It’s a sight no pet owner wants to see: Your dog or cat has started limping. Since they can’t tell you where (or why) it hurts, you simply don’t know what you can do to fix the problem. First and foremost, head to your local animal clinic. There are a number of different reasons why your furry friend may be limping, and getting help from the experts at a trusted pet hospital is key to identifying the cause. You can’t treat the problem if you don’t know what it is.

The following are a few reasons your pet may be limping.

An Animal Clinic Shares 3 Causes of Limping in Dogs & Cats

1. Injury

This is the most obvious potential cause. Particularly if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, unattended, they could have suffered an injury you don’t know about. Because of this, you should bring them to an animal hospital to confirm they don’t have broken bones.

2. Arthritis

Just like humans, as pets age, they can develop arthritis. This is especially true of dogs. Fortunately, while it is an uncomfortable condition, there are steps you can take to alleviate their pain. Consult with an expert to find out what you can do to boost your pet’s quality of life as they get older.

3. Object Caught in Paw

This is another cause of limping that frequently affects animals who spend time outdoors. They can get objects like pebbles or thorns caught in their paws, making it painful to place any weight on them. If this is the case, don’t try to remove the object yourself: Get help from a professional at an animal clinic.

Looking for an animal clinic in Crescent Springs, Kentucky? Head to Crescent Springs Animal Hospital. Contact them online to learn more about their services, or call (859) 331-6608 to schedule an appointment today.