Limping / stiffness · Health & symptoms

Veterinary help in your selected country

Phone your usual vet; their recorded message should explain out-of-hours arrangements. If unavailable, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital. Confirm that it can receive your dog before travelling if possible; do not delay urgent care. Human emergency numbers are not veterinary helplines.

Open country-specific veterinary contacts

Limit activity to what is necessary while seeking advice; do not manipulate a painful limb. Inability to stand, severe pain, trauma or dragging limbs is an emergency. Do not give human painkillers.

Safe observations and immediate action

Keep the surroundings safe and quiet. Observe without forcing handling or painful checks. Note when it began, changes, medicines and possible exposures for the vet. Follow their advice about safe transport and first aid.

What to avoid

Do not give human medicines, leftover prescriptions or another animal’s treatment. Do not change prescribed treatment without veterinary advice. Do not force food or water into a distressed dog.

Heat guidance · Check My Dog’s Symptoms

Sources and review

Editorial review: 20 September 2026. Sources checked for the stated guidance; no veterinary certification of this tool.