6 Signs of a Sprained Leg in Dogs

Do you think your dog may have sprained their leg? Would you know how to tell if they had? Do you know what to do if your dog suffers a sprained leg? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions about sprained legs in dogs, or if you think your pet may have a sprain, then you’ve come to the right place.

Can Dogs Sprain Their Legs?

Yes. While sprains can happen anywhere in the body where there is a ligament, dogs are most likely to develop sprains in a wrist or elbow joint. Leg sprains are fairly common in dogs, especially in younger dogs who are more active than their older counterparts. By learning how to recognize the signs of sprained legs in dogs, you can figure out the best way to treat your pet’s condition and get them back on their feet in no time.

If you think your dog may be suffering from a sprained leg, take them to the emergency vet so they can be treated properly. Even though leg sprains can be common, they can also be painful for your pet. By getting veterinary care as soon as possible, you can help make sure your pet’s pain is eased quickly.

Think your dog has a sprained leg? Your pet will receive compassion emergency care from a trained and skilled vet at VEG, who will assess their condition immediately.

6 Signs Your Dog Has a Sprained Leg

1. Dog is Limping

Limping is one of the first signs most pet owners notice when their dogs suffer sprained legs. If your dog has suddenly started limping and you can’t see any visible injuries on their leg, paw, or body, there’s a good chance they may have sprained their leg while playing or running.

If the limp goes away within a day, you can safely assume it was caused by a mild sprain that has already cleared up. However, if it persists, or if your dog shows more concerning symptoms, like becoming unable to walk, take them to the vet as soon as possible to find out what’s wrong.

2. Dog has Swelling and Redness of the Joints

In cases of moderate to severe sprained legs in dogs, a dog’s injured leg can become very swollen. Although swelling may not occur with mild sprains, it can be a useful indication of some type of leg injury.

While redness can occur with or without swelling, it is more likely to be found along with swelling. If you notice redness, swelling, or both around one of your dog’s joints or anywhere on their leg, they may have a sprain that is contributing to these symptoms.

3. Hiding and Whining in Dogs Can Indicate Sprain

Whining and hiding are both signs of pain in dogs. Whining may occur when your dog stands, walks, or otherwise tries to use the leg that has suffered a sprain. Hiding may occur when your dog feels like they are in too much pain and are afraid because of it.

Both of these symptoms are related to almost every injury, illness, and health condition dogs can experience. Therefore, if these are the only symptoms you notice and you can’t pinpoint their cause, you should take your pet to the vet for a full examination. Your vet can help you determine if your pet’s pain is from a sprain or something else entirely.

4. Dog is Unwilling to Run or Jump

Dogs with sprained legs are less likely to want to run and jump than they normally might be. You know your dog’s normal activity level best, so if you recognize sudden changes in their behavior, this can let you know something is wrong.

Your dog may also be unwilling to put any weight on the injured leg, which can further indicate a problem with a sprain. Other injuries and issues like arthritis and broken bones can contribute to these symptoms as well, so you should have your pet checked by a vet to rule out any other potential issues.

5. Loss of Appetite in Dog

Loss of appetite is another symptom of a sprained leg in dogs. If a dog is experiencing significant pain from a sprained leg, they may be less likely to want to eat. The pain could be causing them to have some stomach upset, or they may just not be feeling very hungry because of their leg injury.

If this is the only symptom you notice, keep in mind that it may be related to a variety of other health problems aside from a sprained leg. However, if you notice this symptom in conjunction with others listed here, you may be able to narrow down a sprained or otherwise injured leg as the root cause.

6. Dog is Licking and Chewing Their Leg

Dogs who are in pain are likely to focus their licking and chewing on the part of the body that hurts. If you notice your dog licking and chewing one of their joints or legs more than the others, this may indicate that they are hurting in that area.

Pay close attention to this behavior, as it can quickly lead to hot spots, which are infections on the surface of the skin.

Customers can bring their pet to VEG with their favorite blanket and pillow. We'll do everything to create a comfortable environment for your pet throughout treatment.

How to Tell if Your Dog’s Leg is Sprained or Broken

Many of the symptoms of a sprain overlap with those of a break, especially when there are no external signs of injury, so you may have difficulty determining the severity of your dog’s condition. The main difference is that a dog with a broken leg will not be able to put weight on that leg, while a dog with a sprained leg may still be able to bear weight and walk relatively normally.

Most broken bones occur as a result of an accident or other activity. If you suspect that your dog may have sustained a fracture, transport them as gently as possible to the emergency vet, so as not to disrupt the injury.

What to Do If Your Dog Sprained Their Leg

As you can see, there are many signs that may potentially indicate a sprained leg in a dog. However, most of these symptoms can also be associated with a variety of other health and wellness issues, so you may still need to take your pet to the vet to confirm the diagnosis.

If your dog is diagnosed with a sprained leg, they will need to rest until it heals properly. Your vet may also give them some mild pain relievers, depending on their pain levels and tolerance. Your dog should be back to normal soon, as long as you take good care of them!

At all of our VEG locations, we have teams of compassionate, experienced emergency veterinarians and staff who are dedicated to helping your pet in any situation. If your pet is suffering from a sprained leg, bring them to any of our locations. We’re available 24/7 to make sure your pet receives the veterinary care they need asap.