Dog Limping in Dubai: Causes, Treatment & When to See a Vet

What to do when your dog starts limping

• Stop any running, jumping, or playing.
• Do not force your dog to walk or bear weight.
• Inspect the limb and paw gently, if it’s safe to do so:
  • Look for wounds, cuts, swelling, foreign objects (thorns, glass, seed burrs), and hot or tender areas.
  • Use both hands to compare the left and right sides.
  • Be sure to check between the toes and also check the nails.
  • If your dog shows signs of severe pain (yelping, growling, flinching) when you touch a specific area, stop immediately.
• If there is obvious deformity, bone protrusion or intense pain, seek emergency veterinary care.
• If the limp is mild and there are no visible injuries, rest your dog and seek veterinary advice.

Common causes of limping in dogs

• Paw injuries, burns or blisters: especially common in extremely hot weather.
• Foreign bodies such as stickers, thorns, tiny shards of glass, or sand embedded between the toes.
• Broken nails or nail bed trauma.
• Soft-tissue injuries (sprain, strain, pulled muscle): often from overexertion, sharp turns or rough play.
• Ligament and tendon injuries, most often affecting the cruciate (knee) ligament, Achilles tendon, or patella.
• Joint disease (arthritis), especially in older or large-breed dogs.
• In growing dogs, developmental or congenital problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).
• Fractures or dislocations caused by trauma such as being hit, falls, or fight injuries.
• Neurological or spinal problems, such as disc disease or nerve compression.
• Bone tumours or cancer (rare but serious).

When to worry: red flags for emergency care

Contact your vet immediately if your dog:

• Refuses to put any weight on the leg
• Shows severe pain, yelping, or aggression when touched
• Has an obvious deformity, bone protruding or joint misalignment
• Has swelling, heat, or redness in the leg
• Is generally unwell (fever, lethargy, loss of appetite)
• Shows neurological signs (dragging toes, weakness in hind limbs)

Milder causes of limping may improve with rest, but they should not be ignored. A limp present for more than 2-3 days should always be evaluated.

Diagnosis of limping in dogs

Your veterinarian will typically follow these steps:

• Performing a physical examination: watching how your dog walks and gently examining their limbs
• Taking a full medical history, including when the limping started and any changes over time
• Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI if fractures or joint disease are suspected
• Other tests, such as joint fluid analysis, bloodwork (to rule out infection or systemic disease), and cultures if infection is suspected.

First aid for mild limping in dogs

While waiting for or in conjunction with veterinary care, you should consider:

• Strict rest. Confine your dog, limit walks to short walks on the lead only for toileting, no running, jumping or play.
• Consider applying a cold compress (wrapped in a towel) to swollen or painful areas. This can be done for 5–10 minutes at a time, 2–3 times a day for the first 24–48 hours.
• Never give human drugs without consulting a vet first. Many are toxic to dogs.
• Clean superficial and minor injuries with saline.
• Use an Elizabethan collar to stop biting/licking any injuries or sore skin.

If there is no improvement after 24 hours or symptoms worsen, consult a vet.

Veterinary treatment of limping in dogs

What your vet recommends will depend on the diagnosis. Common treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Additional pain management if necessary
• Physiotherapy to restore mobility and strength
• Bandaging or splinting for support during healing
• Surgery for severe injuries, fractures, or joint conditions
• Glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids for long-term support of joints
• Weight management

Risk factors for limping in dogs

• Large or giant breed dogs are more prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, and ligament injuries.
• Growing puppies may develop conditions like osteochondritis dissecans or panosteitis, especially during growth spurts.
• Overweight and obese dogs suffer more wear and tear on their joints.
• Senior dogs are more susceptible to degenerative joint disease (arthritis).
• Very active or working dogs, such as those doing agility or sports, are more exposed to injury.

Prevention: protecting your dog

Outdoors

• Warm up before intense play: start with gentle walking on the lead before more intense exercise, which helps prevent sudden strain.
• Walk in cooler parts of the day and use shaded routes. Avoid hot pavements that may burn paws. Use dog boots if they must walk on hot ground.
• Use safe off-lead areas: avoid areas that may have hidden hazards (broken glass, metal, desert scrub).
• Inspect paws daily, after walks or whenever something seems abnormal. Use paw balm if pads are excessively dry.

At home

• Keep the nails and excess hair between the toe pads properly trimmed.
• Avoid high jumps onto/from furniture or vehicles, especially for small or senior dogs.
• Provide soft bedding and ramps. Use non-slip surfaces in your home.
• Keep your dog at a healthy body condition: excess weight strains their joints.
• Maintain regular exercise to keep joints healthy.
• Provide a balanced diet to support joint health.

Concerned about your dog’s limping?

Book a check-up or emergency appointment today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our experienced team offers expert diagnostics, emergency care, and ongoing treatment tailored to your dog’s needs. Whether it’s a minor sprain or a complex orthopaedic issue, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted veterinary clinic in Dubai for compassionate, thorough pet care.