Pain and limping: how to tell your dog is hurting

Short answer: call your vet if your dog is limping, stiff or behaving as though something hurts. Pain can show as slower walks, trouble getting up, less interest in food or play, or pulling away from touch. Some dogs hide pain, so a quiet dog can still be uncomfortable. If your dog cannot put weight on a leg, seems in severe pain or has a serious wound, call straight away. If your vet is closed, call an emergency vet.

Look for a change from your dog's usual self

A dog who is hurting may limp, walk more slowly, hesitate at stairs or struggle to rise from their bed. They may stop enjoying walks or play. Licking one spot repeatedly, hiding, eating less, pacing or finding it hard to settle can also be signs of pain.

A dog who usually welcomes touch may pull away, growl or snap when someone approaches or handles them. These changes are a reason to ask for help, not a way to work out the cause at home.

Next step: tell your vet what has changed from your dog's normal routine.

When the call should not wait

If your dog cannot put weight on a leg, seems in severe pain or has a large or deep wound, they need prompt veterinary help. You do not need to work out which injury it is before calling.

Next step: call your vet or an emergency vet straight away and ask how to bring your dog in safely.

A small limp still deserves a call

Limping can come from a hurt paw or nail, an injury to a muscle or joint, or arthritis. The way your dog walks does not tell you which one it is. A vet needs to examine them and may suggest tests.

Stiffness after a rest and a slower walk can also matter in an older dog. Do not assume a new change is simply age. Even a mild-looking problem is worth checking.

Next step: call your vet about a new limp or stiffness, even if your dog is still walking.

Keep handling gentle while you get advice

Pause exercise and let your dog rest while you speak to the vet. Do not push them through a walk to see whether the limp improves. Your vet will tell you what movement is right for this dog.

A dog in pain may bite, even someone they know. Avoid pressing, bending or repeatedly testing a sore leg. Keep handling to what is needed, and ask the clinic for help with getting your dog into and out of the car.

Next step: ask your vet for safe handling and activity instructions before trying to examine or move a painful dog.

Leave pain relief to your vet

Please do not give a human painkiller to your dog unless your vet has specifically instructed you to. Medicines used for people can harm dogs. Your vet can choose suitable pain relief after checking what is wrong.

Next step: ask your vet what your dog can safely have; do not choose a medicine or dose yourself.

What to tell the vet

Note when the change began, whether it followed an activity or injury, and whether it is getting better or worse. Include changes in eating, sleep, play and reactions to touch. These details help the vet assess your dog alongside the examination.

If your dog is already receiving care and seems less comfortable, they may need another check rather than the same plan continuing unchanged.

Next step: share your notes with the vet and call again if your dog's comfort worsens.

Sources: Read 3 October 2026. PDSA: limping and stiffness. Blue Cross: signs of pain. VCA: signs of pain. VCA: limping and assessment. Cornell: recognizing pain. Blue Cross: first aid and getting help. VCA: safe handling of a limping dog. PDSA: exercise and injury. FDA: pain relievers for pets.

General education only, not veterinary advice or a plan for your individual dog. If you think your dog is in pain, please contact a vet. See our legal page.