Explained With Dr. Klos: When Is Limping in Dogs an Emergency?
Vet Reviewed by Dr. Jacob Klos, DVM
It’s one of the most common concerns for dog parents: your pup starts limping out of nowhere. But how do you know if it’s a minor strain—or something that needs urgent medical attention?
In this episode of *Explained With Dr. Klos*, veterinarian Dr. Jacob Klos, DVM, breaks down when limping is considered an emergency, and when it’s safe to monitor and follow up with your regular vet.
Emergency Limping: Red Flags to Watch For
If your dog is showing any of the following signs along with limping, it’s time to seek emergency care:
- Non-weight bearing: Your dog refuses to put any weight on the limb
- Toe-touching lameness: Barely placing the paw down, with obvious pain
- Crying or aggression: Especially when the area is touched
- Visible swelling or deformity: A sign of trauma or a serious joint issue
- Bleeding or open wounds: Indicates a possible laceration or broken bone
- Sudden onset after trauma: Such as being hit by a car or falling from a height
- Other symptoms: Fever, lethargy, or lack of appetite may indicate infection or systemic illness
These signs should never be ignored. In these cases, a trip to your local emergency vet is the best course of action.
When Limping Can Wait
Not all limps are emergencies. Some cases can be monitored and brought to your vet within a few days if they persist. Here’s when it’s usually safe to wait:
- Gradual onset: The limp developed slowly over several days
- Intermittent limping: Some days better, some worse
- No other concerning symptoms: Your dog is eating, drinking, and acting normally
- Mild discomfort: Your dog can still walk and bear weight, even if it’s uneven
In these cases, it’s still important to schedule a vet visit—just not a middle-of-the-night ER trip.
Conditions That May Cause Limping
Understanding what could be causing the limp helps inform how urgent the situation is. Common causes include:
- Muscle strain or sprain
- Joint inflammation or arthritis
- Cruciate ligament injury (ACL tear)
- Luxating patella (kneecap displacement)
- Paw injuries—cuts, thorns, insect bites
- Infectious or immune diseases
If the limp doesn’t improve within a few days—or gets worse—have your vet examine your dog to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
The Bottom Line
Limping in dogs can range from harmless to serious. The key is knowing what red flags to watch for. If your dog isn’t bearing weight, is in visible pain, or has other symptoms like swelling or fever—it’s time for emergency care.
If it seems mild and your dog is otherwise acting fine, monitor closely and call your vet to schedule an appointment.
Watch the full video above to hear directly from Dr. Klos and get clarity on what to do next.
