It can be distressing to watch our beloved dogs get older as their bodies begin to “show their age.” Middle-aged and older dogs often experience a generalized weakness in their bodies. While dog back legs weakness is most common, weakness can present in the front legs as well. This weakness can cause issues including loss of mobility, leg splaying, altered gait, and leg collapsing.
Throughout Ortho Dog’s 23 years of experience, we’ve received many inquiries about how to help dogs exhibiting symptoms of back leg weakness and mobility issues. Generalized weakness, hind and front leg collapsing and limited mobility often happen gradually in older dogs. Discussing these issues with your veterinarian is important to ensure nothing more serious is going on.
Some common symptoms to watch for
- Back or front legs giving out or shaking/trembling
- Stumbling or tripping
- Dragging back feet when walking or running
- Slower climbing of stairs and walking in general
- Decreased jumping up on furniture
- Difficulty getting up from a down or seated position
- Difficulty getting in the car
- Thigh, hind leg, or hip muscle atrophy
- Falling down with hind legs splayed
- Taking smaller steps with hind paws
- Splaying of the legs on slick surfaces
- Separation/splaying of the toes when walking
Common causes of weakness in older dogs
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a condition that affects the joints in dogs. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the joints begins to break down, leading to pain and stiffness.
Dr. Brad Bennett, DVM, and lecturer at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explains that “there are two types of arthritis; primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is a disorder in which the cartilage in the bone degenerates as the dog ages. Secondary arthritis, which is more common than primary, occurs secondary to joint disease, abnormal pressure on the cartilage surfaces of the joint, or joint instability.” Many older dogs are diagnosed with primary DJD as it develops with age and has no specific cause.
Large-breed dogs tend to get osteoarthritis at an earlier age than small-breed dogs. Typical symptoms include limping, generalized stiffness, difficulty getting up from a down or seated position, hind leg weakness, and a reluctance to engage in physical activities like running, walking, and playing.
Arthritis management involves a combination of weight management, medication/supplement use, exercise modification, and supportive therapies to alleviate pain and improve the dog’s quality of life. Supportive therapies include bracing, acupuncture, swimming, physical therapy, and stretching.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy (DM), a nervous system abnormality, is a genetic and incurable neurodegenerative disease that affects older dogs. DM leads to progressive weakness in the back legs and is marked by deterioration and loss of function of the nervous system, especially in the neurons of the brain. Certain breeds are more susceptible including:
DM is not curable and causes NO pain for your dog. We have found that a back brace supports and stabilizes the spine and can help alleviate the symptoms of the wobbly gait.
- German Shepherds
- Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis
- Standard Poodles
- Pugs
- Collies
- Boxers
Lumbosacral Instability
Lumbosacral instability (lumbosacral stenosis or cauda equina syndrome) is a condition that affects the space between the dog’s last vertebrae and the sacrum. The lumbosacral (LS) region is located in the lower back just in front of the prominent pelvic bones. Instability in the LS spine can cause pinching of the nerves in this area. This pressure on the nerves can lead to the following symptoms:
- Back leg weakness
- Pain when the tail or back legs are touched
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Decreased muscle tone in the back legs and tail
- Reduced sensation/feeling in the tail
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition that involves the deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae in the dog’s spine. These discs act as cushions and can degenerate over time which leads to the compression of the spinal nerves. IVDD can cause back pain and neurological symptoms such as limb weakness and paralysis in the advanced stages of the disease.
Weight
As with humans, dogs may gain weight as they age due to a slower metabolism and less exercise. Additional weight will cause more pressure on the dog’s joints, which will exacerbate the above conditions.
It is important to watch your dog’s weight and exercise levels so that they maintain a healthy weight as they age. Lower-impact activities can have significant upsides for aging dogs with weakness and mobility issues.
Home Care for Dogs with Leg Weakness and Mobility Issues
There are many ways to improve your dog’s quality of life. Kellyn McNulty, DVM, a veterinarian on the research team at the Dog Aging Project points out that “many of us have flooring in our house other than carpet. Whether throughout the house or only in certain locations, these slippery floors are often challenging areas for older dogs to navigate.” Dr. McNulty recommends slowing your dog’s pace down in the house and improving traction with area rugs, by trimming nails, with toe or paw pad grips and gripping booties.
Over the years, our customers have often asked about booties or socks to help their dog ambulate more easily on slick surfaces and we have not been able to refer customers to a product that we felt was effective. Recently several of our customers told us about Naked Socks by Otis. These socks are remarkable because they stay on, dogs don’t mind wearing them and they help navigate slippery floors.
Many veterinarians also recommend alternative therapies such as bracing, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy to help manage their dog’s pain and improve mobility.
A recent study on Orthotic Device Use in Canine Patients published in “Frontiers in Veterinary Science” found that “orthotic devices are gaining more mainstream integration into veterinary medicine… From this study one can conclude that the surveyed owner population perceived orthotic device use to have a positive impact on both their QOL and that of their canine patient.” Orthopedic braces are a great help with lower back and leg issues: a brace offers support, comfort, and stabilization. Dog wheelchairs are a good choice for severe cases. Ortho Dog recommends Eddie’s Wheels.
Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup?
Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia.
How to Strengthen an Elder Dog’s Hind Legs and Lower Back Area
TB Thompson, DVM, says that it is possible to assist your dog in strengthening their hind legs. She recommends first finding a veterinarian trained in rehabilitation for the best outcome.
Dr. Jacqueline Davidson, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences recommends walking as a great rehabilitation therapy. “Walking is a fundamental activity in the daily lives of most dogs, so controlled walking is often a safe exercise that can be beneficial.”
Swimming is a great exercise as long as the season is right and the water is not too cold. Make sure that swims are short so your dog won’t experience pain the following day.
Stretching your dog’s legs can be beneficial as well. Move your dog’s limbs through their normal range of motion while the dog is lying down as this will keep your dog limber. Dr. TB Thompson, DVM recommends the book “The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dogs” by Sasha Foster as a guide to keeping your dog’s muscles supple and toned.
In Summary
Dogs with generalized weakness, front and back leg weakness, and mobility issues require specialized care and attention to help them manage pain, improve mobility, and maintain a good quality of life. By working closely with your veterinarian, exploring various treatment options, and providing love and support to your beloved dog, you can help them navigate their elder years and overall health and wellness with grace and dignity. Your dog’s well-being is worth the effort and dedication to ensure that they are able to live life to the fullest as a beloved family member.