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Wednesday, 8 August 2012

What to do if the dog is limping

By Jerry Welsh


What would you do if your dog is limping? Limping dogs are obviously in pain. A dog owner has to know what makes the dog limp to be able to find ways to help the pet. Any one that have had the chance to have dogs for a pet would know that these animals are very energetic. Dog owners know that their pets have to be provided with opportunities to exercise lest unwanted behaviors are developed due to the dog's inactivity. But how can a dog get its full quota of exercise if its mobility is impaired due to a limp?

The dog's impaired mobility can be caused by several factors. 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. The limping dog is obviously in pain and the discomfort can be eased by removing the thorn or by treating the wound. Our four legged friends are tough and as soon as the wound is healed, the dog would be its usual energetic self.

Because dogs are very energetic, soft tissue trauma or what is commonly known as pulled muscles and sprains are common. Sprains or soft tissue trauma does not really need a vet consult as the condition can be righted simply by letting the dog rest. But knowing how energetic dogs are, a dog owner may find it hard to restrain the limping pet. Confining the dog to a crate would force the dog to rest.

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 . Abnormality of hip and leg bones, arthritis and hip dysplasia are some of the most common conditions that make a dog limp.

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. The vet has to conduct a thorough medical examination to be able to properly diagnose the condition of the dog. Limping dogs would suffer immense pain thus vets commonly prescribe medications to alleviate the pain and discomfort.




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