How do you know if a dog has a sprained leg or broken leg?

Question

How do you know if a dog has a sprained leg or broken leg?

Answer 1

USE YOUR HEAD AND TAKE IT TO THE VET. WHY WOULD YOU EVEN TAKE THE TIME TO ASK THIS QUESTION?

EITHER WAY THE DOG NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION NOW. THEY HAVE PAIN JUST LIKE HUIMANS.

Answer 2

A vet will x-ray it.

Answer 3

You take it to the Vet and have it X-rayed. Either should be treated by a professional

Answer 4

Limping, in pain, can't get up. Take the dog to the vet if there is even a possibility!

Answer 5

the only way to know for sure is to have an x-ray done by your vet.  My dog when 6 months old fractured her back leg, I took her to the vet and he said if she's putting weight on the leg it's not broken, got back to my regular vet had them x-ray it and they confirmed she'd fractured it.  When she was over a year she fell at the dog park and wouldn't put weight on her back leg (same one) for three days, so on the fourth day I took her in to have it x-rayed and they said it was a soft tissue injury.  So to be honest, it's difficult to really know for sure without an x-ray.

Answer 6

If he yelps when walking, or if he doesn't walk at all, he probably needs to see a vet.

Answer 7

don't hurt him, but check the area and sort of see how much pain they r in.  if they can't walk for a day, go to the vet.  my pup has somehow hurt his legs a couple of times but could always walk on the hurt one (he just limped alittle)  the next day he was better.  if ur dog can't move, go to the vet or if he doesn't feel better with in a day got to the vet.

Answer 8

It's a big difference in how the dog acts. If he can't walk at all, and cries loudly, it's probably broken and he needs to see a vet asap. With a sprain, the dog will limp on the leg, but can put weight on it. You can also gently feel the leg and see if any spot really makes the dog yelp. If not, it's not broken and may get better after a bit of rest. If the dog keeps howling in pain, take it to the vet either way.