Again, there are many different reasons why a usually perky dog might be unenthusiastic about going for his normal neighborhood march. Let’s look at some of the potential reasons:
On The Injured List
A dog who is limping may have a muscle sprain or strain. A plant awn or burr or other sharp object might be embedded in his paw; a broken nail can be painful as well. Dogs can also hurt themselves jumping on or off furniture or in or out of the car or playing rough and tumble in the backyard. One common type of canine injury is a cruciate ligament tear.
If you notice your dog limping, check his paws and nails carefully to make sure there are no cuts or foreign objects that are causing him pain. Cancel the walk and give your dog’s body a rest. If he’s still limping the next day, call your veterinarian for an appointment. A thorough physical exam with palpation and evaluation of your dog’s gait by a vet’s trained hands and eyes may bring to light an injury or problem you didn’t know was there. For instance, certain tick-borne diseases can cause limping.Orthopedic Problems
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, panosteitis, intervertebral disc disease and osteoarthritis are just a few of the conditions that can cause dogs to limp or be reluctant to walk. Some of these conditions are congenital, meaning dogs are born with them. Others develop over time.
Another possible deterrent to walking is obesity. Yes, it’s a disease. Excess weight can put uncomfortable pressure on your dog’s joints and can make him unwilling to walk.
Senior dogs may be suffering the onset of osteoarthritis. Observe whether your senior dog has gradually become slower to rise from his bed and more cautious about negotiating stairs.
Then there is the possibility of heart disease or cancer. Read-up on this and more over on Care 2.
We would like to believe our pooch will forever be healthy and happy, always willing to go for his walk during a moments notice. Unfortunately, there will be times when Fido is just not in the mood or is not well.
Always consult a vet if your pup normal routine has been off kilter. You never know what is going through the poor pooch’s mind or body!
