Limping is a sign of pain and discomfort. The lameness can have various causes and therefore a physical examination is usually needed to make a correct assessment of the case.

Common causes of mild/.moderate lameness in mature dogs are: 

- Trauma (muscular pain or sprains)

- Arthritis 

- Pad damage 

- infection

As we discussed, your dog has a mild lameness or stiffness but is otherwise well. 

Therefore I recommend that your dog is examined by your veterinary surgeon during normal opening hours in order to get a correct assessment. 

Keep the dog rested until the examination, i.e. rest the dog on a lead and do not let it play with other dogs or run loose. Any jumping should be also be avoided.

If your dog become affected in other ways, for instance being off food, shivering, being lethargic or if the dog is unwilling to bear weight on the leg at times or relieves the leg at rest, then an examination should be carried out more urgently - Contact your local vet or another veterinarian for an emergency appointment in this case.