Dog dragging its paws? how to help

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Any changes in your dog’s gait, the way he walks, or the way he places his paw on the ground should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. A dragging paw can indicate an injury or medical condition affecting a dog’s spinal cord, nerves, or mobility.

A dragging paw, also known as a fist, can occur occasionally, only when your dog is tired, or happen every time your dog takes a step. Regardless of the frequency, if your dog walks differently, it’s time to see the vet. When a dog’s proprioception is impaired, it indicates that there is an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

What makes a dog drag its paw?

Typically, a dog drags its paw due to an injury or condition that affects its motor function. Some possible causes of knuckles in dogs include:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
  • spinal stroke
  • Nerve trauma or injury
  • Cervical Spinal Instability (CVI)
  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
  • Neurological disorders
  • Orthopedic problems

Signs of Articulation in Dogs:

  • scratching your paws while walking
  • Uneven nail wear
  • Scratches on the hind or front leg.
  • Stand or walk on the leg
Paw Knuckling in Senior Dogs Infographic

Does your dog show signs of articulation? If so, it’s time to go to the vet. Take note of your dog’s symptoms, how often they occur, and any other changes in your dog’s gait. The more information you can provide to your veterinarian, the better.

What should I do first?

Zoey from Valley Animal Rehabilitation wearing sunglasses and leg wraps

If your dog is dragging its legs, it needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian should examine, diagnose, and treat your dog. Once you know the cause and the best way to help your dog, ask your veterinarian about canine rehabilitation.

A rehabilitation specialist will work with your dog to manage your dog’s joints. Depending on your dog’s diagnosis, a CCRP will work your dog through therapeutic exercises to help manage, alleviate, or even stop your dog’s dragging feet.

Assistive devices to help drag the legs

A seamless training sock is a great training tool to help improve a dog’s leg placement. Available for the front or hind paw, the No-Knuckling Training Sock can be used for 2-5 minutes to stimulate a dog’s withdrawal reflex and teach them proper paw placement.

Benefits of the No-Knuckling Training Sock

  • It’s light – most dogs that drag their paws also experience some leg weakness, using lightweight materials the training sock will help your pet without weighing it down.
  • Offer joint support – each training sock features elastic straps that sit above and below the joint, providing extra joint support when your dog is training.
  • Improves proprioception – the sock encourages your dog to lift his paw off the ground while walking.

Conclusion

To help your dog who is dragging his front or hind leg, talk to your veterinarian, spend time with a canine rehabilitation specialist to improve your dog’s leg placement, and get a seamless training sock.

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