Two-Year-Old Dog Keeps Holding Up a Leg

A dog who keeps lifting a leg is usually in pain or uncomfortable in that leg, so she should see a vet soon. Common causes include something stuck in the paw, a torn nail, a sprain, a torn cruciate ligament in the knee, a slipping kneecap, or a hip problem such as hip dysplasia.

Check her paw gently for cuts, thorns or a broken nail, and keep her quiet with short leash walks only until she's examined. Don't give her any human pain relievers, as these can be dangerous for dogs. If she won't put the leg down at all, cries out, or the leg is swollen, take her in the same day.

See hip dysplasia in dogs and dog knee problems.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.