Just as in people, dogs can injure ligaments and muscles with rough play. Sometimes, all that is needed is some rest. You can provide aspirin, if desired, at a rate of 5 mg per pound of body weight twice a day. To give a rough estimate, a fifty-pound dog could get ½ of an aspirin tablet twice a day. If any vomiting, diarrhea, or dark stools occur, stop the aspirin therapy and call us right away.

If the limping does not resolve in three days or if the animal will not put any weight on the limb, something more serious may have occurred. An appointment can be made for an exam, and possibly X-rays, to determine the degree of injury or the presence of some underlying joint problem, such as hip dysplasia.