I have a 3 year old Sheltie (see pic!) who is in very good health, other than some food allergies. I left her this morning, and she was walking fine. I came home, and she was limping! I took a small stone out from her foot pad (L side) but she is limping on the R side - and doesn't really want to put much weight on the foot. She's not yelping in pain or anything, so I'm thinking it's not overly serious. She's too young for arthritis, I would think... my 11 year old had terrible arthritis, and I'd hate to see this one start so early! I have a vet appointment tomorrow when I get out of work - but until then, any suggestions of what I can do to keep her off it? She loves to jump up on the couch and the bed, and follows me everywhere - up and down the stairs. Thanks in advance! :)

I hate it when the vet tells me to keep one of my puppies quiet and doesn't prescribe any Valium. Maybe the old peanut butter in the Kong trick if she isn't allergic to it. If so, maybe a soft cheese. Try a Buster Cube or kibble ball with some of the kibble she is doing OK on. My Labs usually don't do well with the kibble balls. They impatiently try to chew them open.

An extra dose of brushing should help too.

And yes, the vet appointment is a good idea.

Thanks... turns out it's a sprain - luckily nothing broken. Vet suggested we get her doggie stairs for the bed if she wants to go up and down. Sent me home with some Deramaxx, and that has seemed to make her much more comfortable. Right now she's laying here next to me in my office sound asleep. :)