What To Do If Your Dog Has a Broken Leg

One minute your pup is chasing after a ball, and the next they’re yelping and limping — could it be a broken leg? 

A fractured leg is a scary situation for both you and your pup, but it’s not the time to panic. Knowing what to do in these emergency situations can increase your dog’s chances of making a full recovery.

Of course, you may also panic when it comes time to pay your vet bills. Dog fracture care can be extremely expensive, and complicated cases can cost up to $12,388.

Keep reading to learn how to safely get your pup to the emergency vet when they break a limb. We’ll also share some tips for making fracture care less of a burden on your wallet.

Common ways dogs get broken legs

Dogs are always getting into adventures, and sometimes those adventures lead to bumps, wounds, and broken bones. Unfortunately, there are many ways a dog can break a bone: 

Traumatic accidents

Traumatic accidents, especially car accidents, are often the most severe and unpredictable causes of broken legs in dogs. These accidents can cause multiple fractures and internal injuries for your dog. 

Even if your dog is well-trained, distractions can happen, and in the blink of an eye, they could dart into the path of a moving car. So, always keep your dog on a leash when outdoors or near traffic. 

Roughhousing 

Sometimes, just playing a little too rough can result in a broken or fractured leg. A play sesh with a much larger dog, an accidental collision during fetch, or even a friendly wrestling match with their human can lead to unexpected injuries and broken bones in dogs.  

Jumping or falling 

Some pups have boundless energy that involves gravity-defying leaps and jumps. However, jumping off something or misjudging a leap can give your dog a fractured leg, especially if they’re toy breeds or senior dogs. Falling from stairs or high furniture can also cause broken bones. 

Underlying health conditions

Certain medical conditions can weaken your dog’s bones and make them more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis or bone cancer can turn a normal stumble that wouldn’t usually cause a second thought into a painful fracture.

How do you know if your dog’s leg is broken?

Here are some signs that your dog might have a broken leg. It’s important to note that some of these signs could also mean your dog has a sprained leg. If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. 

Obvious signs

These are the “Uh oh, something’s definitely not right” signs of a dog broken leg: 

• Limping or lameness 
• Not bearing weight on the leg
• Visible changes to the limb (bent at unusual angles)
• Swelling
• Open wound (compound fractures)
• Yelps of pain and whining

Less obvious signs 

Not all broken legs are obvious. It depends on the severity and the location of the injury. A broken leg can also be harder to spot if it’s a closed fracture with no open wound. 

These subtle signs warrant a closer look: 

• Reluctance to move or play
• Licking or chewing at the area
• Changes in behavior (anxious, distant, aggressive)

Dogs evolved to hide their pain to protect themselves from predators. Even though the only predator in your home is that darn vacuum cleaner, your dog may instinctively mask their pain.

How to keep your dog comfortable on your way to the emergency vet

Ok, deep breaths. This is scary, but you need to know what to do.  A dog leg fracture is not something you can treat at home, and veterinary care is absolutely necessary. Your priority is to get them to the vet as safely and as comfortably as possible.

Assess the situation

Before doing anything, take a moment to evaluate your dog’s condition. In case of an emergency, you may need to administer dog first aid before heading to the vet. For example, if your dog is bleeding, you should stop the bleeding first. 

Contact your vet

Call your vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital. Let them know you’re on your way with a suspected broken leg. 

Describe the situation clearly — the cause, the symptoms you’ve observed, and your dog’s emotional state — so they can prepare for your arrival.  

Immobilize and move your dog to the car

Now, this is the tricky part. You’ll have to move your dog to the car while keeping their broken leg as stable as possible. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to do: 

1. Wedge pillows or rolled blankets underneath the broken leg to secure it from moving. 
2. Use a blanket or towel to make a makeshift stretcher. 
3. Slide the stretcher under your dog to support their entire body at once. 
4. Once your dog is in the support, lift and carry them to your car. If possible, get someone to help you carry them and drive. 
5. You can also place your dog inside a crate or carrier to limit unnecessary movement.

Never try to set the bone yourself, as this can cause your dog more pain and damage.  

Stay calm and reassure your dog

Dogs can sense human emotions, so remain calm and reassure your dog to help them feel more secure. You can also try petting them, but sometimes hurt dogs react aggressively. If they are showing signs of aggression, respect their boundaries.

The cost of fixing a dog’s broken leg

The cost of fixing a dog’s broken leg depends on the type of fracture and what kind of treatment your pup needs. According to Pumpkin claims data, the price range for fracture care is extremely wide: as low as $70 and up to $12,388. 

A clean break is generally less expensive to treat than a complicated fracture. Splints and casts are typically the most affordable treatment options, but if surgery is needed, then costs will increase. 

To give you a better idea, between July 2022 and November 2024, Pumpkin’s average claim amount for fractured legs in dogs was $1,008. But between emergency hospital visits, surgery, X-rays, and blood work, costs can pile up fast.

How to help pay for expensive vet bills

Veterinary care is necessary for your dog to heal a broken leg. But let’s be honest, it isn’t cheap. Don’t worry, there are some ways to help with those costs:

Pet insurance

Pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, so by the time your dog breaks a leg, it’s too late to sign up for coverage. However, if your dog is already covered, pet insurance can be a huge help. Premium pet insurance plans can reimburse you for up to 90% of eligible vet bills.

If you need help paying for the initial bill, you still have some options to help with the costs.

Free or low-cost animal clinics

Many communities have organizations that offer free or low-cost veterinary care. Do your research and reach out to shelters, rescues, or veterinary colleges to see if they offer any low-cost emergency veterinary care. But on the flip side, these clinics often have longer wait times and limited resources. 

CareCredit for pets 

CareCredit is a credit card designed for healthcare expenses, including those for pets. They have financing options that make it easier to pay for large bills upfront.

You can also discuss a payment plan with your vet. Many clinics offer payment plans or deferred payment options to help make emergency treatment more affordable.

Crowdsource funds

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow you to raise funds from friends, family, and even strangers who want to support your pup’s recovery. If you truly can’t afford care, share your dog’s story and spread the word! 

Long-term care for a dog with a broken leg

So your dog made it through surgery like a champ. Now, it’s your job to care for them after surgery. The healing process can be long, taking weeks or months depending on the severity of the fracture. 

Generally, it takes a minimum of 4 weeks for puppies and 8 weeks for adult dogs to heal a fractured bone. But with proper post-operative care and rest, your pup should make a full recovery.

Manage pain

Make sure you administer the prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as instructed to ease your dog’s pain. Keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or complications. And hey, a couple extra treats never hurt (as long as your vet approves).

Restricted activity

For the first several weeks, you may need to limit your dog’s activity. Think crate rest, short potty breaks, and saying a firm “no” to stairs and any jumps onto the couch. 

Physical therapy

Your dog may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. This might include underwater exercises, targeted exercises, therapeutic massages, or even acupuncture. 

Environmental adjustments

Your recovering pup needs a peaceful and safe space to rest. Make sure they have access to a comfortable place away from other pets, obstacles, and distractions. 

On the road to recovery

Dogs are incredibly resilient. With the proper care, they can bounce back from even the toughest of breaks. 

Give your pup the best chance at a full recovery by carefully following your veterinarian’s instructions.

Having a pet insurance plan in place can help cover eligible vet costs when the unexpected happens. Find out how Pumpkin Dog insurance plans help you get your pup the best care in emergency situations without worrying too much about finances.

FAQs

---

---