Why is My Dog Walking Sideways All of a Sudden? What Should I Do?
A sudden change in the way your dog walks can be alarming, especially when they begin walking sideways or with an unusual lean. This behavior may be subtle at first or come on quickly, but either way, it’s important not to ignore it. Dogs don’t typically change the way they move unless something is affecting their balance, coordination, muscles, joints, or nervous system.
On this page, we’ll look at the most common reasons a dog might start walking sideways, how to identify what’s going on, when to contact your veterinarian, and what treatment or home care options are available.
What does it mean when a dog starts walking sideways?
Walking sideways, also known as “crabbing,” occurs when a dog’s back legs move out of alignment with the front legs. Instead of a straight stride, the body appears to slant or curve to one side. This isn’t always painful, but it is usually a sign that something is affecting your dog’s normal posture or coordination.
There are several potential causes, ranging from minor muscle strains to serious neurological problems. The first step is to observe closely and note whether the change happened suddenly or gradually, and whether it’s affecting only one side or both.
What are the most common causes of sideways walking in dogs?
There are several possible reasons why a dog might suddenly start walking sideways. Some are temporary and easy to treat, while others may require more involved care.
1. Vestibular disease
Vestibular disease affects the inner ear and balance system. It can come on very quickly and often causes dogs to tilt their head, stumble, or fall to one side. Older dogs are more prone to idiopathic vestibular disease, which often resolves on its own with supportive care.
2. Stroke or transient ischemic attack
Strokes in dogs, though less common than in humans, can cause sudden imbalance, weakness on one side, head tilting, or sideways walking. These events require urgent veterinary evaluation and may involve follow-up testing and supportive care.
3. Inner ear infection
Infections of the inner ear can interfere with a dog’s balance. A dog with an ear infection may shake their head, scratch at their ears, or seem dizzy. Ear infections are treatable but should be diagnosed and managed by a vet.
4. Neurological conditions
Disorders that affect the brain or spinal cord, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), degenerative myelopathy, or brain tumors, can result in loss of coordination. Dogs may lean to one side, drag their limbs, or lose muscle control.
5. Musculoskeletal problems
Hip dysplasia, arthritis, and muscle strains can cause discomfort and result in a dog adjusting how they move. A dog trying to avoid putting weight on a painful hip or leg may walk sideways or shift their body in compensation.
6. Injury or trauma
Injuries to the back, hips, or limbs can lead to changes in posture and gait. Sometimes the dog may not show visible signs of pain, but the altered walking pattern could be their way of avoiding discomfort.
7. Canine cognitive dysfunction
Older dogs with canine dementia may have changes in gait, coordination, and spatial awareness. They may walk in circles, seem disoriented, or veer to one side without realizing it.
How is the cause of sideways walking diagnosed?
If your dog starts walking sideways without an obvious injury, it’s important to schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will perform a full physical and neurological exam and may recommend additional tests, such as:
-
Bloodwork to rule out metabolic or infectious causes
-
X-rays to examine the spine, hips, or joints
-
MRI or CT scan if a brain or spinal cord issue is suspected
-
Ear cytology or imaging to check for inner ear infections
Your vet will also ask detailed questions about when the behavior started, any other symptoms, recent injuries, and your dog’s activity level. Providing video footage of your dog walking can be very helpful for diagnostic purposes.
What treatment options are available?
The best treatment depends on the underlying cause. Once your veterinarian identifies what’s causing the sideways walking, they’ll recommend the most appropriate approach. Some common treatments include:
Medical treatments
-
Antibiotics or antifungal medications for inner ear infections
-
Steroids or anti-inflammatories for spinal inflammation or injuries
-
Medications to reduce nausea or dizziness in vestibular disease
-
Pain relief for orthopedic conditions like arthritis
Surgery
In cases of intervertebral disc disease or severe injury, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or repair damaged structures.
Physical rehabilitation
Many dogs benefit from physical therapy, which can help restore strength, balance, and mobility. Rehab programs might include underwater treadmill therapy, stretching, and guided exercises.
What can I do at home to help my dog?
Caring for a dog that walks sideways involves patience, safety precautions, and adapting your home to meet their needs.
Make your home safer
-
Keep floors non-slip with rugs or mats
-
Block off stairs to prevent falls
-
Use a harness to support your dog during walks
-
Limit activity during flare-ups or after injury
Monitor your dog’s condition
Track changes in behavior, appetite, energy levels, and movement. Take videos to share with your vet during follow-up visits.
Adjust your dog’s environment
Dogs with balance or coordination problems may feel anxious or frustrated. Help them navigate by rearranging furniture to create clear paths, keeping their bed and water in easy-to-reach spots, and maintaining a calm routine.
Can a dog wheelchair help if my dog is losing balance?
If your dog’s sideways walking is due to weakness in the back legs, loss of coordination, or a progressive neurological condition, a dog wheelchair can provide significant support.
Walkin’ Pets wheelchairs are designed to help dogs stay active and mobile, even if their hind legs are weak or not functioning properly. These wheelchairs help keep the body aligned and allow your dog to move safely and comfortably with better balance. They can be used temporarily during recovery or long-term for chronic conditions.
Veterinarians and rehab professionals often recommend dog wheelchairs for dogs with:
-
Degenerative myelopathy
-
IVDD
-
Hip dysplasia
-
Arthritis
-
Recovery from injury or surgery
Using a wheelchair not only improves your dog’s ability to walk but also helps prevent secondary problems caused by immobility, such as pressure sores or muscle loss.
When should I contact a veterinarian?
You should always call your veterinarian if your dog starts walking sideways, especially if:
-
The behavior started suddenly
-
Your dog shows signs of pain, weakness, or confusion
-
They fall frequently or can’t stay upright
-
You notice head tilting, eye flicking, or circling
Early evaluation is important. Even if the condition seems minor, addressing it sooner improves the chances of successful treatment and avoids complications.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean when a dog suddenly starts walking sideways?
A dog walking sideways, also known as “crabbing,” usually means there's an issue affecting their coordination, balance, or muscle control.
This can be caused by conditions such as vestibular disease, a stroke, inner ear infections, neurological disorders, or orthopedic problems. In some cases, the dog may be compensating for pain or weakness in one limb or side of the body. A sudden change in gait should be taken seriously and evaluated by a veterinarian promptly.
Is it normal for dogs to occasionally walk sideways when excited or playful?
Yes, some dogs may briefly walk or run sideways when they're excited, especially puppies or high-energy breeds. This usually looks more like a playful hop or bounce and only lasts a few seconds. It’s normal behavior in these cases and not a cause for concern.
However, if your dog begins walking sideways frequently, shows signs of imbalance, or does this when calm or walking normally, it may indicate a medical issue that needs veterinary attention.
Can a dog walking sideways be a sign of a stroke?
Yes, a stroke can cause a dog to walk sideways, especially if there is sudden loss of balance or weakness on one side of the body. Other symptoms may include a head tilt, falling over, disorientation, or unequal pupil sizes.
While strokes in dogs are less common than in humans, they do occur and require immediate veterinary evaluation. Diagnosis may involve neurological exams and imaging. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
What should I do if my dog starts walking sideways all of a sudden?
If your dog suddenly starts walking sideways, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Sudden changes in gait can indicate serious conditions like vestibular disease, spinal injury, or neurological problems.
Keep your dog calm and restrict activity until they are evaluated. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat the issue without guidance. If possible, take a video of your dog walking to show your vet, as this can help with diagnosis.
Can vestibular disease cause my dog to walk sideways or lean to one side?
Yes, vestibular disease is one of the most common causes of a dog suddenly walking sideways or leaning to one side. It affects the inner ear and balance system, and symptoms often appear suddenly.
In addition to sideways walking, you may see head tilting, eye flicking (nystagmus), and loss of coordination. While idiopathic vestibular disease can resolve on its own, especially in older dogs, it's still important to consult your vet for proper diagnosis and supportive care.
How do veterinarians diagnose why a dog is walking sideways?
Veterinarians use a combination of physical exams, neurological assessments, and diagnostic tests to determine why a dog is walking sideways. This may include checking for signs of pain, balance issues, limb weakness, or ear problems.
Additional diagnostics might involve blood work, X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, depending on the suspected cause. Providing a detailed history and video footage of the gait abnormality can help guide the diagnosis more accurately and efficiently.
Can a dog wheelchair help if my dog has trouble walking straight?
Yes, a dog wheelchair can provide essential support for dogs who have difficulty walking straight due to hind limb weakness, balance issues, or neurological conditions. A properly fitted wheelchair can help stabilize the body, improve posture, and allow the dog to move safely and comfortably.
Walkin’ Pets wheelchairs are designed to support dogs with mobility challenges such as degenerative myelopathy, arthritis, or recovery from spinal injury. They can be used temporarily or as a long-term mobility solution, depending on your dog’s condition.
Is my dog walking sideways because of a hip problem like dysplasia or arthritis?
Yes, hip dysplasia or arthritis can cause dogs to walk sideways or shift their weight unnaturally to reduce discomfort. These conditions affect joint function and may lead to pain, muscle compensation, or uneven gait. Dogs may walk with a noticeable lean or misalignment, especially during turns or when getting up.
A veterinarian can confirm a diagnosis with physical exams and X-rays. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, physical therapy, or mobility aids like a dog wheelchair.
Can inner ear infections cause a dog to lose balance and walk sideways?
Yes, inner ear infections are a common cause of balance problems in dogs, which can lead to walking sideways, stumbling, or circling. These infections may also cause head shaking, scratching at the ear, discharge, or a foul odor.
If untreated, they can progress and affect the vestibular system. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, antifungal medication, or cleaning, depending on the cause. If your dog shows signs of an ear infection along with sideways walking, a vet visit is needed right away.