I think I broke my dog!

[Scooter]

Zoe loves to run, so yesterday I took her to the beach where she chased seagulls for about 20 minutes straight. She ran along the shoreline as fast as I've ever seen her run, back and forth non-stop. I finally called her in, and we walked back home.

She was fine on the walk home, though was obviously tired. Later that day, my husband went to take her for a potty walk, and she could barely get up! She limped all the way outside and seemed to have a lot of trouble just walking.

This morning she is a little better- she went out for a walk early, but is still limping a little. Do you think she just needs to rest more or did she pull a muscle? How can I tell?

 

[ACooper]

Front leg? Back leg? Where does the limp seem to be originating? She could very well have pulled something, or sprained something. If it were my dog, and she wasn't screaming in pain, I'd probably just give her an aspirin hidden inside something tasty and watch for improvements

(the aspirin is a safe anti inflammatory / pain relief for her)

EDIT: Have you checked all her paws over carefully for cuts or something stuck in it just in case?

 

[Scooter]

Hi -thanks for the response. Yes, I've checked all of her paws and they look fine. She doesn't seem to be limping on any particular leg- it's just like it's hard for her to walk in general. Aspirin is ok for dogs? Should I give her a whole one or half? She weighs 52 lbs.

 

[mmorlino]

She sounds exhausted I bet she had fun!!!

 

[ACooper]

The normal dose is 5-10mg per pound. Most 'regular' aspirins are 320mg............so for a 52 lb dog, 320mg is going to be a good dose. Don't go over that dose.......and you can repeat every 12 hours or so if needed.

Don't use COATED aspirin.........just plain old powdery aspirins. NOT tylenol, NOT ibuprofin, PLAIN ASPIRIN like Bayer. Coated aspirins don't get broken down and just go right through to the poop, LOL
I had to add the bold part because some people get confused, and Tylenol and stuff like it IS toxic to dogs.

 

[Scooter]

We have Bayer, so I'lll give her half of one. I just got back from a walk with her, and I think she's going to be fine. She was walking ok, and not favoring any one leg over another. She's just moving a bit slower than normal. Thanks for the help!

 

[Amanda885]

aw poor doggie..sounds like she had fun though!
i would think that maybe in the midst of running she pulled some muscle and is now just inflammed. I would let her rest a while before running around a while. keep an eye on her. hope she feels better soon!