Symptom: Limping – Why is my pet have limping?
What are the signs that my pet has a limp?
Subtle shifts in walking, favouring one limb over the other
Holding up a paw or leg
Not putting full weight on limb
Refusal to bear weight
Exaggerated movements with a waddle, or their head may bob
Licking or chewing at the affected area
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Frequently asked questions
Limping in pets can have many causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious underlying conditions.
- Trauma and injuries: sprains and strains, broken bones, joint dislocations, wounds and cuts, foreign objects.
- Joint and musculoskeletal issues: arthritis, dysplasia (mainly for dogs), cruciate ligament tears (dogs), patellar luxation (knee cup dislocates).
- Infections and diseases such as bacteria, fungal, tick-born disease, and auto-immune disease.
- Other causes: such as nerve injury, cancer or malformations from birth (congenital).
- Rest and limited activity
- Apply cold or warm compresses if there’s swelling or stiffness
- Don't give human medications
- Don't move or massage the leg
- Don't let your pet run or jump
- Persistent limping for more than 24-48 hours
- Other symptoms: swelling, heat, pain (yelping when touched), avoidance of movement, or changes in gait or posture
- Severe or worsening limp
- Dragging the limb
- Not bearing weight on a limb
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Excessive swelling
- Excessive vocalization