My Papillions (Koda) hurt leg

by Angie Williams
(Hickory, NC, US)

My son was running from/playing with our papillion when I all of a sudden hear my dog doing this high pitched yelp.

I ran to see what was wrong and my son said he thinks he stepped on part of our dogs paw or leg when he was running from him.

My son adores Koda and I am sure he told me all he knew. Koda has walked on his leg since, several times but at times will yelp. What can I do to help him?



Hi Angie
This isn't unusual, and it's one of the reasons that tiny breeds aren't always the best choice for a home with children. They do tend to get hurt easily, and as in this case, most often it's accidental.

If Koda is able to put weight on the leg, and when you examine it you can't see anything obviously wrong - ie the joint moves okay, it's not broken, no deep cuts or anything - then chances are this is pretty minor and he'll be fine in a few hours.

If it's still causing him problems after 12 hours or so, then he needs to be seen by a vet to make sure he hasn't fractured the leg, or done anything serious.

I'm sure your son was just playing with him, and small dogs have a habit of getting right under your feet, so he shouldn't feel bad. It was an accident. Just be extra careful in future :o)

Best of luck, hope he's doing much better soon.