intermitent limping

Our 9 yr old border collie mutt started limping w/o apparant cause about 10 days ago.  We find no visible injury to pads, between toes, nails, foot or leg.  But he is not happy about us touching and examining that front foot.  We've cut out walks and running in the yard, so he seemed to be getting better.  But it flares up off and on, especially outside on uneven surfaces like rocks and grassy areas.  He doesn't like it or chew at it, and there is no swelling or oozing.  He just limps off and on. Any suggestions?

[Jaybay]

Has your dog had a pedicure recently?  Sometimes long nails can get very painful, or even hung up on things to the point they get pulled out of the nail bed.  It's possible he just needs a nail trim, but if it keeps up, have a vet take a look.

[Fourpaws]

I agree with Jaybay

[sunriderisbest]

my rotty i swear limps on occasion for attention. when she gets that way, i'll throw a ball for her and she'll forget all about her limp. or i'll give her a good brushing or rub down and she soon forgets about her limp.

another thing i noticed with my dachipoo and rotty is that i never use beauty bark! they get automatic slivers like we would if we rolled around in that stuff! mine kept licking their paws too. it's hard to see beauty bark in the paws.