What can you do to ease the pain that makes a dog limp? Limping is an indication that the dog is in pain. A dog owner has to know what makes the dog limp to be able to find ways to help the pet. Dogs are naturally energetic and some breeds are noted to have high exercise requirements. Dog owners know that their pets have to be provided with opportunities to exercise lest unwanted behaviors are developed due to the dog's inactivity. A limping dog though cannot meet its exercise requirement because of impaired mobility?
The dog's impaired mobility can be caused by several factors. Nothing much can be done if the limp is caused by a broken bone as this case would naturally need a vet's knowhow. A dog owner can determine what makes the dog limp by examining the pet thoroughly. Simple cases that makes a dog limp like cuts on the foot pad, a thorn or a cut on the foot or even a small rock between the toes can be easily treated at home. To ease the dog's discomfort you simply need to remove the thorn, clean the wound with warm water and apply antibiotic ointment. Our four legged friends are tough and as soon as the wound is healed, the dog would be its usual energetic self.
Because dogs are very energetic, soft tissue trauma or what is commonly known as pulled muscles and sprains are common. Sprains or soft tissue trauma does not really need a vet consult as the condition can be righted simply by letting the dog rest. This kind of treatment though would be rather difficult to carry out given the inherent energies of dogs. To prevent the dog from using the injured foot, it would be best confine the pet in a crate.
The age of the dog may have something to do with the impaired mobility. The deterioration of joints and ligaments are the most common cause of limping in older dogs . Abnormality of hip and leg bones, arthritis and hip dysplasia are some of the most common conditions that make a dog limp.
Limping that is caused by these conditions would need immediate medical attention. X-rays and a thorough medical examination will be necessary to give proper diagnosis. Pain medications are normally prescribed to lessen the pain and the discomfort of the dog.
The dog's impaired mobility can be caused by several factors. Nothing much can be done if the limp is caused by a broken bone as this case would naturally need a vet's knowhow. A dog owner can determine what makes the dog limp by examining the pet thoroughly. Simple cases that makes a dog limp like cuts on the foot pad, a thorn or a cut on the foot or even a small rock between the toes can be easily treated at home. To ease the dog's discomfort you simply need to remove the thorn, clean the wound with warm water and apply antibiotic ointment. Our four legged friends are tough and as soon as the wound is healed, the dog would be its usual energetic self.
Because dogs are very energetic, soft tissue trauma or what is commonly known as pulled muscles and sprains are common. Sprains or soft tissue trauma does not really need a vet consult as the condition can be righted simply by letting the dog rest. This kind of treatment though would be rather difficult to carry out given the inherent energies of dogs. To prevent the dog from using the injured foot, it would be best confine the pet in a crate.
The age of the dog may have something to do with the impaired mobility. The deterioration of joints and ligaments are the most common cause of limping in older dogs . Abnormality of hip and leg bones, arthritis and hip dysplasia are some of the most common conditions that make a dog limp.
Limping that is caused by these conditions would need immediate medical attention. X-rays and a thorough medical examination will be necessary to give proper diagnosis. Pain medications are normally prescribed to lessen the pain and the discomfort of the dog.
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At Sarah's Dogs you can read more about what to do if the dog is limping and many other interesting dog facts.
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