Limping in pets—whether sudden or subtle—should never be ignored. A limp is more than just an odd gait; it’s a message that something hurts, even if your pet can’t say it out loud. From minor sprains to orthopedic diseases, limping is often the first clue that something is wrong. At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, we encourage pet owners to take limping seriously and seek timely veterinary attention to uncover the cause and begin appropriate treatment.

Early diagnosis is key. What begins as a mild limp can quickly progress into a more serious condition if left unaddressed. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and a comprehensive medical approach to pinpoint the cause of your pet’s discomfort—and create a treatment plan tailored to their needs.

Learn more about our diagnostics and treatments on our Services page.

What Causes Limping in Pets?

The main reason? Pain! Limping (also called lameness) can occur for many reasons, but generally falls into two categories:

  • Acute limping: sudden onset, often caused by injury or trauma.
  • Chronic limping: develops gradually and may indicate a degenerative or long-standing medical issue.

Weight-bearing vs. non-weight-bearing limps is another important distinction. A weight-bearing limp means your pet can still put some pressure on the limb, while a non-weight-bearing limp typically indicates severe pain or damage and warrants immediate veterinary evaluation.

Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain

Because pets are naturally good at hiding pain, subtle signs may be easy to miss. Here are common behaviors that suggest discomfort:

  • Reluctance to walk, run, or play
  • Favoring one leg or limping intermittently
  • Vocalization when touched or picked up
  • Licking or chewing at a specific area
  • Difficulty rising from rest
  • Stiffness, especially after sleeping or exercise

For more guidance on recognizing pain in pets, visit What’s Wrong? Common Pet Pain Signs.

Limping in Dogs: Common Causes

Joint and Bone Conditions

  • Arthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease
    Often seen in senior dogs, arthritis causes inflammation and pain in joints, leading to a slow but progressive limp. Managing arthritis early can slow its progression and preserve mobility.
    Read more: AAHA’s Mobility Matters Guide
  • Hip Dysplasia
    A genetic condition especially common in large breeds, hip dysplasia leads to loose joints and subsequent inflammation. Treatments range from weight management and physical therapy to surgical options.
    Read more: Hip Dysplasia – Today’s Veterinary Practice
  • Patellar Luxation (Dislocated Kneecap)
    Common in small breeds, this condition can cause the kneecap to slip out of place, creating a skipping limp. Mild cases may resolve on their own, but surgery is often required for more severe cases.
    Read more: Cornell Vet – Patellar Luxation

Soft Tissue Injuries

  • Sprains and Strains
    Like us, dogs can pull a muscle or twist a joint while playing or running. These injuries typically cause short-term limping and are managed with rest and anti-inflammatory medications.
    Read more: Dog Sprained Leg Treatment
  • Muscle Tears
    More serious than a sprain, muscle tears often require a longer recovery and more structured rehabilitation.
    Read more: Muscle Tear Info – WagWalking

Trauma & External Injuries

Limping in Cats: Often Overlooked

Cats are notoriously stealthy about showing pain. Here are some of the most common causes of limping in felines:

  • Arthritis and Joint Disease
    Even though cats may not show it overtly, arthritis can significantly affect their quality of life. You may notice decreased jumping, difficulty climbing, or hesitation to play.
    Read more: Arthritis in Cats – iCatCare
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
    Indoor cats can twist a leg during a miscalculated jump. Limping, avoiding certain surfaces, or holding a paw up are key signs.
  • Fractures
    Outdoor cats are especially vulnerable to trauma from falls or car accidents. If your cat suddenly starts limping, a fracture must be ruled out by your veterinarian.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Limping

Step 1: Physical Examination

A thorough hands-on evaluation is our first step. We assess muscle tone, joint stability, swelling, and range of motion. Your pet’s gait is also evaluated during walking and sometimes trotting.

Step 2: Advanced Imaging and Diagnostics

Treating Limping: What Happens Next?

Mild Cases

  • Rest and activity restriction
  • Cold compresses
  • Pain management with veterinarian-prescribed medication

Moderate to Severe Cases

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Surgical repair of structural injuries
  • Joint injections or orthopedic surgery when indicated

Rehabilitation & Long-Term Support

  • Physical Therapy: Improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness
  • Hydrotherapy: Offers low-impact strengthening
  • Weight Management: Essential for reducing stress on joints
  • Warm-Up & Cooldown Exercises: Helpful for pets with chronic joint disease
    Read more: Canine Arthritis Exercise Tips

When to Call Your Veterinarian

Is limping ever an emergency?
 Yes. Contact your veterinarian immediately if:

  • Your pet refuses to put any weight on a limb
  • The limb is visibly swollen or at an odd angle
  • There is bleeding or signs of infection
  • Limping is accompanied by lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite

We’re Here to Help

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, your pet’s comfort and mobility are our top priorities. Whether your dog has a sprained leg or your cat is quietly hiding a joint issue, our team is equipped with the experience and diagnostic tools to help get them back on their feet—literally.

Need to schedule an appointment? Visit our Contact Page.

Explore all our services here: Santa Monica Veterinary Group Services

Your pet’s limp isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a sign that they need help. Let us be the team that gets them moving comfortably again.