Is It Just a Limp? When to Worry About Your Pet’s Gait

A limping pet can be alarming. Whether your dog suddenly starts favoring a leg or your cat seems hesitant to jump, a change in gait usually means something’s not right- and that they are  in pain. Limping may be caused by something as minor as a stubbed toe or as serious as a torn ligament or degenerative joint disease.

At Burlington Veterinary Center, we understand how important it is to distinguish between a mild strain and a medical emergency. That’s why we use advanced diagnostics and a tailored approach to get your pet moving comfortably again.

If your pet is showing signs of lameness, contact us today to schedule an evaluation.

Why Is My Pet Limping?

Limping can happen suddenly or develop over time. Acute limping often signals an injury, while gradual or intermittent lameness may point to chronic conditions like arthritis.

Let’s explore the common causes:

Sudden Limping (Acute Causes)

Injuries are often the culprit behind sudden limping. This may include:

Gradual Limping (Chronic Causes)

If the limp developed over weeks or months, there may be an underlying condition, such as:

Still wondering what’s going on? This AKC guide breaks it down even further.

When Limping Is a Veterinary Emergency

Not every limp is critical—but some absolutely are. Call your vet immediately if your pet:

  • Refuses to bear weight on a limb
  • Shows obvious swelling or deformity
  • Yelps in pain or appears highly distressed
  • Has a visible open wound or exposed bone
  • Was recently hit by a car, fell from a height, or got into a fight

If you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe. Contact Burlington Veterinary Center for urgent evaluation.

How Vets Diagnose Limping

To determine what’s causing the issue, your veterinarian will begin with a hands-on physical exam and may recommend additional diagnostics.

Physical Exam

We’ll assess:

  • Range of motion
  • Swelling or tenderness
  • Stability in joints and muscles

Advanced Imaging

Depending on your pet’s symptoms, we may use:

Treatment Options Based on Cause

Treatment depends on severity and underlying cause—but most pets respond well to a combination of medical management and lifestyle support.

Home Care for Mild Injuries

  • Limit exercise for 24–48 hours
  • Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
  • Inspect paws for debris or injuries
  • Weight management, which is crucial for joint health
  • Warm-ups and cooldowns before/after activity

Veterinary Treatment

  • Pain relief with prescription NSAIDs or anti-inflammatories
  • Joint supplements, especially for pets with early arthritis
  • Rehabilitation therapy, including hydrotherapy or stretching

Surgical Treatment

Some cases require surgery to correct structural issues:

Preventing Limping Before It Starts

Keeping your pet’s musculoskeletal system healthy can reduce the risk of future injury.

Tips for Prevention:

  • Maintain a healthy weight to minimize joint strain
  • Offer regular, low-impact exercise (like walks or swimming)
  • Trim nails regularly to maintain proper posture
  • Check paws frequently for foxtails, burrs, or small wounds
  • Use joint supplements for at-risk pets

How Burlington Veterinary Center Can Help

From limps to lameness, our experienced team provides:

  • Thorough orthopedic evaluations
  • In-house imaging and diagnostics
  • Personalized treatment plans, including physical therapy and surgery

Book your appointment now to get your pet moving comfortably again.

Limping isn’t always an emergency—but it’s never something to ignore. Early treatment can make all the difference in your pet’s long-term mobility and happiness. If your pet’s gait seems off, we’re here to help you figure out why—and get them on the path to recovery.