How to Take Care of a Dog's Swollen Leg

Injuries, insect bites, joint problems or systemic failure can all cause a dog's leg to swell. If the dog limps, check to see if any swelling is present and try to identify the cause. This will enable you to provide basic treatment and some relief until a veterinarian is able to examine the dog.

  1. Potential Causes

    • Identify the reason for the swelling by running your hands gently over the leg. Search for any signs of injury such as a wound, a thorn or splinter, or an insect bite. If the dog allows you, flex the leg carefully and feel to see where the swelling is located. Check each of the toes and the foot to determine where the problem is. Swelling that is close to a joint may indicate arthritis or damage to the tendons, nerves, ligaments, or a joint sprain or dislocation. Swelling at the front of a foreleg could indicate damage to the radial nerve. A swelling that feels "spongy" may be a condition called pitting edema, which requires immediate veterinary care.

    Pain Level

    • Press the swelling gently to determine if it is painful for the dog. If the dog does not want you to touch the leg, it is usually an indication that it is experiencing pain. Constant licking or chewing on the swollen leg may also be a sign that the dog is uncomfortable with the swelling. Watch for nausea, fatigue, confusion or panting, because these may be signs of infection or poison from an insect bite. Lumps and swellings that are not painful may be growths, and while these require veterinary attention, they are not as urgent as any that are causing the dog immediate distress.

    Treatment at Home

    • Apply a cold or hot compress to the swollen leg. If the dog has fallen or been hit by a car, a cold compress is the best to help reduce the swelling. If you believe the swelling is from an injured joint or a disease such as arthritis, make a warm water bottle, wrap it in a towel and place it against the leg. Take care not to make it too hot. If the dog has an open wound, apply pressure to control the bleeding until you can get to the veterinarian. In all cases, try to keep the dog quiet and minimize stress. If possible, give it an herbal tranquilizer such as rescue remedy, which will help to calm it and reduce its reaction to the pain.

    Veterinary Care

    • Take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible, particularly if it is showing signs of pain, illness or panic. A veterinarian will examine the leg and will take the dog's temperature and possibly blood tests to identify the cause of the swelling. If the dog fell or was hit by a car, telling this to the veterinarian will reduce the amount of discomfort the dog will have to endure to get a diagnosis. He may recommend surgery, physical therapy or medication to address the cause of the swelling.