When is limping in a dog an emergency?

Call a vet straight away if: hit by a vehicle, or fell from a height; the leg hangs at an odd angle or a bone may be broken; heavy bleeding that does not stop; cannot stand or walk at all.

When should my dog see a vet today?

Book a vet visit the same day if: will not put the leg down at all; swelling, or cries when the leg or paw is touched; a wound, cut pad or broken nail; limping for more than a day.

Can I wait and watch at home?

Usually yes, for up to a day, if: a mild limp after play that is getting better; still puts weight on the leg; eating and behaving normally. If anything changes or worries you, book a vet.

Can I give my dog human medicine?

No. Many human medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Only give what a vet prescribes after examining your pet.

Can a vet see my dog at home in Pune?

Yes. Sniffi's vets visit homes across Pune, or you can book a quick teleconsult first. Call +91 91751 29919 or book online.

Dog Limping: When Is It Serious?

Updated 2026-10-05. General information, not a diagnosis.

A mild limp after rough play often settles with rest. A dog that will not put the leg down, cries when it is touched, or limps after an accident needs a vet.

Not sure how serious it is? Describe it in your own words and get an answer in a minute.

Check symptoms free

Call a vet now if

Hit by a vehicle, or fell from a height
The leg hangs at an odd angle or a bone may be broken
Heavy bleeding that does not stop
Cannot stand or walk at all

Call +91 91751 29919

Book a vet visit today if

Will not put the leg down at all
Swelling, or cries when the leg or paw is touched
A wound, cut pad or broken nail
Limping for more than a day

Usually fine to watch at home for a day if

A mild limp after play that is getting better
Still puts weight on the leg
Eating and behaving normally

Common causes of limping in dogs

A thorn, glass or stone in the paw, or a cut pad
A torn or broken nail
A sprain or strain
Ligament injuries in the knee
Joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia (common in Labradors and German Shepherds) and arthritis in older dogs
Fractures after an accident

Only a vet who examines your dog can tell which one it is.

What you can do right now

Keep your dog calm and limit running and stairs
Gently check the paw and between the toes for anything stuck. Stop if your dog is in pain
Do not try to straighten the leg yourself
Do not give any human medicine. Paracetamol (Crocin, Dolo), ibuprofen and many others are poisonous to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.

Talk to a Sniffi vet

Pune's home vet service. Pick what suits you.

📞 Book a quick teleconsultA vet calls you back 🏠 Schedule a home visitA vet comes to your home

Questions pet parents ask

When is limping in a dog an emergency?: Call a vet straight away if: hit by a vehicle, or fell from a height; the leg hangs at an odd angle or a bone may be broken; heavy bleeding that does not stop; cannot stand or walk at all.
When should my dog see a vet today?: Book a vet visit the same day if: will not put the leg down at all; swelling, or cries when the leg or paw is touched; a wound, cut pad or broken nail; limping for more than a day.
Can I wait and watch at home?: Usually yes, for up to a day, if: a mild limp after play that is getting better; still puts weight on the leg; eating and behaving normally. If anything changes or worries you, book a vet.
Can I give my dog human medicine?: No. Many human medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Only give what a vet prescribes after examining your pet.
Can a vet see my dog at home in Pune?: Yes. Sniffi's vets visit homes across Pune, or you can book a quick teleconsult first. Call +91 91751 29919 or book online.

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