Abnormal Gait in Dogs: From Subtle Signs to Serious Conditions

Written by Kate Austin | Furria Team
Published on: 19 September 2025

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for a professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan. If your dog is showing an abnormal gait, unsteady walking, stumbling, or difficulty controlling its legs, seek prompt advice from a qualified veterinarian. In the UK, this may mean contacting your local practice without delay or arranging a referral to a veterinary neurologist or orthopaedic specialist.

Introduction

An abnormal gait in dogs is more than just an unusual way of walking. It describes any change in the rhythm, stride, or stability of a dog’s movement, from a slight wobble to pronounced stumbling. Importantly, it is not a disease in itself but a visible sign that something deeper may be wrong.

Many owners mistake early changes for simple tiredness or the natural effects of ageing. A dog that hesitates before jumping on the sofa, drags a paw occasionally, or walks with a subtle sway may appear merely “slower than before”. In reality, these are warning signals that can point to conditions ranging from arthritis and muscle injuries to serious neurological disorders such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

Recognising these small differences in your dog’s gait can make the difference between timely treatment and missed opportunities for recovery. What looks like clumsiness may, in fact, be the earliest stage of a condition that requires veterinary attention.

What Is Abnormal Gait in Dogs?

In veterinary terms, abnormal gait in dogs refers to any irregularity in the way a dog moves. A healthy gait is smooth, coordinated, and consistent, with each step flowing naturally from one limb to the next. When this rhythm breaks down—whether through limping, dragging paws, wobbling, or an uneven stride—it is considered an abnormal gait.

The difference between a normal and pathological gait can be subtle. A dog with a normal stride places its paws firmly and evenly, maintaining balance even on slippery floors. By contrast, a dog showing gait problems may struggle to coordinate its steps, cross its back legs while walking, or shift its weight awkwardly to one side. These changes might appear small at first, but they are often the earliest outward signs of pain, weakness, or neurological disruption.

It is important to understand that gait problems in dogs are not a diagnosis but a symptom. A dog walking abnormal could be dealing with anything from a temporary muscle strain to progressive conditions such as arthritis or degenerative myelopathy. Even issues unrelated to the legs—such as inner ear disorders or spinal disease—can affect balance and coordination.

For owners, paying attention to the way a dog walks is one of the most reliable ways to catch health problems early. Subtle alterations in stride length, pace, or paw placement may seem insignificant, but recording them and mentioning them to a vet can provide crucial clues during diagnosis.

Early Signs Owners Shouldn’t Ignore

The earliest indications of an abnormal gait in dogs are rarely dramatic. More often, they creep in quietly, disguised as everyday quirks or simple ageing. Yet these small changes are the very signals that should prompt closer attention.

One common red flag is stiffness after rest. A dog that struggles to rise in the morning, takes a few uneven steps before settling into its walk, or shows reluctance to climb stairs may not just be “slowing down”. This stiffness can point to underlying joint disease or spinal problems that benefit from early veterinary care.

Unsteadiness is another key warning. Dogs with gait problems may appear wobbly on smooth floors, stumble when turning sharply, or hesitate before jumping into the car. Owners sometimes dismiss these moments as clumsiness, but they often reflect weakness, discomfort, or nerve dysfunction.

More specific visual clues include:

Dragging paws — nails scraping against the floor, leaving faint marks.
Knuckling — when a dog walks on the top of its paw instead of the pad, often due to neurological issues.
Crossing back legs — a sign of poor coordination, sometimes linked to spinal cord compression.
Sudden lameness or limping — which may indicate injury, arthritis, or ligament damage.

It is important to stress that these early signs should not be ignored. Early intervention can slow or even prevent progression of many conditions. In the UK, this often means booking a consultation with your local veterinary practice, such as Medivet or Vets4Pets, both of which can perform basic gait assessments and, if necessary, arrange referral to a specialist neurologist or orthopaedic centre.

By paying attention to these subtle changes, owners can provide their dogs with the best chance of timely treatment and an improved quality of life. What might seem like an occasional stumble could, in fact, be the first chapter of a much bigger story in your dog’s health.

Common Causes of Abnormal Gait in Dogs

Abnormal gait in dogs is a sign, not a diagnosis. The pattern—sudden or gradual, painful or painless, one-sided or symmetrical—often points to the underlying problem. Reading those patterns early helps your vet act before damage becomes permanent. Below are the major cause-groups behind gait problems in dogs, with practical markers you can spot at home.

Neurological conditions

When the nervous system misfires, movement looks uncoordinated rather than simply sore.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Often painful and acute. Typical clues include knuckling, dragging paws, scuffing nails, crossing back legs, a “drunken” sway, or reluctance to jump. Progression can be rapid. Record short videos on different surfaces (tile, laminate, grass)—the contrast helps your vet grade deficits. For a deep dive into signs, diagnostics and treatment pathways, see our guide IVDD in dogs
Degenerative myelopathy (DM): Usually painless and slowly progressive in senior dogs. Early signs are subtle hind-end wobble, toe scuffing with worn nails, and gradual weakness without obvious pain.
Brain/spinal injury or tumours: May add head tilt, circling, behaviour change or sudden collapse.
Vestibular disease (inner-ear/brainstem): Dramatic imbalance, falling to one side, wide-based stance; can look alarming yet sometimes resolves with supportive care.

Neurological gaits often show poor paw placement (knuckling, delayed righting) more than a single-limb limp. If your dog is dog walking abnormal with stumbling plus reduced paw awareness, treat it as urgent.

Orthopaedic issues

Here pain is primary; movement is guarded and asymmetric.

Hip dysplasia/osteoarthritis: Stiffness after rest, shortened stride, “bunny-hopping” at speed, reluctance with stairs. Watch for difficulty rising from slick floors and widened hind stance.
Cruciate ligament tears (CCL/ACL): Sudden hind-limb lameness after a twist or sprint; dogs often avoid weight-bearing and sit with the affected leg kicked out.
Patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, tendon and meniscal injuries: Intermittent skipping steps, clicking, or episodic holds.

Orthopaedic pain often eases slightly after a short warm-up but worsens after over-exercise. Keep a 7-day log of distance, surfaces, stairs, and soreness; it’s gold for differential diagnosis.

Injuries and trauma

Sprains, muscle tears, fractures: Sudden, sharp lameness after a slip, jump, or collision. Swelling or heat may be present.
Paw pad or nail trauma: Dogs may “tiptoe”, avoid certain surfaces, or lick a single foot; examine pads and interdigital spaces for cuts, thorns, split nails.

Strict rest, lead-only toilet breaks, and a cold compress for 10 minutes up to 3–4 times on day one can help soft-tissue strains. Do not give human painkillers—some are dangerous to dogs.

Metabolic and other medical conditions

Cushing’s disease: Muscle wasting and weakness cause a broad-based, fatigable gait; you may also notice panting and a pot-bellied look.
Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage leads to hind-end weakness and poor paw placement.
Systemic illness or anaemia: Reduced stamina and a flat, energy-poor stride.

If gait changes accompany drinking/urinating more, weight change, or lethargy, ask your vet about bloods and endocrine screening—not all gait problems in dogs start in the joints.

Age-related decline

Senior dogs often show a blend of arthritis, sarcopenia (muscle loss), and slower nerve conduction. The result is a short, cautious stride with occasional slipping, especially on laminate. Small interventions go far: non-slip runners in hallways, trimmed nails (overlong nails magnify instability), and targeted strengthening (controlled hill walks, underwater treadmill under guidance).

When Is It an Emergency?

Not every change in movement requires a dash to the veterinary hospital, but some scenarios signal a genuine emergency. Knowing when an abnormal gait in dogs crosses the line from concerning to critical can make the difference between recovery and permanent disability.

One of the most alarming signs is sudden paralysis or collapse. If your dog goes from walking normally to dragging its back legs within hours, this may point to a ruptured disc or spinal cord injury. In such cases, every hour matters: nerve damage can become irreversible if treatment is delayed. This is one of the most serious forms of sudden abnormal gait in dogs.

Severe, unrelenting pain is another red flag. Dogs in crisis often cry out when moved, refuse to get up, or guard their spine so fiercely that they resist even gentle handling. Unlike mild stiffness that eases with walking, acute pain that worsens rapidly is never something to monitor at home.

Repeated falling, staggering, or loss of balance can also be emergencies, particularly if paired with head tilt, vomiting, or disorientation. These signs may stem from neurological conditions such as vestibular disease or brain injury. Even if some vestibular cases resolve, it is impossible to predict this without immediate veterinary assessment.

Other situations that demand urgent attention include:

Sudden inability to bear weight on a limb.
Collapse following trauma, such as a fall or car accident.
Rapid progression of weakness over a few days.

In the UK, this means phoning your local veterinary surgery straight away. If it is outside normal hours, contact the nearest emergency hospital; many regions are covered by Vets Now or university referral centres.

The key is to trust your instincts. If your dog’s gait changes overnight, or if the abnormal movement is paired with acute pain, paralysis, or repeated falls, it is not safe to wait and see. Emergency care could be the only window to restore mobility.

Diagnostic Process: How Vets Investigate Gait Problems

Identifying the cause of an abnormal gait in dogs is rarely straightforward. The same outward sign—wobbling, dragging paws, or stumbling—can stem from very different conditions. That is why the diagnostic process is structured and systematic, allowing vets to rule out possibilities step by step.

Clinical Examination

The consultation begins with a detailed history. Your vet will ask when the gait problems first appeared, whether they came on suddenly or gradually, and if they are worse after exercise, on certain surfaces, or at particular times of day. Short videos recorded at home, especially on slippery floors or stairs, often reveal more than a brief walk in the clinic.

The physical exam usually involves:

Neurological assessment — checking reflexes, paw placement (knuckling), limb strength, coordination, and whether the dog can correct its posture when paws are deliberately placed awkwardly.
Orthopaedic tests — assessing range of motion in hips, knees, and elbows; palpating for joint swelling, heat, or pain; stability tests such as cranial drawer for cruciate ligament rupture.

Imaging and Advanced Diagnostics

If the clinical picture is unclear, your vet may recommend further tests:

X-rays (radiographs): Useful for fractures, arthritis, or hip dysplasia, though they do not reveal spinal cord or nerve damage.
MRI scans: The gold standard for spinal and brain conditions, including IVDD, tumours, and degenerative myelopathy.
CT scans: Helpful for bony structures such as complex fractures or elbow dysplasia.
Blood tests: To detect metabolic or endocrine issues like Cushing’s disease, diabetes, or thyroid imbalances that may weaken muscles and nerves.
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis or nerve conduction studies: Occasionally performed at referral centres to clarify neurological disease.

Why Self-Diagnosis Is Risky

Many owners try to match symptoms to online checklists. While resources can help you recognise gait problems in dogs, they cannot replace professional testing. A limp from arthritis may look similar to early neurological weakness, yet the treatment pathways are entirely different. Relying on guesswork delays effective intervention and, in some cases, risks permanent loss of mobility.

Local Options in the UK

For owners seeking advanced diagnostics, referral centres are accessible across the country. In London, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC Small Animal Referrals) offers MRI and specialist neurology services. National providers such as Vets Now Referrals also accept emergency and scheduled cases, ensuring that complex gait disorders are investigated with the latest imaging technology.

Treatment Options for Abnormal Gait in Dogs

Managing an abnormal gait in dogs depends entirely on the underlying cause. The goal is not only to relieve immediate discomfort but also to preserve long-term mobility and quality of life. Treatment often requires a combination of medical, surgical, and supportive approaches tailored to the individual dog.

Medical Management

For many conditions, vets begin with medication.

Pain relief and anti-inflammatories: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and swelling in arthritis, hip dysplasia, or soft tissue injuries. They are usually prescribed for both short-term relief and long-term management in chronic cases.
Neurological support drugs: In cases like IVDD, corticosteroids or muscle relaxants may be given to stabilise inflammation around the spinal cord.
Adjuncts: Nerve-protective vitamins (such as B-complex) and joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin) are often recommended alongside prescription medicine.

Surgical Intervention

Some gait disorders will not resolve with medication alone.

Cruciate ligament rupture (CCL/ACL): Surgical repair is usually required to restore stability and prevent further joint damage.
Severe hip dysplasia or advanced arthritis: Procedures such as total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy may be considered.
IVDD and spinal compression: Decompression surgery can relieve pressure on the spinal cord and, if performed promptly, may restore function.

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is often underestimated but can transform outcomes.

Hydrotherapy: Swimming or underwater treadmill exercises improve strength without joint strain.
Laser therapy, acupuncture, and manual therapy: These modalities promote circulation, reduce pain, and restore mobility.
Structured exercise plans: Gradual, guided strengthening programmes help rebuild muscle tone, especially after surgery or long-term lameness.

Assistive Devices

When normal walking is no longer possible, supportive tools make a dramatic difference.

Dog wheelchairs: These provide stability and freedom for dogs with hind-leg weakness, IVDD, or degenerative myelopathy. For UK owners, the Furria small dog wheelchair is available at £109, with fast delivery across the country. It is lightweight, adjustable, and specifically designed for small breeds that need daily mobility support. Explore our wheelchair here
Harnesses and slings: Helpful for dogs that can walk partially but need extra lift when climbing stairs or standing up.
Protective boots: Prevent scraping and paw injuries in dogs that drag their feet.

Natural and Lifestyle Support

Everyday management can significantly reduce the strain on joints and muscles.

Diet and weight control: Extra body weight magnifies stress on weak limbs and accelerates joint degeneration. Maintaining a lean physique is often more effective than any supplement.
Joint-friendly nutrition: Omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel, and turmeric are increasingly studied for their role in reducing inflammation.
Orthopaedic beds and flooring: Non-slip mats and supportive bedding reduce fatigue and prevent injuries in dogs with unstable gaits.

Living with a Dog with Abnormal Gait

Caring for a dog with an abnormal gait requires adjustments at home and on daily walks, but these changes often bring profound improvements to both comfort and confidence. Mobility challenges do not mean a poor quality of life; with the right support, many dogs thrive and remain active well into old age.

Adapting the Home Environment

Dogs with unstable footing are at high risk of slipping, particularly on polished floors. Placing non-slip mats or runners along frequently used paths can prevent falls and build confidence when moving around the house. For stairs, use secure baby gates to stop unsupervised climbing, and provide support with a lifting harness when steps are unavoidable. Orthopaedic beds are also invaluable, as they cushion aching joints and make rising easier.

Small, often overlooked details matter. Keeping nails trimmed prevents paw splaying on slippery surfaces. Elevating food and water bowls to shoulder height reduces strain on the neck and spine, especially for dogs with back or hind leg weakness.

Exercise and Safe Activity

Exercise is essential but must be carefully balanced. Long, high-impact runs or ball-chasing sessions often worsen gait problems in dogs, but gentle, structured activities can maintain muscle mass and flexibility.

Lead-controlled walks: Shorter, frequent walks on flat, even ground are preferable to occasional strenuous outings.
Swimming and hydrotherapy: Water supports body weight, allowing weak dogs to move freely and build strength without stressing joints.
Controlled play: Games should focus on engagement rather than speed—sniffing activities and puzzle toys enrich the mind without risking injury.

Owners should observe closely: if a dog stumbles more, drags paws, or becomes reluctant midway through a walk, it is a sign to shorten the session and allow extra rest.

Maintaining Quality of Life

Mobility issues do not erase a dog’s ability to live happily. Dogs adapt quickly when their environment is shaped to support them. Wheelchairs, supportive harnesses, or protective boots can restore independence, allowing them to explore outdoors safely. At home, gentle routines, mental stimulation, and positive interaction matter as much as physical ability.

Above all, focus on what your dog can still do, not what has been lost. A dog with an abnormal gait may no longer sprint across fields, but with the right care, it can still enjoy comfortable walks, playtime, and a strong bond with its family. Quality of life is measured not by perfect movement but by freedom from pain, stability, and opportunities to engage with the world.

Preventive Measures

While an abnormal gait in dogs can arise suddenly, many underlying causes build quietly over months or years. Prevention is not about eliminating risk altogether, but about lowering it and catching problems early enough to intervene effectively.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Excess weight is one of the most preventable drivers of gait problems in dogs. Every extra kilogram places unnecessary strain on joints, accelerates cartilage wear, and increases the likelihood of arthritis. For breeds already predisposed to hip or knee disorders, even mild obesity can turn a manageable condition into a chronic disability. Feeding measured portions, avoiding table scraps, and using low-calorie treats can protect joint health as effectively as supplements.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Subtle changes in stride or posture are often invisible to owners but can be picked up during routine vet visits. Annual or bi-annual check-ups allow professionals to detect early joint stiffness, muscle loss, or neurological changes long before they become obvious at home. Simple interventions, such as pain relief or physiotherapy referrals, can be introduced earlier and dramatically improve long-term mobility.

Controlling Exercise and Activity

Dogs need exercise, but the type and intensity must be adapted to their age, breed, and condition. Over-exercising young, growing dogs—particularly with repetitive jumping or hard-surface running—can predispose them to joint injuries. At the other extreme, insufficient activity leads to muscle weakness that makes gait less stable. Controlled walks, varied terrain, and low-impact activities like swimming help maintain balance between strength and protection.

Breed-Specific Screening and Awareness

Some breeds face higher risks of developing gait abnormalities.

Dachshunds, Corgis, and other long-backed breeds: prone to IVDD; proactive spinal care and avoiding excessive jumping are crucial.
German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers: higher incidence of hip dysplasia; early hip scoring and lifestyle adjustments make a difference.
Toy breeds: more vulnerable to luxating patella, which may cause intermittent limping.

Proactive screening—such as hip and elbow scoring for breeding dogs, or early neurological checks in predisposed breeds—provides owners with a roadmap for prevention rather than reaction.

FAQs about Abnormal Gait in Dogs

Owners often have the same pressing questions when faced with abnormal gait in dogs. Below are clear answers that address the most common concerns, providing practical guidance without oversimplification.

What does abnormal gait look like in dogs?
It can take many forms: stumbling, dragging paws, knuckling (walking on the top of the paw), crossing back legs, or a stiff, short stride. Some dogs develop a “wobbly” or “drunken” walk, while others may suddenly limp or avoid putting weight on one leg. Even mild changes—such as slipping more often on smooth floors—count as abnormal.

Can abnormal gait in dogs get better on its own?
Occasionally, very mild issues caused by minor sprains or fatigue improve with rest. However, most gait abnormalities signal a deeper condition. Relying on self-resolution is risky; while you wait, a treatable problem may progress into something irreversible. If the gait change persists for more than a day or worsens, veterinary assessment is essential.

Is abnormal gait always painful?
Not always. Neurological disorders such as degenerative myelopathy often cause weakness and incoordination without pain. By contrast, arthritis, ligament injuries, or spinal disc problems usually involve significant discomfort. Pain-free does not mean harmless; painless weakness can be just as serious and deserves prompt investigation.

Which breeds are more prone to gait problems?

Dachshunds, Corgis, and Shih Tzus are predisposed to spinal issues such as IVDD.
German Shepherds and Labradors frequently face hip or elbow dysplasia.
Toy breeds often experience patella luxation, leading to intermittent skipping or limping.

Breed predisposition does not mean inevitability, but it does justify closer monitoring and proactive veterinary screening.

How do I know if it is an emergency?
If your dog suddenly collapses, drags both hind legs, cries out in severe pain, or loses balance repeatedly, treat it as an emergency. Sudden abnormal gait in dogs can be the result of spinal cord injury or acute neurological disease where minutes matter. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is non-negotiable.

What can I do at home to help?
You can make the environment safer by adding non-slip mats, trimming nails regularly, and using supportive harnesses for stairs. Lightweight wheelchairs, protective boots, and orthopaedic beds can also restore comfort and independence. For a broader overview of early mobility changes, see our detailed guide on early signs of back and leg problems in dogs.