Why Does My Dog Walk Sideways — Overview

Key Takeaways

Dog walking sideways can be a sign of underlying medical conditions and should prompt consultation with a vet

Dogs walking sideways can indicate normal body structure adaptations or serious health issues like vestibular disease

Sudden onset of sideways walking requires immediate veterinary attention, especially with symptoms like head tilt or loss of balance

Common causes include hip dysplasia, ear infections, neurological problems, and poorly fitting equipment

Young dogs with long legs may naturally walk sideways temporarily as they grow and adjust to their body proportions

Recording a video of your dog’s gait can help veterinarians accurately diagnose the underlying cause

You’re watching your dog during the morning walk when something catches your eye. Instead of walking straight, your dog is moving at an odd angle—back legs drifting to one side while the front feet move forward. This sideways walking pattern, often called “crabbing” or “sidewinding,” can leave pet owners wondering if something’s wrong.

The truth is, dogs walk sideways for various reasons. Some are completely normal, while others signal serious health issues requiring immediate attention. Understanding the difference can help you respond appropriately and keep your pet healthy and comfortable.

This walking pattern differs from normal gait where all four legs move in coordination, with the back legs following the same path as the front legs. In technical terms, the dog’s spinal axis runs obliquely compared to its direction of travel. In some cases, dogs may move their legs on the same side together, which is a gait pattern seen in certain breeds or situations. Sideways walking can also be compared to other abnormal gaits, such as when dogs walk crooked or are dragging their feet, both of which may indicate health concerns. The trot is another gait where dogs move their diagonal limbs together, which is different from the sideways or crooked walk.

The key distinction lies in whether this gait represents a structural adaptation or an abnormal movement pattern. Some dogs naturally develop this walking style due to their body proportions, while others suddenly begin walking sideways due to pain, injury, or neurological issues. However, there are other causes beyond structural adaptation that can lead to a dog walking sideways, including medical conditions or external factors.

Normal Reasons Dogs Walk Sideways

Body Structure Considerations

Certain dogs walk sideways simply because of their physical build. Dogs with long legs and relatively short backs may naturally adopt this gait to prevent interference between their limbs. When these dogs move in a normal straight-line pattern, their back legs might hit their front feet during diagonal movement phases.

Younger dogs experiencing rapid growth often display temporary sideways walking as they adjust to their changing body proportions. Their legs grow faster than their coordination develops, leading to this awkward but harmless gait pattern.

Breed-Specific Walking Patterns

Some breeds naturally exhibit sideways movement as part of their normal gait. Herding breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies sometimes show mild crabbing when trotting at speed, particularly due to their long, flexible bodies and working heritage. When these breeds trot—a diagonal gait where opposite front and rear legs move together—they may display more noticeable sideways movement compared to when they walk.

Chow Chows and similar breeds with specific structural characteristics may display sideways walking as a normal adaptation to their anatomy. These breed-specific patterns typically remain consistent throughout the dog’s life and don’t cause discomfort.

Playful and Excited Behavior

Dogs often walk sideways during play or when experiencing high excitement. This voluntary behavior appears context-dependent—your dog might sidewind while approaching their favorite person or during particularly stimulating walks. The behavior tends to be intermittent and disappears when the dog calms down.

Vestibular Disease

Dogs with vestibular disease often show additional symptoms including head tilt, rapid eye movements (nystagmus), and walking in circles. Statistics reveal that 50% of cases in younger dogs stem from ear infections, while older dogs frequently develop idiopathic vestibular syndrome—a condition where the cause remains unknown.

The onset can be dramatic, with dogs suddenly unable to walk straight or maintain balance. While frightening for owners, many cases resolve with supportive care, though some dogs retain a permanent head tilt and help to answer your own question. Why Does My Dog Walk Sideways?

Hip Dysplasia and Joint Pain

Hip dysplasia causes malformation of the hip joint’s ball and socket, leading to uneven weight distribution and compensatory movement patterns. Dogs may adopt sideways walking to relieve discomfort in affected joints, and in some cases, you may notice them dragging their feet due to pain or weakness.

This condition particularly affects large breed dogs, with studies showing up to 20% developing some degree of hip dysplasia. The sideways gait often becomes more pronounced after rest periods or during cold weather when joints feel stiffer. Dogs with severe hip dysplasia may have trouble walking or standing.

Other joint conditions like arthritis can produce similar effects. Paw injuries, foreign objects between toes, or nail problems may also cause dogs to walk abnormally as they compensate for discomfort. During a veterinary examination, the vet may check the dog's foot for signs of pain or injury.

Neurological Problems

Spinal cord injuries and intervertebral disc disease can disrupt normal nerve signals controlling movement. Dogs may walk sideways or show dragging of their limbs as they struggle to coordinate their limbs properly.

Brain tumors, stroke-like episodes, and cognitive decline in older dogs sometimes manifest as gait changes. These conditions often present with other symptoms including confusion, personality changes, or seizure activity.

Progressive neurological diseases may cause gradual onset of sideways walking that worsens over time. Early intervention often improves outcomes, making prompt veterinary evaluation crucial.

Infections and Toxin Exposure

Ear infections affecting the middle or inner ear commonly cause balance problems and sideways walking. Dogs may also display head shaking, scratching at ears, or discharge.

Systemic infections can affect coordination and movement patterns. Additionally, exposure to household toxins or consumption of harmful human foods may cause neurological symptoms including abnormal gait.

Common culprits include antifreeze, certain medications, chocolate, and alcohol. These exposures require immediate emergency veterinary care.

Similarly, uncomfortable collars affecting neck mobility can alter a dog’s natural gait. Some dogs develop compensatory movement patterns when their equipment causes discomfort.

To test whether equipment contributes to the problem, observe your dog walking indoors without any collar, harness, or leash. If the sideways walking disappears, equipment adjustment or replacement may solve the issue.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Certain signs require immediate emergency attention. If your dog is suddenly walking sideways, this is a serious concern. If your dog is walking sideways and shows signs of collapse, severe disorientation, or appears unable to stand, contact your veterinarian immediately. Sudden onset in adult dogs, especially when accompanied by other symptoms or other signs such as changes in appetite or alertness, often indicates serious underlying conditions.

Gradual onset symptoms warrant prompt but not necessarily emergency evaluation. Schedule an appointment within a few days if you notice persistent sideways walking without other concerning signs or other signs like changes in behavior or appetite.

Age considerations matter significantly. Sudden changes in older dogs often indicate medical problems, while younger dogs may simply be adjusting to growth spurts. However, don’t assume age explains everything—both young and senior dogs can develop serious conditions.

Document your observations by recording video of your dog’s gait. This footage helps veterinarians assess the problem more accurately, especially if the behavior isn’t present during the examination.

Diagnostic Process and Treatment

A thorough physical exam forms the foundation of diagnosis. Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s neurological function, joint mobility, and overall coordination. As part of this, they’ll check your dog’s foot for neurological or musculoskeletal issues, along with pain responses, reflexes, and balance reactions.

Diagnostic tests may include blood work to identify infections or metabolic issues, X rays to evaluate joint structure and rule out injuries, and potentially advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans for complex neurological cases.

Treatment varies dramatically based on the underlying cause. Ear infections typically respond to antibiotics, while vestibular disease may only require supportive care and time. Hip dysplasia might need long-term management with medications, physical therapy, or surgical intervention.

The prognosis depends entirely on the root cause. Many dogs with ear infections or idiopathic vestibular disease recover completely, while those with progressive neurological diseases may need ongoing management.

Monitoring Your Dog at Home

Watch for specific signs during daily activities. Note whether the sideways walking occurs consistently or only in certain situations. Pay attention to your dog’s appetite, energy level, and overall behavior.

Create a safe environment for dogs with balance issues by removing obstacles, providing non-slip surfaces, and ensuring easy access to food and water. Consider using baby gates to prevent falls on stairs.

Document changes in gait patterns with regular video recordings. This ongoing documentation helps your veterinarian track progression and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Contact your veterinarian for guidance if you notice worsening symptoms, new signs developing, or if you’re unsure whether changes warrant concern. It’s better to ask questions than miss important developments.

FAQ

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How long does it typically take for a dog to recover from vestibular disease?

Most dogs with idiopathic vestibular syndrome show improvement within 72 hours, with significant recovery occurring over 1-2 weeks. However, some dogs may retain a permanent head tilt even after full functional recovery. Dogs with vestibular disease caused by ear infections may take longer to recover, depending on the severity of the infection and response to treatment.

Can I prevent my dog from developing sideways walking due to hip dysplasia?

While you can’t completely prevent hip dysplasia in genetically predisposed dogs, you can reduce risk factors. Maintain a healthy weight throughout your dog’s life, provide appropriate exercise without overexertion during growth periods, and consider joint supplements if recommended by your veterinarian. Choosing dogs from parents with good hip scores when purchasing from breeders also helps.

Should I be more concerned if my senior dog suddenly starts walking sideways compared to a puppy?

Yes, sudden onset sideways walking in senior dogs is generally more concerning than in puppies. While puppies often display awkward gaits due to rapid growth and developing coordination, adult dogs who suddenly change their walking pattern typically have an underlying medical cause that requires veterinary evaluation.

What’s the difference between sideways walking and other abnormal gaits like limping?

Limping typically involves favoring one leg due to pain or injury, resulting in an uneven rhythm but generally straight-line movement. Sideways walking involves the entire body moving at an angle to the direction of travel, with the back end displaced to one side. Dogs can actually limp and walk sideways simultaneously if they have multiple issues affecting different parts of their body.

Is it safe to continue normal walks if my dog occasionally walks sideways?

If the sideways walking is mild, intermittent, and your dog shows no other concerning symptoms, gentle walks are usually fine. However, avoid strenuous exercise, use a harness instead of a collar for better control, and keep walks shorter until you determine the cause. If your dog shows any balance problems, head tilt, or seems uncomfortable, restrict activity and consult your veterinarian before continuing normal exercise routines.