Mary Allen
If your dog is limping after getting up, you should find out what the reason is.
The limp can be harmless, but it can also indicate a serious musculoskeletal problem.
Here you can find out what causes your dog to limp and how you can help your limping four-legged friend.
In a nutshell: Why does my dog limp after getting up?
There can be serious and harmless causes of your dog’s limping.
Harmless causes include sore muscles, a dead leg, or growth spurts. The latter can often be avoided by changing the diet.
A balanced diet also helps against obesity, which can lead to lameness due to joint overload.
However, serious diseases such as inflammation of the ligaments or joints, genetic hip dysplasia or malignant bone cancer can also be responsible for limping after lying down. Osteoarthritis is particularly common in older dogs.
Rest is the best first aid measure for lame dogs.
If the limping persists for several days, consult a veterinarian for advice.
Possible reasons why your dog is limping after lying down
Sometimes just a small wound on the paw is to blame, which can be quickly identified and treated.
If no injury can be seen, it is important to find out what is behind the limping dog.
Good to know:
According to a study from England, 35% of young dogs already have problems with the musculoskeletal system, and in dogs from the age of 8 it is even 80%.
Harmless causes
1. Leg fell asleep
If your dog suddenly hobbles after resting and is fit again afterward, his leg may have fallen asleep.
As with us humans, the pressed part of the body tingles uncomfortably and needs 2-3 minutes until it is fully mobile again.
2. Sore muscles
Dogs get sore muscles too!
Have you been walking your dog for an unusually long time or have you tried a new dog sport?
Then it may well be that he is limping the next morning after getting up.
After unusual muscle exertion, give your dog 2-3 days of rest so that the muscles can recover.
3. Growth spurts
Is your furry youngster suddenly limping on one leg, then the other, and then not again? A growth spurt could be the cause.
Growth spurts occur when bones grow faster than the body can support them with nutrients. They often occur in (medium) large dog breeds and usually in the 5th or /6. and in the 9th month of life.
Although growing pains go away with age, it’s still a good idea to talk to a veterinarian. He may recommend a dose of painkillers or a change in diet.
Good to know:
A balanced diet is particularly important for growing dogs. It should contain the right amount of the important nutrients, because even “too much” can be harmful. There are foods that are specifically designed for fast-growing dog breeds and to help slow bone growth spurts.
Serious causes
1. Osteoarthritis
Between the joints is a layer of cartilage that acts like a shock absorber. This layer wears off with increasing age in humans and dogs.
Older dogs in particular often limp due to painful joint wear and tear, but younger dogs can also be affected. Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis.
If your old dog is limping, make everyday life easier for him, for example by setting up a ramp for him to get into the car. Carry it up stairs if it’s light enough, or use an elevator if possible.
2. Inflammation of the ligaments or joints
In what is known as osteoarthritis, the joints become inflamed, which is very painful for your dog.
If you feel your dog’s leg and discover warmer or swollen joints, you should consult a veterinarian.
If necessary, they will prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to help the inflammation subside.
3. Overweight
When Wauzi loves to look like that, it’s difficult not to slip him a treat. But being overweight puts a lot of strain on his joints, which in turn can lead to pain and limping.
In this case, your dog will be put on a diet. It is best to work out a diet plan with the vet.
Tip:
A healthy and tasty alternative to treats are apples, pears, carrots or bananas.
4. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic malformation of the hip joint. Some dog breeds, such as the Golden Retriever or the German Shepherd Dog, are particularly predisposed to this.
The dog hobbles after lying down, chews its hind legs and is in increasing pain.
Depending on the degree of severity, the vet will prescribe psychotherapy or the dog will have to have an operation.
5. Bone Cancer
Bone cancer, or osteosarcoma, is a malignant tumor that occurs primarily in large dogs. It causes lameness of the affected leg and severe pain.
If you suspect it, go to the vet as soon as possible, because the tumor spreads quickly. The vet diagnoses the bone cancer using x-rays and tissue samples.
The tumor must be surgically removed. If limbs are affected, the leg must be amputated. This is usually followed by chemotherapy to stop it from spreading again.
When should I go to the vet?
You should see a vet as soon as possible if your dog:
- snaps, growls, whines, or displays other symptoms of pain when the affected leg is touched
- is too fat
- Avoid climbing stairs and jumping
- no longer enjoys long walks
- has swollen or warm joints
- nibbles or bites their leg, hip or foot
- limping for more than two days for no apparent reason
How can I support my dog?
If your dog is limping, the first step is to take it easy.
Give him a few days rest. Shorten the walks and lead him on a leash. Don’t let him jump, run long, or make quick changes of movement.
If the limping persists, you can’t avoid the vet.
Conclusion
If your dog is limping – whether after lying down, sporadically or constantly, on one leg or on alternating legs – you should give it a few days of rest and protect its joints.
If your dog continues to show symptoms of pain, or if the limp persists for several days, see a veterinarian. Also get advice if your dog is limping and then not again – some diseases slowly creep in.