Understanding Growing Pains in Young Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

From My Life With Dogs:

A Pattern I’ve Witnessed for Decades

Over my 50 years working with dogs—from German Shepherds to Belgian Malinois and beyond—I've seen many puppies go through phases where they suddenly limp, favor a leg, or show signs of discomfort with no apparent injury.

At first, I remember thinking it must have been a sprain or a pulled muscle from play. But then I noticed something curious—this pattern kept repeating itself across different breeds, different litters, even different environments.

Eventually, I learned the common term that most veterinarians and breeders use to describe this phenomenon: growing pains. But let me tell you, that name can be misleading—because not all discomfort in young dogs is simply due to growth.

Growing Pains- favor a leg, or show signs of discomfort with no apparent injury.

What Are Growing Pains in Dogs? (Also Known as Panosteitis)

Veterinarians commonly refer to "growing pains" in dogs as Panosteitis (pronounced pan-aw-stee-eye-tis). It is an inflammatory condition that affects the long bones of a dog's legs, primarily during the rapid growth phase—usually between 5 and 18 months of age.

This condition is most common in large and giant breeds, though it has been observed in medium-sized breeds too.

What Actually Happens?

Panosteitis affects the inner part of the bone (the medullary cavity), causing inflammation, which leads to pain and lameness. It can affect multiple limbs—sometimes alternating legs—making it difficult to diagnose unless you're familiar with the condition.

Why Do Growing Pains Happen in Dogs?

There’s still no single confirmed cause, but current veterinary research points to several contributing factors:

• Genetics: Some bloodlines are more predisposed than others. I’ve definitely seen it more frequently in certain breeding lines.

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  Rapid Growth: Fast bone development, especially in high-protein-fed puppies.

• Nutrition Imbalance: Diets that are too rich in calcium or phosphorus can stress developing bones.

• Over-exercise: Young bones are not yet dense and strong enough for high-impact activity.

• Infections or immune-related issues: In rare cases, an underlying systemic issue might mimic or trigger inflammation.

* According to VCA Animal Hospitals, Panosteitis is most commonly diagnosed via X-rays and clinical evaluation. Read VCA’s explanation here.

 Panosteitis is most commonly diagnosed via X-rays

Signs Your Dog Might Be Experiencing Growing Pains

You might notice:

• Sudden limping (with no visible injury)

• Pain when touching the leg bones (especially the front legs)

• Switching legs when limping

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever in some cases

This usually lasts a few days to a few weeks and often resolves on its own—but not always.

They loose appetite due to pain and perhaps some fever

Other Conditions That Look Like Growing Pains

This is where experience—and your vet’s diagnostic tools—matter.

Some serious orthopedic or autoimmune conditions can mimic Panosteitis:

• Hip or Elbow Dysplasia

• Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

• Luxating patella

• Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses

• Cruciate ligament injury

• Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) – a more painful and serious inflammation in growing bones

Always consult your veterinarian if you see persistent lameness or pain. Here’s a helpful resource from PetMD on limping in puppies.

Can We Prevent Growing Pains in Dogs?

While we can’t fully prevent genetic predispositions, there are several ways to reduce the severity or frequency of Panosteitis episodes:

-Balanced Nutrition

Avoid overfeeding, especially large-breed puppies. Choose a diet designed for large breed puppy growth that balances calcium and phosphorus levels.

I personally use and recommend food plans that avoid fast-growth triggers. K9 Power Puppy Gold, for example, supports slow, steady growth and immune support.

- Controlled Exercise

Puppies don’t need marathon runs. Keep exercise moderate and avoid:

• Jumping off furniture

• Excessive stair use

• Intense roughhousing with older dogs

  

  Puppy restriction to exercise is very important during Growing Pain stages

- Weight Management

Extra pounds put extra stress on developing joints. A lean pup is a healthier pup.

How Are Growing Pains Treated?

Treatment is typically supportive care, but again—your vet should always guide this:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (prescribed by a vet, e.g., Rimadyl or Meloxicam)

• Rest and reduced activity

• Warm compresses over the painful leg

• Massage or laser therapy

• Supplements like glucosamine and omega-3s may support overall joint health

** Do not self-medicate with over-the-counter human painkillers—these can be toxic to dogs!

-More info on treatments can be found through Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

My Experience With Growing Pains in Young Dogs: What I Tell My Puppy Families

When puppy families ask me, "Why is my pup limping? Did he hurt himself?"—I always remind them not to panic.

If the pup is going through a growth spurt and especially if they're from large breed lines, it could be growing pains in young dogs, also known as Panosteitis. But we always encourage a visit to the vet, X-rays if needed, and a calm, informed approach.

I usually tell my puppy owners that controlled exercise is essential during this time. The more the puppy rests, the better the recovery tends to be. Crate rest is a must during these flare-ups—it prevents unnecessary strain and helps avoid further inflammation.

Although many people ask about pain medications, I personally caution against overusing them. When a pup can’t feel the pain, they’re more likely to overuse the affected limb or jump around, which can worsen the condition. Pain is a signal for them to slow down—and if we remove that signal entirely, it can delay healing or even cause further injury to joints and ligaments.

There’s also a lot of talk around Vitamin C being helpful for bone health and inflammation support. While it's not a substitute for veterinary care, I’ve seen many owners and breeders include it as a gentle, natural support—always under their vet’s guidance.

Most importantly: keep a journal of your pup's behavior. Noting the dates, legs affected, appetite changes, and activity level can be incredibly helpful when speaking with your vet.

Final Thoughts: Growing Pains Aren’t a Sentence—Just a Chapter

Growing pains can be scary at first—but with the right attention, nutrition, and understanding, they’re usually temporary and manageable.

As always, be your dog’s advocate. And remember—if something feels off, follow your instincts and talk to your vet.

If you're raising a large breed puppy, I strongly recommend bookmarking resources like:

• VCA Animal Hospitals – Panosteitis

• PetMD – Panosteitis Overview

• Cornell Orthopedics Department

*And as always—we’re here to help you at Southernwind Kennels every step of the way.