When would you take your dog to the vet?

[Trev]

Dyson seems to be favouring his right front leg and has a bit of a limp when he walks. When he stands or sits he puts very little weight on his leg. It doesn't seem to cause him any discomfort though and he will let me move it all about without protest.

So I am wondering when or if I should get him in to be looked at. I am thinking that maybe just some rest will get him right as I suspect it is just a strained muscle he got from our last walk from him being extra goofy and pulling a lot. I am vetoing his walk today and in place I got him a big bone to chew on so that should keep him happy.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Trev:
I am the type that runs to the vet for anything that doesn't seem right; I am almost never sorry that I did. (It's like kids...some people have waited to take a child to the pediatrician for a sore throat, the child has strep which is easily treated with antibiotics, and by the time they do go to the doctor, it has turned into scarlet fever.) I would guess that Dyson has at least a little discomfort or he wouldn't be limping or favoring the leg. It could be a paw pad injury, a pull, strain...I just wouldn't feel comfortable guessing. If it is his pad, it wouldn't affect your moving the leg around. My doodle has had 2 severe pad injuries, both of which necessitated major vet care.
I know money is tight for all of us, and that is sometimes a consideration when deciding whether to go to the vet, but my feeling is that it's part of what you commit to when you get a dog. My vet has waived the fees more than once when I was just being a nervous dog-mom, so you may not have any expense if there's really nothing for the vet to do. I just personally feel it's better to be safe than sorry, and since Dyson can't tell you how he feels, you have to be his advocate.
Just my opinion, for what it's worth. Hope he gets better quickly!

[Linda and Murphy]

I am another nervous mom. I would recommend getting him checked out.
Check his paw for burrs between the toes and main pad. I have had that happen.
They can hide in all that fur.

I appreciate the "extra goofy" part. Murphy, who is 2, has injured himself numerous times.("happy tail", ripped the dew claw while running through tall grass, cut his paw pad on who knows what. This last one is a rather severe injury and we are still dealing with it. He has staples in his pad and I still have trouble slowing him down.) Our vet has already categorized him as a problem child...a "What has The Murph done now?" kinda dog.

Good luck and I hope Dyson feels better soon.

[Richard Crowe]

I always keep Ascriptin tablets in the house and will give 1/2 tablet at 8 hour intervals when there seems to be some pain. Then, if the Ascriptin doesn't do the trick - it's off to the vets. BTW - Ascriptin is a buffered asperin which has a Maalox type of coating so it is not rough on the dog's stomach. I actually use a generic brand but, DON'T use Tylenol, Ibrupropen or Naproxen.

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

That's a tough one..... I would say if it has been going on for at least 2 days to take him. Or call the vet...mine is kind and they will give you their opinion. Also realize you are at the weekend..... lots of vets are not open. IF something is really wrong and you then get extra worried on Saturday evening you will pay a lot MORE at the emergency clinic.... this ALWAYS happens to me!!

Good luck and I hope he feels better!!

[Leslie and Halas]

I think I would call my vet. They're pretty good about asking some questions and then suggesting whether or not to bring him in. Or they may just give you some ideas on what to watch for and how to treat the pain. I don't get charged for the phone calls, so it's cheaper than making the office visit.

[DANYELL]

i seem to come home from work to find them hurt its always to late that night for my vet so i take them in the morning. my rule is if its still hurting in the morning your going to the vet.

[Trev]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone. I talked to my wife while I was still at work and told her about the situation. I told her that the vet was booked solid Saturday so we got him in tonight. The vet prescribed some pain/anti inflammatory meds for him so hopefully it'll clear up in the next few days.