How long to wait before taking limping dog to vet?

Question

My 3 year old Jack Russel, Bruce, has been favoring his left from paw for almost a week now. He also spends a fair amount of time licking it, especially on the pad. My boyfriend and I have looked it over numerous times and we've only seen a little bit of redness and a slight bump between the top of the big, central pad and all the other little "toe" pads. We've been considering taking him to the vet, but money is tight right now and I was wondering how long we should give him, just in case it's only a small cut that he can heal himself, before we take him in. Because I'm also afraid of a splinter or a piece of glass that could become infected.

Samantha -

That's just ridiculous. People don't even take their children to the doctor for small cuts and scrapes. A dog's body, much like a humans, is self healing for the most part and I hardly think it makes me an abysmal pet parent for not rushing to the vet for a sore paw.

Answer 1

If you have a lump it could be a splinter. You could try icthamol ointment (sold in any drug store or tack store). It is a drawing agent that smells alot like black tar. Apply a huge gob and within hours the sliver is out (works on us just as well). You'd have to wrap it to keep him out of it).

Sometimes you can soak the foot (if they will let you) in warm epsom salts to clean the foot.

If he is not putting any weight on it at all it is an immediate vet call.

Answer 2

General rule of thumb: if a dog limps for more than 2 days with no sign of improvement, take him to the vet. And doubly so since your dog is obviously not feeling well. BTW, don't forget he would naturally eat less when he isn't able to run around all day, so that might not be much of a concern unless he's actually losing weight.

Answer 3

First off, spinters won't show up in x-rays. What you need to do is slowly rub your finger over the area and see if you can feel anything. Then, if that don't work try a magnifying glass to see if you can see anything. Look from all angles especially if you think there is glass there. But usually, if you run a finger over the sore spot you will feel something. And look real close to see if it is a small cut if so it will heal. And if your thatworried, then take him to the vet.

Answer 4

Well somtimes it is just where they may have stepped on somthing and it still hurts or theres somthing really wrong with him, try pushing on the bottom of his foot and see what happens, somtimes my 2 dogs will do that also. but then it just goes away. If he keeps doing this stuff then take him to the vet. Yes money may be tight but usually vets won't hassel you for it. They care about the health of the animal.

Answer 5

I would give him about three more days-but if he stops eating,drinking or moving at all i would take hime to the vet ASAP!keep an eye on it-and try not to let him mess with it too much!It could be somthing serios though and needs to be seen very soon-so watch him carefully!

Answer 6

I think a week is a little too long to wait before having your dog checked out. I would go to the vet to make sure it is nothing serious

Answer 7

I understand money is tight, but you should take him to the vet....foot wounds take the longest to heal, and are hard to heal as well. It could be a small "foreign object", and it doesn't need to get infected.

Answer 8

I think you should wait about 4 years and let him suffer and die.

The poor thing is is PAIN. Do you really love that animal or not?
You need to take him in N-O-W. Even if it's something small, it might not be. It could be serious, become infected, spread, and kill him.

Nobody gives a hoot about money. Take the dog to the vet and save him now.

Answer 9

1 to 3 days if it doesn't get better take it to the vet immediately also if it is limping get a fat news paper and wrap it around it's leg.