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My kids pull my dog's front legs. Can this seriously hurt or kill?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 40 lbs

Hi I've heard that if you pull a dogs front legs apart that it will kill it and I want to see if this is true or not because I have 3 children that tend to dance with my dogs front legs and have been terrified ever since I've heard that

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 4, 2018

Oh my. If you pull the legs beyond what the joints can handle, it will pull them out of the socket and possible cause severe damage to the nerves that are located in the armpit area (brachial plexus); however, this does not guarantee instant death for your pet because no vital organs (heart, lungs, liver, spleen, major artery) would be damaged. However, I would be more worried that your pet may become violent and injure your kids back if she is ever forced to endure this level of pain. Please have a discussion with your children and tell them the importance of playing nice with your pet Charlotte moving forward. I would also try to always supervise their play time together, otherwise, you will likely need to separate them from her until they are a bit older and can understand the gravity of the situation.
I hope things work out well for your pet Charlotte. Take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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