When is it time to go to the Vet?

[EndersDame]

My little puppy hurt her leg this morning in the dog park during a game of chase (there is a wooden structure around the base of the trees that she likes to hop behind and use as a fort while playing). She was limping and I took her home. She is now putting some but not all weight on it and cant really do the "dance" trick (I didnt command it she just goes through all the tricks she knows when i make a Peanut butter sandwich) and much to the cats enjoyment she isnt trying to play with them today and is relaxing more than usual.The people at the dog park told me just to keep an eye on her but I left before I asked what I should keep an eye out for!

She is my first puppy and have overreacted and taken her to the vet when she was just doing normal puppy stuff but if I need to I will. I just want to know what signs I should look for before I take her to the vet.

Also if anybody with experience with dogs could help out a relatively new owner out by telling me what is normal and does not

I freaked out the first time she threw up!
Thank you :hi:

[Mutley]

1. I would just watch her for a few days.

As long as she is eating and drinking, and going to the bathroom as she normally does, it should be fine. If three or four days go by and she's still limping on it then go ahead and take her in to the vet.

:)

[EndersDame]

2. Thank you so much for your advice

:hi:

[Mutley]

3. No problem!

Dogs are a wonderful thing, aren't they? :D

[EndersDame]

4. Yes Alot of work but well worth it!

Having a puppy for the first time is a learning experience for sure. I am so glad I have the Doggie DU-ers and the other Dog Park regulars to go for advice!

[Mutley]

5. If she'll let you, check out her leg for any swelling or open wounds.

She probably just tweaked it. My dog does that once in a while. However, if she reacts like she is in a lot of pain, if it's swelling, or there is any bleeding then there could be a more serious injury.

[livetohike]

6. Just going to echo what Mutley has said but also to

offer moral support. I've had dogs all my life and am better about running to the vet for everything. Try to keep her from running on it for a day or two and keep exercise to a minimum. If she doesn't seem better at all, you will want to take her in. If you don't have this book yet, do try to get it. It's saved me many trips to the vet :hi:.

[trof]

7. OK. How old? Breed? Size?

Young dogs can get sprains fairly easily.
Their muscles/tendons are still developing.
They usually recover quickly.
In a day or two.
Again, it depends on the age and the breed/size.
Good luck.

[EndersDame]

9. She is some where around 5 to 6 months and is a Min Pin/Terrier Mix

[flvegan]

8. Before anything else, check her paw and between her toes.

She may have a bit of a splinter or a piece of debris between the pads of her toes. That says, if she's still favoring it in a day or two, take her in. What you really want to look for is if she stops putting ANY weight on it.

[LisaM]

10. I agree, just watch her

a friend has a puppy who just cracked (slightly) his spine after a mishap, but that dog was dragging the leg for a few days. Now he's putting a little weight on it. If she's putting some weight on it, it's more likely a muscle or tendon. Our dogs pull muscles occasionally.