Quick Answer: Limping always has a cause. Minor limps from muscle strain may resolve in 24-48 hours with rest. Persistent limping (over 48 hours), severe lameness, or limping with other symptoms (swelling, crying, inability to bear weight) requires veterinary attention. Once any injury is diagnosed and treated, collagen supplementation can support recovery and long-term joint health.
Your dog is limping.
Maybe it started suddenly after a run. Perhaps it's been gradually getting worse. They might be holding a leg up completely, or just favouring it slightly.
Your first question: how serious is this?
Assessing the Limp: Quick Checklist
Can your dog bear weight on the leg?
- Yes, but favouring it: Likely less serious, but still needs attention
- No, holding it up completely: More serious, vet visit needed soon
- Yelping when trying to use it: Significant pain, vet visit needed today
When did it start?
- Suddenly after activity: Possible strain, sprain, or injury
- Gradually over days/weeks: Possible joint issue, arthritis, or progressive condition
- After trauma (fall, collision, fight): Potential fracture or serious injury, vet needed urgently
Are there other symptoms?
- Swelling around joint or leg
- Heat in the affected area
- Visible wound or bleeding
- Crying or whimpering
- Reluctance to move at all
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Any of these additional symptoms mean a vet visit is needed promptly.
When to See a Vet Urgently
Go to the vet immediately if:
- Your dog cannot bear any weight on the leg
- There's visible bone, severe swelling, or obvious deformity
- The limping followed significant trauma
- Your dog is in severe distress
- There's a wound that might be deep or infected
See a vet within 24-48 hours if:
- Limping persists beyond 48 hours
- Limping is getting progressively worse
- There's noticeable swelling or heat
- Your dog is reluctant to eat or seems unwell generally
Monitor at home if:
- Mild limping after exercise with no other symptoms
- Dog is still eating, drinking, and reasonably comfortable
- No swelling, heat, or visible injury
- Limping improves with rest over 24-48 hours
Common Causes of Limping in Dogs
Minor causes (may resolve with rest):
- Muscle strain or sprain
- Minor pad injury (cut, thorn, rough ground)
- Nail injury or overgrown nail
- Insect sting
- Minor soft tissue bruise
Moderate causes (need vet diagnosis):
- Ligament strain or partial tear
- Patellar luxation (kneecap slipping)
- Early arthritis flare
- Joint infection
- Bone bruise
Serious causes (need prompt vet attention):
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Fracture
- Hip dysplasia
- Bone cancer
- Severe infection
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (young small breeds)
What to Do While You Wait
Rest is essential
- Restrict activity immediately
- Lead walks only for toilet breaks
- No running, jumping, or playing
- Crate rest if your dog won't settle
Don't give human painkillers
Ibuprofen and paracetamol can be toxic to dogs. Only give pain relief prescribed by your vet.
Check the paw
Gently examine the foot for:
- Thorns, glass, or debris between pads
- Cuts or wounds on pads
- Broken or torn nails
- Swelling between toes
Apply cold if there's swelling
A wrapped ice pack (never directly on skin) for 10-15 minutes can help reduce swelling from a fresh injury. Only in the first 24-48 hours.
Note the details
Your vet will ask: Which leg? When did it start? Sudden or gradual? After any specific activity? Getting better or worse? Write down your observations.
After Diagnosis: Supporting Recovery
Once your vet has diagnosed the cause and provided treatment, you can support ongoing recovery and joint health.
For soft tissue injuries (strains, sprains, ligament damage):
Collagen is the primary protein in tendons and ligaments. Supplementation provides building blocks for repair.
Mobility & Joints combines collagen peptides with glucosamine and other joint-supporting ingredients. Ideal for recovery from soft tissue injuries. Follow serving guide on pouch.
For arthritis or joint wear:
If the limping reveals underlying arthritis, long-term joint support makes sense.
Pure Collagen for daily maintenance, or Mobility & Joints for more comprehensive support. Follow serving guide on pouch.
For post-surgical recovery:
If surgery is needed (cruciate repair, for example), collagen can support healing once your vet approves supplements. See our guide on post-surgery recovery.
Preventing Future Limping
Once your dog has recovered:
Maintain healthy weight
Extra weight stresses joints and increases injury risk.
Warm up before intense exercise
Don't go from rest to full sprint. Gradual warm-up protects muscles and joints.
Appropriate exercise for age and condition
Senior dogs and those with joint history need gentler activity.
Consider ongoing joint support
If your dog has had a joint injury, ongoing collagen supplementation can help maintain joint health and potentially reduce recurrence risk.
Regular nail trims
Overgrown nails affect gait and can cause limping or contribute to injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog is limping but still wants to play. Should I let them?
No. Dogs often hide pain and will play through injuries, making them worse. Enforce rest until the limp resolves or you've seen a vet.
The limp comes and goes. Is that okay?
Intermittent limping still indicates a problem. It might be early arthritis, a luxating patella, or another issue. Worth a vet check even if your dog seems fine some of the time.
Can I give my dog supplements instead of seeing a vet?
No. Supplements support joint health but cannot diagnose or treat injuries. Always get a proper diagnosis first. Supplements complement veterinary care, they don't replace it.
How long should I wait before worrying?
If a mild limp hasn't improved with 24-48 hours of rest, see your vet. If the limp is severe or your dog shows other symptoms, don't wait.
Which Product After Recovery?
- After soft tissue injury: Mobility & Joints
- For ongoing joint maintenance: Pure Collagen
- For dogs reluctant to eat during recovery: Beef Bone Broth
Follow serving guide on your chosen product's pouch based on your dog's weight.
Sources
- British Small Animal Veterinary Association
- Canine Arthritis Management UK
- Royal Veterinary College emergency guidelines
- PDSA pet health information
Important: This information is for educational purposes and doesn't replace veterinary advice. If your dog is limping, especially with severe pain, inability to bear weight, or other concerning symptoms, consult your vet promptly.
Last Updated: February 2026
