There are many reasons why a dog would limp. Limping can be a trick learned by the dog to entertain the family. Injuries that can result to the limping of the dog can happen because these animals are very active. A sprain, a stone that was lodged between the dog's toes, a thorn that was embedded on the dog's paws would make walking difficult for the pet. The pain caused by a broken nail would make a dog limp. Limping that is caused by these conditions is not serious so that the dog will be able to walk normally even without treatment.
Treatment though would be necessary for some kinds of limping. Urgent treatment may be necessary to prevent further damage that can cause permanent lameness. Limping is a condition most common in large breeds because it is quite easy for the paw, foot and legs to get injured because of the considerable weight of the body. Dogs are playful and energetic animals thus cuts on the paws and legs, sprain and torn ligaments can occur while the dog is doing its normal activities.
A dog owner has to have first aid knowledge as emergency care will be needed to help the pet. If the condition of the dog is ignored, it could take a while before the dog can recover. Emergency care can save the pet from the pain as well. Fortunately, unlike other injuries that would not be easily apparent, limping would be easily noticed by the owner.
The dog owner has to evaluate the injury of the pet. As the dog is limping, the feet and the legs will be examined. Any foreign object between the pet's toes must be removed. It is necessary to manipulate the toes and the joints of the foot. A sprain would make the dog yelp. The limping can be due to a cut in the paw.
To prevent infection, antibacterial soap must be used to thoroughly wash the dog's wound. Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with sterile gauze to prevent dirt from getting into the wound. Fractures or dislocation can be the reason why the dog is limping. Trying to realign dislocated joints and setting the fractures can do the pet more harm than good. Treatment methods for these kinds of injuries must be performed only by vets. However, the dog owner can prevent further damage by splinting the injured foot with rolled newspaper or with a flexible wire that can be bent into the shape of the dog's foot. Wrapping the makeshift splint with a piece of cloth will prevent further damage to the injured foot as it is immobilized.
Treatment though would be necessary for some kinds of limping. Urgent treatment may be necessary to prevent further damage that can cause permanent lameness. Limping is a condition most common in large breeds because it is quite easy for the paw, foot and legs to get injured because of the considerable weight of the body. Dogs are playful and energetic animals thus cuts on the paws and legs, sprain and torn ligaments can occur while the dog is doing its normal activities.
A dog owner has to have first aid knowledge as emergency care will be needed to help the pet. If the condition of the dog is ignored, it could take a while before the dog can recover. Emergency care can save the pet from the pain as well. Fortunately, unlike other injuries that would not be easily apparent, limping would be easily noticed by the owner.
The dog owner has to evaluate the injury of the pet. As the dog is limping, the feet and the legs will be examined. Any foreign object between the pet's toes must be removed. It is necessary to manipulate the toes and the joints of the foot. A sprain would make the dog yelp. The limping can be due to a cut in the paw.
To prevent infection, antibacterial soap must be used to thoroughly wash the dog's wound. Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with sterile gauze to prevent dirt from getting into the wound. Fractures or dislocation can be the reason why the dog is limping. Trying to realign dislocated joints and setting the fractures can do the pet more harm than good. Treatment methods for these kinds of injuries must be performed only by vets. However, the dog owner can prevent further damage by splinting the injured foot with rolled newspaper or with a flexible wire that can be bent into the shape of the dog's foot. Wrapping the makeshift splint with a piece of cloth will prevent further damage to the injured foot as it is immobilized.
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