How do you treat a dog’s leg injury?

Watching your dog hobble across the room can make your heart race. One minute they’re zooming around the yard, the next they’re holding a leg up like it’s too painful to touch. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but taking calm, deliberate steps can make a big difference for their recovery.​

First, take a breath and observe. Notice how they’re moving—are they limping slightly, or refusing to put any weight on the leg? Check for obvious signs: swelling, cuts, or something stuck in their paw, like a thorn. Move slowly; sudden movements might scare them, and if the injury is serious, jostling could make it worse.​

Resist the urge to “fix” it right away. Those instincts to rub the area or wrap it tightly? They might backfire. Instead, gently run your hand along their leg, feeling for heat or tenderness. If they yelp or pull away, stop. Never try to straighten a leg that looks bent unnaturally—that’s a job for a vet.​

Cold compresses can help with swelling, but do it right. Grab a clean towel, wrap a bag of ice or a frozen veggie pack in it, and hold it lightly against the sore spot for 5-10 minutes. Don’t put ice directly on their skin—it can burn. Repeat this a few times, but only if your dog stays calm through the process.​

Skip the human meds, no matter how tempted you are. Pills like ibuprofen or aspirin that work for us can be toxic to dogs, even in small doses. Some topical creams have ingredients that’ll make them sick if they lick it off. When in doubt, keep your medicine cabinet closed.​

Call your vet sooner rather than later. Even a “minor” limp might hide a sprain, fracture, or torn ligament. Many clinics can fit you in for an urgent visit, and they’ll likely do an exam or X-rays to see what’s going on. Be ready to tell them when you noticed the issue, what your dog was doing before, and any changes in their behavior—like not eating or sleeping more.​

Follow their instructions to the letter. Your vet might recommend rest, which can be trickier than it sounds. If your dog’s used to long walks or playing fetch, they won’t understand why they can’t romp. Use baby gates to limit their space, or try puzzle toys to keep them occupied without moving too much.​

Keep an eye on the recovery. Over the next few days, watch how they move. A little improvement is good, but if they’re still limping after a week, or if the leg looks more swollen, call the vet again. Sometimes, what seems like a sprain turns out to need more care.​

And remember—your dog relies on you to know when they need help. Those big, trusting eyes can hide a lot of pain, so staying alert to changes in their movement is key. With patience, care, and a good vet on your side, they’ll be back to chasing squirrels in no time.