Why Is My German Shepherd Limping? 20 Reasons To Look Out!!

When we bring any pet into our home for the first time always want them to be healthy and make a pleasant environment around us. But when they experience any health problems, such as limping or another, it is not a pretty sight for us to see. It is never pleasant to see our German Shepherd limping on either his front legs or his back legs, and we often wonder whether it is a minor problem or a cause for concern. Before getting to the clinic, the main thing to think about is why my German Shepherd is limping.

There could be a number of underlying causes for German Shepherds to limp. Limping in German Shepherds might be in response to some injury or abnormal anatomy. Overworking oneself, ingrown toenails or a thorn in the paw are a few additional potential causes. German Shepherds, however, can potentially lag behind because of debilitating conditions like hip dysplasia, spinal cord disorders, bone cancer, or fractures.

These are the reasons that may force your GSD to limp but you should always note in your mind that whether your pet is in pain or not you should avoid any type of health issue. This article is going to help you a lot in figuring out the relevant reasons behind the limping behavior of German Shepherds.

All of your queries, including how to care for German Shepherds at home before seeing the vet and when to call your vet, will be addressed in this post.

Let’s dive into the topic and know the factual reason for limping of German Shepherds and course its cure.

What are the types of Limping In German Shepherds?

German Shepherd’s limping condition is not common behavior. They may limp due to some factual reason like injury, disease, or abnormal anatomy. To better understand the limping in German Shepherds you must know its types.

There are two kinds of limps in German Shepherds: gradual onset and sudden onset.

Gradual Onset

Gradual Onset in German Shepherds is one of the limping that happens gradually over time. This limping stage comes under the initial stage which only you will have to notice. But you should also know how Gradual onset limps are caused.

Gradual onset limps are typically brought on by long-term or degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis or dysplasia. However, gradual limping because of hip dysplasia or bone cancer is treatable if caught at the very beginning.

This gradual onset limping can’t be ignored as if not treated at a very early stage this can be life-threatening. so you just can’t ignore the gradual limping of your GSD and should meet your Vets if you see any of the issues faced by them.

Sudden Limping

Sudden limping as per its name occurs all of a sudden. If your dog meets with any injury or trauma there occurs quickly limping in them.

Sudden limping in German Shepherds is generally caused by an injury or trauma. It’s obvious when your canine meets with any accident or any fracture in their leg then there will be a quick reaction in their body language and as a result, they start limping.

You must know whether the limping in your dog is gradual or sudden which can’t be ignored as it also allows your vets to narrow down the possible causes of limping in your GSD. It will also help you determine whether your dog needs a veterinary emergency or not.

20 Reasons Why German Shepherds May Limp…

Limping in German Shepherd dogs is not a very common behavior and it is very frustrating to see our German Shepherd limping at a very early stage of their life. They may limp because of some reasons which you should know to avoid such health problems in them.

Here are 20 reasons to look out for German Shepherds because of which they may limp.

1. Injury In Paw:

One of the reasons for limping among German Shepherds may be because of the injured paw. Just like us they also can’t tolerate pain, we too become uncomfortable when any glass pieces or something sharp material enters our foot.

There may be pain in their paw because of foreign bodies like glass, nails, sticks, thorns, plant matter, or anything else that may hurt their paw. The presence of unwanted things can make them uncomfortable in walking or even running.

These foreign materials can also lead to infections that may also play a hazard to their leg. Insects or animal bites also make them uncomfortable as it may be the factor behind their limping. However, this type of injury can be avoided as you should provide them with more comfortable shelter and take care of the surroundings when you let them go for a walk.

2. Overexertion:

Sometimes we want our German Shepherd dogs to be more athletic and make them run for a longer time as a result they make face the issue of overexertion. They could get sore or limp from a muscular strain from too much jogging or hard play. However, most dogs recover from these muscle strains over time or when they rest for a limited period.

No doubt they enjoy playing outdoor games but as we know excess of everything is bad so is the case with them. They too can be harmed when they play for a long period. So being a good owner you can set limited time for their playing hour and take care of them properly.

3. Wounded Footpads:

German Shepherd getting treatment of wounded footpad

A German Shepherd may be limping as a result of wounds in its footpads caused by any little stone or thorn that may have become wedged in there.

The only thing to bear in mind is that trimming their toes will make it easier for you to examine their paws by keeping the fur surrounding the pads in place. Some dogs find this region to be particularly delicate, but you must be aware of this German Shepherd’s behavior to prevent more harm.

4. Toenail Injury:

The German Shepherd may experience pain or discomfort when their toenails grind into the skin if they are ingrown or oversized. They might have broken toenails which may be another reason which can force a German Shepherd to limp.

So you need to keep their toenails trimmed to avoid further injury. Avoiding this kind of issue might free you up to see the vet, where German Shepherds might require surgical excision of their damaged dewclaw.

5. Dislocation Or Fracture of Bones:

This type of injury generally happens all of a sudden, that’s why it comes in the category of sudden limping. The dogs start limping suddenly when they have fractured legs or dislocated bones. They are also living beings and thus may go through a lot of pain which you will have to consider.

You should also know that some of the broken bones are not always visible and can only be found after x-rays. If your dog has shattered bones, it will feel a lot of pain and it will also prevent them from bearing its weight.

6. Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Another important cause behind the limping among German Shepherds is hip or elbow dysplasia. If any German Shepherd is facing the issue of hip dysplasia they will pain while putting on their weight.

German Shepherd breeds that allow their hip or elbow joints to become loose and alter positions frequently develop dysplasia. It’s very sad news that 20.6 % of German Shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia while 18.8 % of them suffer from elbow dysplasia.

7. Ligament Tear:

German Shepherds can sustain a ligament injury when one of the cruciate ligaments holding their knees together is already injured. This type of cruciate injury lets the German Shepherds limp and is also one of the reasons for limping of German Shepherds.

Twisting, jumping, or abrupt turning can all cause ligament tears. This issue in dogs can develop suddenly or gradually.

8. Sprains:

Sprains generally happen when ligaments in German Shepherds are torn or strained. This type of issue can also be occurred due to landing awkwardly. If Your dog is facing a sprain it may not put its whole weight on his leg or paw.

9. Osteoarthritis:

The older or larger canine are the most sufferer of this type of painful condition. There occur cartilage deterioration, and as a result, it causes joint inflammation. Lameness, trouble getting up, or stiffness are the common symptoms of this disease.

10.Dislocation of Knee:

When your dog has a dislocated knee issue, it will also be extremely painful. Their kneecap is displaced from its natural position in this instance. German Shepherds are under the category of the large breed that is susceptible to this disease, even though it is highly common in younger dogs. They are unable to endure placing their entire body on the ground due to the excruciating discomfort of the dislocated knee.

11. Spinal Injury:

Spinal injury may also force your dog to limp and is also one of the reasons behind their limping. Spinal injury may occur during excessive stretching, playing, jumping, or falling from height. This painful situation will also lead them to limp and if not treated it can act as a life threat for them.

12. Infection In Paw:

The infection in the paw or leg among German Shepherds can let them hobble. If there is any cut on their leg or paw, they may lick or chew the area which may act as infectious because of dirt.

In such cases, a dog’s paws are badly affected and this too can force them to limp a little but at the same time, you can avoid this by providing them antibiotics for their cut or wounded part.

13. Lyme disease:

One German Shepherd may experience intermittent lameness as a result of Lyme disease, which is brought on by a bacterial infection that is carried by ticks.

You should try to keep your dog in a clean and healthy environment. To prevent this kind of bacterial illness, you can also attempt flea or tick prevention.

14. Panosteitis:

Due to extreme inflammation, this illness typically affects the long bones of the legs. German Shepherds that have panosteitis may have to change lameness from one bone to another for several weeks or months. This painful disease generally affects large breed pups mainly at the age of 5-12 months including our German Shepherd also.

15. Osteodystrophy with hypertrophy (HOD):

German Shepherds are such breeds that are prone to hypertrophic osteodystrophy. This is mostly a bone condition that affects large-breed animals that mature quickly. This disease generally occurs at the age of 3 to 5 months. The disease’s symptoms include a minor limp and soreness in the damaged bones.

16. Degenerative Myelopathy:

Degenerative Myelopathy is a genetic condition that affects the spinal cord in German Shepherds or other dog breeds. It generally affects older dogs leading to eventual paralysis of the back end. The common symptoms of this disease are weakness, lameness, and incontinence.

17. Osteochondritis Dissecans:

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a disease where mainly cartilage is affected. It usually affects the shoulder but can impact the hip, elbow or knee. It generally occurs among larger puppies like German Shepherds are developed too quickly. Limping, lameness and pain are all common symptoms of this disease.

18. Osteosarcoma:

Osteosarcoma is also considered a bone cancer that can grow quickly in the legs resulting in limping and pain. Larger breeds are more prone to this disease. In this disease limping becomes severe and if not treated at an early stage then it will be life-threatening.

19. Intervertebral Disk Disease:

The most common cause of intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in German Shepherds and other dog breeds is intervertebral disk degeneration, which affects the spinal cord. This disease commonly affects dog breeds that have a short and stout appearance.

Though GSDs are larger breeds they are also prone to IVDD. The common symptoms of this spinal disease are hind limb weakness, paralysis, or urinary incontinence.

20. Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis:

If there is any condition of immune-mediated polyarthritis a German Shepherd may face difficulty in walking or maybe limping from legs due to pain. This disease, there will result in inflammation, swelling, and painful joints of course it will be very difficult for them to walk comfortably.

All these conditions allow for determining the causes of which your GSD limp but vets will be a better option because they work professionally. If you see your dog limping then you may try some home aids like restricting their exercises and allowing them complete rest to recover from the ill effect they have found. In severe cases like fractures or broken legs, you must visit the vet as soon as possible for a speedy recovery.

When To Meet Vets For Limping In My German Shepherd?

Every dog owner will worry when they find their German Shepherd limping all of a sudden without having the correct knowledge of their limping behavior. You may have given your dog first aid when you saw them limping, but you might be wondering when to take them to the clinic for their limp.

You must get medical attention from a veterinarian if you discover your GSD suddenly hobbling, in excruciating pain, and unable to move its feet because there may be a fracture causing considerable swelling in its legs. German Shepherds rarely limp, so if it has persisted for more than 24 hours you should be concerned. then it’s time to consult your vets.

The vets with professional skills are the right person that better observe the health of your beloved pets. So you should not ignore their limping and do the needful, only you can observe the behavior of your dog. Try to provide them healthy and safe environment so that they can’t be harmed and live a healthy life.

Final Thoughts:

It’s very unfortunate for our dogs that can’t tell the mishappening that occurs to them but as good owners only we have to notice their unusual behavior. With the knowledge you now have regarding limping, you can determine when to take your pet to the clinic or administer first aid.

However, limping among German Shepherds dog is not common they limp due to some reasons. You should try to observe your dog’s condition very closely and if they are in pain and can’t move their feet then it will be a sign of worry.

We have got a lot of choices to help with the dog’s limping condition. At the same time, we have got the option of painkillers or Anti-inflammatories that are very helpful and provide them a little bit of relief. There are many medicines that your vets will recommend and can help them a lot while in the limping stage.

If your canine has fractured, it can be cured with a splint, cast, or repaired surgically of course that will depend on the condition. If you notice any serious injury then the vets are the right of course and provide them treatment as soon as possible.