Is Your Dog Limping in Los Angeles?
It's 11 PM in LA, and your dog just started limping after your evening walk in Runyon Canyon. Should you rush to the emergency vet or wait until morning?
Talk to a Licensed Vet Now - FREEWhen Dog Limping Needs Immediate Attention
Get to an emergency vet in Los Angeles RIGHT NOW if your dog shows:
- Cannot put any weight on the leg
- Leg appears broken, twisted, or at an odd angle
- Visible bone or open wound
- Extreme pain when touched
- Limping after known trauma (hit by car, fall, dog fight)
- Swelling that appeared suddenly and is getting worse
🏥 Los Angeles 24-Hour Emergency Vets
- Animal Specialty Group - West LA - (310) 473-1561
- VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital - (310) 473-2951
- ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals - Culver City - (310) 558-6100
When You Can Talk to a CanopyVet First
If your dog is limping but can still walk, eat, and seems relatively comfortable, a CanopyVet consultation can help you decide next steps:
- Mild limping that comes and goes
- Limping after exercise (common after hiking Griffith Park or the beach)
- Gradual onset over days or weeks
- No visible injury or swelling
- Still eating, drinking, and acting normal otherwise
Common Causes of Dog Limping in Los Angeles
Our vets see these frequently in LA dogs:
- Paw pad injuries from hot sidewalks (especially in summer)
- Foxtails embedded in paws (common in LA hiking trails)
- Overexertion from beach runs or canyon hikes
- Arthritis flare-ups (especially in older dogs)
- Muscle strains from playing at the dog park
🌴 LA-Specific Pet Hazards
Living in Los Angeles? Watch out for:
- Hot pavement burns (sidewalks can reach 140°F in summer)
- Foxtails in Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and Elysian Park
- Rattlesnakes in canyon areas
- Coyotes in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and hillside neighborhoods
What to Do Right Now
- Check the paw - Look for cuts, thorns, foxtails, or swelling
- Rest your dog - No walks, running, or stairs for now
- Apply ice - 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off if there's swelling
- Talk to a vet - Get professional guidance within minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CanopyVet cost?
Get a 7-day free trial when you download the app! Your first telehealth consultation is completely free, then just $5 per consultation after that. No subscription required.
Are CanopyVet vets licensed in California?
Yes! All our vets are licensed and board-certified, including in California. They're available 24/7, even at 2 AM on a Sunday.
Can I send photos of my dog's limp?
Absolutely. You can share photos and videos during your consultation to help the vet assess the situation.
What if my dog needs to see a vet in person?
Our vets will tell you if in-person care is needed and can recommend emergency vets near you in Los Angeles.
Why LA Pet Parents Choose CanopyVet
- ✅ 7-day free trial - First consultation completely free
- ✅ Only $5 per consult - No expensive subscriptions
- ✅ Licensed California vets - Board-certified professionals
- ✅ Instant access - No waiting for morning appointments
- ✅ Available 24/7 - Even during LA traffic hours
CanopyVet provides triage and guidance. We do not replace emergency veterinary care. If your dog is in distress, please visit an emergency vet immediately.