due to some injury or extreme pain in the dog’s legs. Your dog may have hit some sharp thing that has caused a cut or maybe experiencing a torn muscle or sometimes bone as well.
If your dog has become completely fine after some time, it is more than okay. But if the limping remains still or becomes even worse, you need to contact a vet immediately because sudden limping can sometimes have the most serious reason behind its occurrence.
10. Gradual limping
Gradual limping is a type that usually occurs periodically. It starts with a minor issue in the legs and then keeps on getting worse and eventually reaches a serious limping situation. The most basic and common reasons behind gradual onset limping include some muscle, joint, or bone disease such as hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, etc.
Should I consult a vet if my dog is limping
There Is no need to consult a vet if your dog has no visible injury or blood. You should only consult a vet for your dog if he is limping for more than a day now or may have completely stopped walking due to fear or pain.
This is the right time to immediately contact a vet and get your dog examined completely. If there are some inner issues or injuries, they need to be treated with proper care to make your dog healthy again instead of worsening the issue.
How to know that it is the right time to consult a vet
Some signs and situations are mentioned right below. If you notice any of these in your dog, it is probably the right time to visit your dog’s vet for better treatment.
- Your dog has completely avoided walking and is not willing to walk even if you force him.
- Extreme fever mainly above 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
- A bone of your dog is broken or fractured.
- Muscles or limbs have been swollen to extreme levels.
- A clear cut from where blood is flowing rapidly.
- Dogs are showing aggressive behavior or are trembling because of extreme pain.
- Unable to move his legs even while sitting.
How to treat the dog at home if he starts limping
If your dog is just limping and there isn’t an emergency, you can easily cure or treat them at your home. As a common solution, simply handle and move his paw gently to know the actual reason behind his limping. You will get an idea of whether his paw is swollen, hot, or has something stuck under his paw. I
1. Using Antiseptic Ointment
If there are some minor cuts, injuries, or rashes in or under your dog’s paw, start by washing them with soapy water. Now applying antiseptic ointment on their paw will make everything alright only if your dog doesn’t lick it off.
2. Use ice and cloth
Simply move or rub ice gently on the dog’s leg if it is swollen. The best way is to put some ice cubes on his legs and wrap them up with a cloth gently for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Curious to know why does my dog stretch like a cat or why do dogs cross their feet?
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