Written by Kate Austin | Furria Team
Published on: 16 September 2025
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a professional veterinary examination, diagnosis, or treatment. If your dog is showing signs of knuckling, dragging paws, or other mobility issues, seek advice from a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible. In the UK, this may involve contacting your local vet directly or requesting a referral to a specialist neurology or orthopaedic centre.
Introduction
Dog knuckling is one of those symptoms that looks deceptively small but carries serious weight. A paw that folds under, claws scraping the floor, an awkward step here and there — many owners dismiss it as clumsiness or ageing. In reality, knuckling is a neurological warning sign. It tells you something is interfering with the way signals travel from your dog’s brain to its legs. Whether it points to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), degenerative conditions, or injury, recognising dog knuckling early can mean the difference between a manageable problem and a life-changing crisis.
What Is Dog Knuckling?
Dog knuckling is a clinical term used to describe an abnormal gait where a dog’s paw folds under so that it touches the ground with the top rather than the pads. Instead of stepping firmly on the paw pads, the dog drags or stumbles forward with the toes curled inward, sometimes scraping nails against hard surfaces. Owners often notice faint scratch marks on tiled floors or an unusual sound of claws dragging before they realise the posture is wrong.
It is important to understand that dog knuckling is not a disease in itself but a neurological symptom. It reflects a breakdown in communication between the brain, spinal cord and the limb. In a healthy dog, nerves instantly send signals to adjust the paw if it turns over. In a dog showing knuckling, that reflex is delayed or absent, meaning the nervous system is already compromised.
Because knuckling is a sign rather than a diagnosis, it should always be treated as a warning. While it can be linked to something as serious as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) or degenerative myelopathy, it may also arise from less dramatic causes such as temporary nerve inflammation or muscle weakness. Only a veterinary examination can establish the underlying reason. The key is not to wait until the problem worsens — once knuckling is visible, your dog is already struggling to control its legs.
Causes of Dog Knuckling
Dog knuckling does not happen in isolation — it is almost always a symptom of something more significant happening within your dog’s nervous or musculoskeletal system. Understanding the possible causes is essential, because treatment will vary dramatically depending on what lies beneath the surface.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the most common reasons for dog knuckling, particularly in breeds such as Dachshunds, French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels. When a disc slips or herniates, it compresses the spinal cord and disrupts the normal flow of nerve signals to the legs. The result is weakness, loss of proprioception and eventually knuckling. Left unchecked, this can progress to paralysis. If you want to learn more about how IVDD develops and why early detection is so critical, you can read our in-depth guide: IVDD in Dogs: Is It Just a Slipped Disc or Something More Serious?
Another serious condition linked to knuckling is degenerative myelopathy (DM), a progressive spinal cord disease that typically affects older dogs. Unlike IVDD, DM is not painful, but it gradually destroys the nerves responsible for movement. Knuckling in these cases is often one of the earliest warning signs before the disease advances to full hind-limb paralysis.
Knuckling can also develop after spinal trauma — for instance, if a dog has been hit by a car, suffered a fall, or endured any injury that damages the vertebrae or spinal cord. Even seemingly minor knocks can sometimes trigger neurological deficits that only become obvious days later.
Other possible causes include arthritis (where joint pain alters the way a dog places its paws), nerve injuries affecting the limbs, and muscle weakness associated with ageing. Older dogs, in particular, may show intermittent knuckling simply because their reflexes are slower and their muscles less responsive.
The critical point for every owner to understand is this: dog knuckling is not something you can self-diagnose at home. Only a qualified veterinarian can determine whether the cause is IVDD, DM, injury, or another condition entirely. The difference matters, because while some causes can be managed with medication, therapy or supportive devices, others may require urgent surgical intervention.
Symptoms That Often Accompany Knuckling
Dog knuckling rarely appears as a lone symptom. More often, it is part of a wider pattern that signals a neurological or orthopaedic problem. Recognising these additional signs can help owners act before the condition progresses to irreversible damage.
One of the earliest clues is an unsteady gait. Dogs may seem reluctant to walk at their usual pace, weaving slightly from side to side, or planting their paws awkwardly. Owners often describe this as if their pet had suddenly become clumsy. When knuckling is present, this lack of balance becomes even more pronounced, as the dog struggles to correct its paw placement.
Another tell-tale feature is dragging of the paws, which creates a distinctive scraping sound on hard surfaces. If you look closely, you may notice scuffed nails or faint marks on tiled floors and laminate — a physical reminder that the paw is not landing as it should. Over time, this constant friction can wear down the claws and even cause small abrasions.
Loss of coordination is also common. Dogs may misjudge distances, hesitate before climbing stairs, or sway when turning corners. In more advanced cases, they may stumble or collapse without warning, unable to stabilise themselves.
Pain plays a complicated role. Some dogs with knuckling, especially those affected by Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), show clear discomfort. They may refuse to jump onto the sofa, avoid running, or resist standing up altogether. Others, particularly those with degenerative conditions such as DM, may not show pain but still lose mobility.
What matters most is the combination of signs. Knuckling is rarely an isolated issue; it tends to travel alongside weakness, stiffness, reluctance to move and changes in behaviour. If you are seeing several of these patterns in your dog, it is a strong indicator that something more serious may be happening. For a deeper look at the earliest red flags, see our guide: Dog Back and Leg Problems: Early Signs of IVDD Every Owner Should Recognise
Dog Knuckling and IVDD: The Connection
When a dog develops Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), the soft material inside a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, pressing against the spinal cord. This compression interrupts the smooth flow of messages between the brain and the limbs. The result is a breakdown in coordination: the paw no longer receives the instruction to flip back into its correct position. What the owner sees is knuckling — the dog stepping on the top of its paw, often dragging it along the ground.
Knuckling does not usually appear in the earliest phase of IVDD. In mild cases, you may notice only hesitation when jumping, stiffness, or subtle weakness. As the condition advances to a moderate stage, the spinal cord becomes more severely compressed, and the nerves controlling proprioception — the ability to sense where the paw is in space — are compromised. This is typically when knuckling first emerges. In severe cases, where the spinal cord is under significant pressure, knuckling can progress to complete paralysis of the hind limbs.
It is also worth noting that knuckling can appear intermittently in the early stages before becoming constant. This inconsistency often confuses owners, who assume the problem has resolved when, in reality, the spinal cord is still under strain. Recognising this pattern is vital, as early intervention offers the best chance of recovery.
Because IVDD develops gradually and its signs can be subtle, it is crucial to understand the broader picture. You can explore the earliest indicators in our detailed guide: Dog Back and Leg Problems: Early Signs of IVDD Every Owner Should Recognise.
For dog owners in the UK, local veterinary support is essential. If you are based near London, for example, the neurology team at Southfields Veterinary Specialists regularly treats dogs with IVDD and can provide advanced imaging and surgical options. Similar referral centres exist across the country, and your local practice can guide you to the right specialist.
Diagnosis: How Vets Check for Knuckling
When a dog presents with knuckling, the first step for any veterinarian is a careful neurological examination. One of the simplest yet most telling tests involves gently turning the dog’s paw over so the top of the foot rests on the ground. In a healthy animal, the paw is corrected almost instantly. A dog with neurological compromise may leave the paw in that unnatural position, or take several seconds to adjust it. This delay reveals a loss of proprioception — the body’s awareness of where its limbs are in space.
Beyond hands-on testing, vets often recommend imaging to uncover the root cause of knuckling. X-rays can rule out fractures or advanced arthritis, though they do not always reveal soft tissue problems like IVDD. MRI scans provide the clearest picture of the spinal cord and discs, showing exactly where pressure is being applied. In some cases, a CT scan is used, particularly if surgical planning is required. These tools allow vets not only to confirm IVDD but also to distinguish it from other serious conditions such as tumours or degenerative myelopathy.
It is crucial to understand that diagnosis is not about identifying “knuckling” itself — that much is visible to the naked eye. What matters is uncovering why the knuckling is happening. A dog with IVDD will require a very different treatment plan from one with nerve damage due to trauma or with arthritis-related pain.
For dog owners in the UK, referral centres can provide advanced imaging and specialist neurological expertise. For instance, Wear Referrals Veterinary Hospital in County Durhamoffers MRI and CT scanning, along with neurology services specifically tailored to spinal conditions like IVDD. Your local vet can arrange a referral if they suspect the problem requires this level of investigation.
Treatment Options for Dog Knuckling
The right treatment for dog knuckling depends entirely on the underlying cause. Because knuckling is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, the veterinary plan may range from rest and medication to advanced surgery.
When Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is responsible, vets typically begin with strict rest and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling around the spinal cord. Pain relief is often combined with muscle relaxants, allowing the dog to regain some mobility and comfort. In more severe cases, where the spinal cord is under significant pressure, surgery may be required to remove the herniated disc material and restore proper nerve function. Post-operative rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, is crucial to maximise recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
For other conditions, treatment can look very different. Dogs with arthritis may benefit from long-term anti-inflammatories, joint supplements and controlled exercise. In cases of nerve damage or degenerative diseases, physiotherapy is often used to maintain strength in the supporting muscles. Nutritional support, including vitamins and omega-3 supplements, can also play a role in slowing progression and maintaining mobility.
Supportive devices are frequently overlooked but can make an immediate difference. A dog wheelchair helps dogs with advanced knuckling or hind-limb weakness stay active and engaged with daily life, rather than becoming sedentary. Similarly, supportive harnesses and lifting slings allow owners to assist their dogs safely without causing additional strain. For small breeds, specialist wheelchairs can be a game-changer. You can explore our own solution here: Furria Small Dog Wheelchair.
The most important advice for any owner is this: never attempt to “wait and see” with knuckling. Even if the symptom seems minor or intermittent, it is always the visible end of a deeper process. Prompt treatment not only improves the chance of recovery but can prevent permanent disability.
Home Care and Rehabilitation
Recovering from dog knuckling does not end at the veterinary clinic. What happens at home often determines whether a dog regains mobility or continues to decline. Rehabilitation and daily adjustments can make a profound difference.
Physiotherapy and targeted exercises are key. Gentle range-of-motion stretches, guided by a physiotherapist, help keep joints supple and prevent muscles from tightening. Hydrotherapy — swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill — allows dogs to build strength without stressing weakened joints. Many referral centres across the UK, such as Greyfriars Rehabilitation & Hydrotherapy Centre in Surrey, offer structured programmes tailored to conditions like IVDD and degenerative myelopathy.
Weight management is equally important. Excess weight puts additional strain on already compromised limbs and accelerates the wear on joints. Owners should work with their vet to establish a diet that keeps the dog lean while still meeting its nutritional needs. In breeds prone to IVDD, even a small amount of excess weight can tip the balance between manageable symptoms and severe impairment.
Creating a safe environment at home can prevent accidents and make life more comfortable. Smooth laminate floors and tiles are notoriously slippery, especially for dogs with weak hind limbs. Adding non-slip rugs, runners or even yoga mats across busy walkways can reduce falls and give the dog confidence to move around. In multi-storey homes, ramps can be used instead of stairs, which are often hazardous for dogs with mobility issues.
Owners can also practise simple support techniques. Using a towel or a purpose-made rear-support harness under the belly helps dogs with knuckling maintain balance on short walks. Short, frequent walks are generally better than long ones, as fatigue often makes the symptoms more pronounced. Incorporating small strengthening exercises — such as asking the dog to shift weight gently from one leg to another — can gradually retrain muscle memory and improve proprioception.
Rehabilitation is rarely quick, but it is rewarding. By combining professional physiotherapy with thoughtful home care, many British dog owners find that their pets regain enough mobility to enjoy a good quality of life despite knuckling.
Prevention and Long-Term Management
Preventing dog knuckling outright is not always possible, especially when it stems from genetic or degenerative conditions. However, owners can take significant steps to reduce the risk and slow its progression.
One of the simplest measures is to avoid unnecessary strain on the spine. Breeds predisposed to Intervertebral Disc Disease, such as Dachshunds, French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels, are particularly vulnerable. Jumping on and off furniture may look harmless, but the repeated impact puts pressure on the discs and joints. Using ramps or low steps indoors is a practical way to protect the back over time.
Weight control remains a cornerstone of prevention. A dog carrying extra kilos places more stress on its joints, spine and muscles. Keeping the dog lean not only lowers the risk of knuckling but also reduces pain if mobility problems do develop. Regular body condition checks — ideally guided by a vet or veterinary nurse — help owners spot creeping weight gain before it becomes a problem.
Routine health checks are equally important. Many British practices now offer senior health clinics where older dogs can be assessed for mobility changes, neurological deficits and early arthritis. Annual or biannual check-ups, particularly for at-risk breeds, allow vets to pick up on subtle changes before they escalate into knuckling and other visible signs of decline.
For older dogs, management often means adaptation rather than cure. Maintaining gentle exercise helps preserve muscle tone and coordination. Walks should be shorter but more frequent, with surfaces that are even and safe. Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin or omega-3 can support joint health, though they should always be introduced under veterinary guidance.
For predisposed breeds, prevention is about lifestyle choices made from an early age. Responsible breeders may already recommend spine-safe handling, but owners can reinforce this by discouraging rough play, minimising stair use, and ensuring the dog develops strong core muscles through controlled activity.
Long-term management of dog knuckling is rarely about one intervention. Instead, it is a combination of daily care, preventative routines, and prompt veterinary involvement. By focusing on these areas, owners can greatly improve their dog’s chances of staying mobile and comfortable well into later life.
When to See a Vet Urgently
Not every case of dog knuckling requires immediate emergency care, but there are situations where waiting even a day can make the difference between recovery and permanent damage. Owners need to know when the symptom crosses the line from concerning to critical.
If knuckling appears suddenly, without a history of gradual weakness or ageing, it should be treated as urgent. An abrupt onset often points to acute spinal cord compression, such as a disc rupture in cases of IVDD. These events can escalate quickly, and early intervention dramatically improves the chances of avoiding paralysis.
Equally, if your dog begins to lose the ability to stand or walk, even for short periods, this is a red flag that mobility is deteriorating fast. Some dogs may collapse after a short walk or struggle to rise after resting. Such signs indicate that the spinal cord or nerves are under significant strain.
Pain and paralysis together are an emergency combination. A dog that cries out when moving, refuses food, or cannot use its hind legs may already be in the advanced stages of IVDD or another neurological condition. In these circumstances, every hour matters, and waiting until the following day can close the window for successful treatment.
The rule of thumb is simple: if your dog is showing knuckling alongside sudden weakness, pain, or loss of mobility, do not delay. Call your local vet immediately, and if necessary, ask for an urgent referral to a specialist neurology centre. Acting quickly gives your dog the best chance of retaining independence and quality of life.
FAQs
Does dog knuckling always mean IVDD?
No. Dog knuckling is a symptom, not a diagnosis. IVDD is a common cause, but degenerative myelopathy (DM), spinal trauma, nerve injury, severe arthritis, and even overgrown nails or paw-pad injuries can all lead to a dog placing the top of the paw on the ground. The underlying cause determines the treatment plan, so a veterinary assessment is essential.
Is dog knuckling painful?
It depends on the cause. IVDD and arthritic flare-ups are often painful; DM typically isn’t, even though mobility declines. Pain (yelping, guarding the back, reluctance to move) alongside knuckling is a red flag and warrants urgent veterinary attention.
How can I tell if my dog is actually knuckling?
Watch how the paw lands. In knuckling, the paw folds under and the dog may drag the toes, leaving scuff marks on hard floors. A quick proprioception check (gently turning the paw onto its top to see if your dog flips it back) can suggest a problem—but don’t repeat it often and don’t use it to self-diagnose. If the flip-back is delayed or absent, speak to your vet.
Can dog knuckling be reversed?
Sometimes. If the cause is treatable—e.g., IVDD managed early, a compressed nerve that responds to surgery, inflammation that settles with medication—knuckling can improve or resolve with timely care and rehabilitation. Progressive diseases (like DM) are not reversible, but targeted physiotherapy and supportive devices can slow functional decline.
How quickly should I see a vet?
Same-day if knuckling is sudden, accompanied by pain, or paired with loss of the ability to stand or walk. Earlier intervention improves outcomes in conditions like IVDD.
What tests will the vet use to diagnose dog knuckling?
A neurological exam comes first, followed by imaging where indicated. X-rays help rule out fractures and severe bony change; MRI is the gold standard for discs and spinal cord; CT can aid surgical planning. The aim is to identify why your dog is knuckling, not just confirm that it is.
Which breeds are most at risk?
Breeds predisposed to IVDD (Dachshund, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Pekingese, Beagle) and large/older dogs with degenerative conditions feature often. But any dog can knuckle after spinal injury or nerve trauma.
What at-home changes help a dog with knuckling right now?
Make surfaces safer (non-slip runners, rugs, yoga mats), keep nails short, use ramps instead of stairs and jumps, and consider a rear-support harness for short, frequent walks. Reduce slippery floors, clutter, and tight turns that provoke stumbles.
Do braces, booties, or a dog wheelchair help?
They can. Grippy booties may reduce toe scuffing; carpal/tarsal braces sometimes aid stability; a dog wheelchair can preserve mobility when hind-limb weakness is significant. These are adjuncts, not cures—combine them with veterinary care and physiotherapy for best results.
Will my dog definitely need surgery if IVDD is suspected?
Not always. Mild to moderate cases may respond to strict rest, anti-inflammatories, pain relief, and controlled rehabilitation under veterinary guidance. Severe compression, rapid deterioration, or loss of deep pain sensation tend to push the balance towards surgery. Your vet (or a referral neurologist) will weigh imaging findings against your dog’s neurological status.
How long does recovery take?
Highly variable. Mild IVDD cases may show improvement within 2–6 weeks; post-surgical recovery commonly spans 6–8+ weeks with crate rest and rehab; nerve injuries can require months. Degenerative conditions are long-term and focus on maintaining quality of life.
Are supplements or alternative therapies useful?
Omega-3s and joint nutraceuticals can support joint comfort in arthritic dogs; they don’t decompress a spinal cord. Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and targeted physiotherapy can complement conventional treatment when prescribed by qualified professionals. Always coordinate with your vet—some “deep tissue” work is unsuitable for acute spinal problems.
Could overgrown nails cause or mimic knuckling?
They can mimic or worsen it by altering paw placement and traction. Keep nails trimmed to reduce toe drag and prevent split nails that add pain to poor gait.
What should I not do?
Don’t encourage jumping, stairs, or rough play. Don’t “test” the paw flip repeatedly. Don’t delay if pain or weakness escalates. And don’t start unsupervised exercises that twist the spine—get a tailored rehab plan first.
Where does this article fit in the bigger picture?
Use this guide alongside your vet’s advice and our early-signs resource to understand patterns, act early, and choose the right support for your dog’s stage. If you’re seeing several symptoms together, treat that as a cue to move faster, not slower.
Final Thoughts
Dog knuckling is not a harmless quirk or a sign of clumsiness — it is a visible marker that something deeper is happening within your dog’s body. Whether the root cause is Intervertebral Disc Disease, degenerative myelopathy, arthritis or nerve damage, knuckling tells you that your dog is losing the ability to control its own limbs. Ignoring it rarely ends well; addressing it quickly can transform the outcome.
The most effective step an owner can take is vigilance. Watch how your dog moves across different surfaces. Notice if nails are scraping, if your pet hesitates before climbing stairs, or if the paw does not correct itself when turned over. These may appear subtle, but they are precisely the early signs that demand attention. Early veterinary involvement gives your dog the greatest chance of recovery and can prevent temporary weakness from becoming permanent disability.
For a deeper dive into the underlying condition, read our main hub: IVDD in Dogs: Is It Just a Slipped Disc or Something More Serious? If you want to understand the very first red flags, visit our mini-guide: Dog Back and Leg Problems: Early Signs of IVDD Every Owner Should Recognise
When knuckling progresses, supportive solutions can help preserve quality of life. A properly fitted mobility aid such as a dog wheelchair UK allows dogs with hind-limb weakness to stay active and engaged with the world rather than being confined by their condition. Harnesses, ramps, and safe flooring at home add further layers of support, ensuring the dog remains confident and independent.
Ultimately, knuckling is a signal to act — not to panic, but to respond. By combining veterinary expertise with proactive home management, owners can give their dogs the best chance of maintaining mobility and enjoying the life they deserve.
