Dog limping on a back leg and shivering: what to know

Shivering can be a response to pain, fear, cold, fever, or a broader illness. A sore paw, torn nail, muscle strain, joint problem, fracture, or back or nerve problem may cause a hind-leg limp. Some dogs also hide pain, so reluctance to move, a hunched posture, panting, whining, or repeated licking deserves attention.

The limp does not identify one diagnosis by itself. Changes in drinking, urination, appetite, breathing, alertness, or body temperature can help a veterinarian judge whether the problem is local to the leg or affecting the whole body.

Keep your dog quiet indoors and prevent running, stairs, jumping, and play. Check the paw gently for a cut, swelling, thorn, or broken nail, but stop if handling causes pain. Offer water and keep the dog comfortably warm without using a heating pad or giving human pain medicine.

Arrange veterinary advice promptly, especially if the limp began suddenly or shivering continues. Note when it started, which leg is affected, any fall or bite, and whether your dog can bear weight.

Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog cannot stand or walk, the leg looks deformed, pain is severe, there is heavy bleeding, breathing is difficult, gums look pale or blue, or your dog is unusually weak, confused, collapsed, or repeatedly vomiting. Fever with marked lethargy also needs urgent assessment.

Ask whether the leg, spine, or paw needs imaging; whether fever or another illness should be checked; what activity limits are appropriate; and which pain relief is safe for your dog. Ask what changes should trigger an immediate return.