In order to help your limping dog, you need to figure out why they're limping in the first place. That could be an object stuck in their paw, a sign of something serious, or a natural feature of aging.
We break down how you can approach a limping dog and cover some ways you can support your pup's joint health in the long-term.
Key Takeaways
- Limping means walking with an abnormal gait.
- Mild limping might mean placing less weight on a certain leg, while more extreme limping might involve avoiding a leg altogether.
- If your dog can't bear weight, is in serious pain, or has been limping for more than a day, contact your vet.
- Many older dogs experience joint issues that might cause limping.
- Research suggests that supplements like antioxidants, CBD, and CBDA Can Support Joint Health.
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Understanding Why Your Dog Is Limping
Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy, says:
"Many things can make a dog limp, so it's important to figure out what caused their limping. In the long-term, you can support your pup's joint health with exercise, weight management, and supplements like CBD."
Few things are more distressing than a limping dog. As pet parents, we naturally want to take care of our furry friends.
The first step in doing that is determining why your pup is limping.
However, that's sometimes easier said than done. Limping in dogs can happen for a variety of reasons.
In some cases, a dog's limping isn't anything to worry about. But in other cases, it can be a sign of something serious.
Limping is also sometimes natural. Just like humans, dogs often get a little stiffer as they age.
We'll cover some common causes of limping. And we'll explore some ways you can support your dog's joint health, too.
Assessing Your Dog's Limp
As you probably know, limping essentially means walking with an abnormal gait. It often involves favoring or avoiding a specific limb. Limping is often a sign of discomfort.
That sounds pretty simple. But it can manifest in various ways.
Let's take an extreme example. You might have seen viral videos in which dogs fake limping to get attention or treats, or both.
The first step in supporting your pup, then, is determining how serious their limping is.
At the milder end, your dog might still use their leg, but try to place less weight on it. Mild limping can sometimes resolve itself. However, if a mild limp persists for more than 24 hours, you should seek professional veterinary care.¹
In some cases, your dog's limping might be more severe. If they don't seem able to bear weight at all, or are refusing to use their leg, or seem to be in serious pain, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Bonus: Can Dogs Be Allergic to Cats?
Common Reasons Dogs Limp
The next thing to determine is the potential cause, or causes, of limping.
Limping is sometimes due to injuries. For example, your dog might have hurt their paw pad. They might have a cut, abrasion, or even a foreign object stuck in their paw.
In some cases, this can be pretty easily resolved. You might be able to remove the offending object and solve the issue in moments.
If your dog is limping because of an injury, experts often recommend limiting their movement. Just like humans, dogs need to rest and recover when injured.²
Limping in dogs can also sometimes be caused by some other issue. If you aren't sure, check with your vet. They'll be able to help you get to the bottom of things.
Joint Problems
One common cause of limping is joint issues.
Joints are quite complex. They contain many different parts, and a weakening of any one of those parts can cause problems.
Joints are also subject to a lot of stress. Pretty much any movement, from walking to running to jumping to sitting, relies on joints.
Limping isn't the only sign something is up with your pup's joints. They might be slowing down in general, becoming less interested in physical activity, changing their gait, or seeming more subdued or tired.³
Unfortunately, it's very common for a dog's joint health to decline as they age. Senior dogs often have less muscle mass, which can make their joints less stable.⁴ And the cartilage in older dogs is often damaged, such as from wear and tear.⁵
In these cases, a dog's limping will generally appear more gradually. It might slowly get worse over time. You might not even notice it at first, so it's important to pay attention to your pup.
At-Home Ways to Support Healthy Joints
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can support your dog's joint health.
Some are behavioral. For example, regular exercise is important for strengthening your dog's muscles and supporting joint health.⁶ Keeping your dog on a leash while you walk them and trimming their nails every few weeks can help prevent potential accidents and injuries.⁷
Others involve their diet. For example, more body weight means more stress on joints.⁸ A balanced diet is a crucial part of weight management and can help keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Certain supplements may also support joint health.
Hemp Extract
One fantastic supplement for joint health is Hemp Extract. It's made from hemp plants, which contain hundreds of potent compounds with many potential health benefits.
Two of these compounds are CBD and CBDa. Research suggests they can support joint health.
In late 2022, Earth Buddy conducted a 26-day real-world study of CBDa oil for dogs with achy joints and mobility challenges. The study found that 71.42% of owners agreed that Earth Buddy’s Balance Hemp Extract, with a 1:1 ratio of CBD to CBDa, helped manage their pet's joint mobility issues.⁹
In another study, researchers gave dogs an oil containing CBD and CBDa. They concluded that this "can help increase comfort and activity" in dogs with joint issues.¹⁰
In one Cornell study, more than 80% of dogs demonstrated enhanced joint health after being given CBD.¹¹
Earth Buddy's Mobility Hemp Extract contains a carefully tailored blend of CBDa and CBD. In a real-world study, a majority of dogs with movement issues demonstrated less interference with their ability to run, general activity, and enjoyment of life after being given Mobility Hemp Extract for three weeks.¹²
Another option is a high-quality CBD Oil. Millions of dogs in the US have been given CBD oil, many of them specifically to support their joint health.¹³
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are powerful molecules that can help neutralize free radicals. In doing so, they can protect your dog's cells from a type of damage called oxidative stress.
Research shows that antioxidants have many potential health benefits, including supporting joint and connective tissue health. For example, one study found that antioxidant-rich supplements enhanced joint health in dogs.¹⁴
There are many different antioxidants. One is called glutathione. It's actually called the "master antioxidant."
Earth Buddy's Liposomal Glutathione is the first supplement of its kind to encase glutathione in tiny fat bubbles. That helps deliver it to your dog's cells more effectively.
Conclusion
Dogs limp for all kinds of reasons. It could be as simple as something stuck in their paw, or a sign of a serious issue that needs veterinary care. If you aren't sure, consult with your vet.
Dogs also often limp due to joint issues, which become common with age. You can support your dog's joint health with exercise, diet, and certain supplements, like CBD or Hemp Treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Be Concerned About My Dog Limping?
If your dog is unable or refuses to bear weight on their leg, seems to be in serious pain, is visibly injured, or has been limping for more than a day, contact your vet immediately.
What Do You Do When a Dog Is Limping?
That depends on the limp. Generally, it's often a good idea to check your dog for any potential injuries and to try to assess how serious their limp is. If things seem bad, contact your vet.
Why Does My Dog Limp When He Gets Up But Runs Fine?
Have you ever felt stiff when you first wake up, or had trouble getting up from a chair? Dogs, like humans, can get stiff. Once they warm up, that discomfort might subside. It's important to support your dog's joint health, such as with supplements like CBD.
Keep Reading: Why Is My Dog Drinking a Lot of Water Lately?
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Sources
- First Aid for Limping Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
- First Aid for Limping Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
- 8 Home Remedies for Healthy Dog Joints
- The Impact of Age and Activity on Healthy Joints | Animal Wellness Magazine
- Age-Associated Cartilage Degeneration of the Canine Humeral Head
- The Benefits of Regular Exercise in Strengthening Your Pet's Muscles and Bones
- Why is trimming your dog’s nails so important?
- What Is the Connection Between Pet Obesity and Joint Problems?
- CBDa + CBD for Dog Joint Health & Mobility: A Real-World Study
- Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
- CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- CBDa + CBD for Dog Joint Health & Mobility: A Real-World Study
- What is that dog taking? CBD supplements could make dogs less aggressive over time, study finds
- Efficacy of a dietary supplement in dogs with osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial - PMC
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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.
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