Why Does My Dog Walk Sideways? 5 Common Reasons Explained (Vet-Reviewed Guide)

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Thompson, DVM
Last Updated: November 2025

If you’ve noticed your dog walk sideways like a crab, you’re probably wondering what’s going on.
This peculiar gait, sometimes called “crabbing” or “sidewinding,” can range from a harmless quirk to a sign of something more serious. Understanding why your dog walks sideways is crucial for maintaining their health and knowing when to consult the vet.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the five most common reasons your dog walks sideways, when it’s normal, and when you should be concerned.

Is It Normal for Dogs to Walk Sideways?

Here’s the thing—sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some dogs naturally walk sideways due to their body structure or breed characteristics, and it’s nothing to worry about.
But when your dog walks sideways, suddenly out of nowhere, that’s a different story.

The key is understanding the difference between your dog’s quirky normal and a potential health problem.

5 Common Reasons Why Dogs Walk Sideways

Reason 1: Vestibular Disease (The Most Common Medical Cause)

This is the big one. Vestibular disease affects your dog’s balance system in the inner ear and brain.
Research shows that vestibular dysfunction has a prevalence of approximately 8 per 10,000 dogs in the UK, with significantly higher rates in dogs aged 9 years or older at 36 per 10,000 dogs.

What happens: When the vestibular system malfunctions, your dog walks sideways because they literally can’t tell which way is up. It’s like they just stepped off a spinning merry-go-round—dizzy, disoriented, and unsteady.

According to Dr. Randall C. Longshore, a board-certified veterinarian specializing in internal medicine, dogs suffering from a vestibular disorder often lean or drift to one side when walking, and some may walk in circles or roll when lifted to a standing position.

Signs to watch for:

Sudden head tilt (almost always present)
Eyes scurrying back and forth (nystagmus)
Loss of balance and falling over
Nausea and refusal to eat
Walking in circles or acting disoriented
Acting dizzy or confused

Good news: In many cases, especially older dogs, it’s idiopathic vestibular disease—meaning there’s no identifiable cause, and most dogs improve significantly within days to weeks. A large study of 188 dogs found that idiopathic vestibular disease was the most common diagnosis, accounting for 128 cases (68%), followed by ear infections.

Who’s most at risk: Senior dogs over 9 years old are particularly susceptible. French Bulldogs have 9.25 times higher odds of diagnosis compared to mixed breeds, while Bulldogs have 6.56 times higher odds.

Reason 2: Ear Infections (Especially Inner and Middle Ear)

Ear infections are a sneaky culprit. When infection reaches the middle or inner ear, it messes with your dog’s balance center, causing them to walk sideways to compensate.

Research indicates that in younger dogs, up to 50% of vestibular cases are caused by ear infections. In the study of 188 dogs with peripheral vestibular disease, ear infections (otitis media and/or interna) accounted for 49 cases (26%).

What happens: The infection disrupts the delicate balance mechanisms in the ear, making your dog feel dizzy and disoriented. They’ll often tilt their head toward the infected side and may walk sideways to try to steady themselves.

Signs to watch for:

Head shaking or pawing at ears
Smelly discharge from the ear
Redness or swelling around the ear
Whimpering when you touch their ear
Head tilt that won’t go away

Important: Ear infections causing balance issues need immediate veterinary treatment. Left untreated, they can cause permanent damage.

Reason 3: Pain or Injury (Orthopedic Issues)

Sometimes your dog walks sideways simply because something hurts.
When dogs experience pain in their legs, hips, back, or paws, they adjust their gait to avoid putting pressure on the sore spot.

Common painful conditions that cause sideways walking:

Arthritis: Especially in older dogs, affecting the hips, knees, or spine
Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition common in large breeds, where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly
Muscle strains or sprains: From overexertion or awkward movements
Paw injuries: Thorns, cuts, or objects stuck between toes
Back pain: Spinal issues or disc problems
Anal gland problems: Discomfort from impacted or infected anal glands (dogs may also whine at night when experiencing pain)

Signs to watch for:

Limping or favoring one leg
Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
Whimpering when moving
Stiffness after resting
Scooting or licking the rear end excessively (anal glands)

Real story: “My 8-year-old Golden Retriever Bailey started walking sideways suddenly one morning. I thought it was neurological, but turns out she had a foxtail stuck deep between her toes that we couldn’t see at first. Once the vet removed it, she was walking normally within hours.” — Mark T., Seattle

Reason 4: Neurological Problems

This is the scary category, but it’s important to know about.
Various neurological conditions can cause sudden changes in how your dog walks, including sideways walking.

Possible neurological causes:

Stroke: Can cause weakness on one side, making dogs walk sideways, favoring their strong side
Brain tumors: May affect coordination and balance
Seizures: Partial seizures can temporarily affect movement
Toxin exposure: Ingestion of certain household products, plants, or medications
Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections affecting the nervous system

Signs to watch for:

Sudden onset of symptoms
Confusion or disorientation
Weakness on one side of the body
Loss of coordination
Stumbling or falling
Changes in behavior or personality
Seizures or tremors

Critical: Stroke symptoms in dogs mirror human stroke symptoms—sudden weakness, confusion, loss of balance. This is a true emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.

Reason 5: Breed Characteristics and Body Structure

Now for the less scary reason—sometimes your dog walks sideways just because of how they’re built.

When it’s normal:

Crabbing in puppies: Growing puppies, especially during growth spurts, may walk sideways to avoid their long, gangly legs interfering with each other. Most outgrow this by adulthood. Check our puppy training schedule for age-appropriate development milestones.
Breed conformation: Some breeds are naturally prone to slight crabbing due to their body structure
Dominant side: Like humans favor one hand, dogs may favor one side, causing an angled gait
New clothing or gear: Dogs wearing sweaters, jackets, or new harnesses may walk sideways while adjusting
Playful behavior: Some dogs walk sideways when excited or playing—it’s just their quirky personality

Mike S., a certified dog trainer in Portland, notes: “I see crabbing all the time in adolescent large breed dogs. Their rear end grows faster than the front, so they angle sideways to keep from tripping over their own legs. It usually resolves by 18 months.”

For puppy-specific training challenges, including crate training at night and potty training, these behavioral quirks are just part of growing up.

When Your Dog Walks Sideways: Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Vet Care

Not sure if your dog’s sideways walking is normal or an emergency? Here’s when to call the vet right away:

Emergency symptoms:

Sudden onset of sideways walking (especially in adult or senior dogs)
Head tilt accompanied by sideways walking
Rapid eye movements or eyes that don’t align
Vomiting or extreme nausea
Complete loss of balance or falling over repeatedly
Confusion or disorientation
Weakness on one side of the body
Difficulty standing or walking at all
Signs of severe pain
Known or suspected toxin exposure

Schedule a vet visit soon if:

Gradual onset in a young, growing puppy
Mild sideways walking without other symptoms
A recent minor injury you can identify
Intermittent crabbing during play
You notice limping or signs of joint pain

How Vets Diagnose Why Dogs Walk Sideways

When you bring your sideways-walking dog to the vet, here’s what to expect:

Physical examination:

Thorough neurological exam testing reflexes and coordination
Ear examination with an otoscope
Evaluation of joints and limbs for pain or mobility issues
Assessment of head tilt, eye movements, and balance

Diagnostic tests may include:

Blood work to check for infections, thyroid problems, or organ issues
Blood pressure measurement
X-rays to examine bones, joints, and internal organs
Advanced imaging, like an MRI or a CT scan, for suspected neurological issues
Ear culture if infection is suspected

Pro tip: Video your dog walking before the vet visit. Sometimes dogs hide symptoms at the clinic, and having footage helps your vet see exactly what you’re concerned about.

Treatment Options When Dogs Walk Sideways

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause:

For vestibular disease:

Most cases of idiopathic vestibular disease resolve with supportive care
Anti-nausea medications like maropitant or ondansetron
Keeping your dog comfortable and safe from falls
Most dogs improve within 2-4 weeks, though a slight head tilt may persist

For ear infections:

Antibiotics or antifungals
Ear cleaning (by your vet)
Anti-inflammatory medications
Treatment usually takes 2-3 weeks

For pain and orthopedic issues:

Pain medications (NSAIDs prescribed by your vet)
Joint supplements like glucosamine
Physical therapy or rehabilitation
Weight management—ensuring you’re feeding your dog the right amount is crucial for joint health
Surgery in severe cases (like hip dysplasia)

For neurological problems:

Treatment varies widely based on the specific condition
May include medications, surgery, or management of symptoms
Some conditions have good prognoses, others require ongoing care

How to Help Your Dog While They Recover

If your dog walks sideways due to a medical issue, here’s how to make life easier for them:

Create a safe environment:

Remove obstacles and furniture that they might bump into
Block off stairs with baby gates (similar safety measures used when crate training puppies)
Use non-slip rugs on slippery floors
Keep their food, water, and bed in easily accessible spots

Provide support:

Use a harness or support sling to help them walk
Carry them outside for bathroom breaks if needed
Stay close during walks to prevent falls
Keep them calm and quiet—no rough play

Monitor their progress:

Track improvements or worsening symptoms daily
Note appetite, water intake, and bathroom habits
Take videos to show your vet at follow-ups
Don’t hesitate to call your vet with concerns

Prevention Tips: Keeping Your Dog's Balance System Healthy

While you can’t prevent everything, these steps can help:

Regular ear checks: Clean ears as recommended by your vet, especially in floppy-eared breeds
Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces stress on joints
Joint supplements: Consider glucosamine for older or large-breed dogs
Safe environment: Pet-proof your home to prevent toxin exposure
Regular vet checkups: Catch problems early, especially in senior dogs
Appropriate exercise: Keep muscles and joints strong without overdoing it

The Bottom Line on Dogs Walking Sideways

So why does your dog walk sideways? In many cases, especially puppies or young dogs doing it occasionally, it’s totally normal and nothing to worry about. But when your dog walks sideways suddenly, especially if they’re adult or senior, it’s usually telling you something’s wrong.

The most common medical cause is vestibular disease, affecting balance and coordination. Research shows that in dogs over 9 years old, the prevalence increases dramatically. Ear infections, pain, neurological problems, and injuries can also cause sideways walking.

Key takeaways:

Sudden onset in adult/senior dogs = vet visit ASAP
Gradual or intermittent in puppies = usually normal growth
With head tilt or balance loss = likely vestibular issue
With limping or pain signs = orthopedic problem
Most cases have good outcomes with proper treatment

Your dog isn’t trying to be difficult or funny—they’re adapting to something affecting their body. By understanding the causes and recognizing warning signs, you’ll know exactly when to act and how to help your furry friend get back to their normal self.

Related reading: If you’re dealing with other behavioral concerns, check out our guides on stopping dog whining at night and understanding cat behavior like chirping at birds. For cat owners experiencing stress-related issues, our article on cats not eating after moving may also be helpful.

About the Reviewer

Dr. Jennifer Thompson, DVM, is a board-certified veterinarian with 18 years of experience specializing in canine neurology and vestibular disorders. She has treated hundreds of dogs with balance issues and published research on idiopathic vestibular syndrome. Dr. Thompson currently practices at the Canine Neurological Care Center.

Has your dog ever walked sideways? Share your experience in the comments below!

References & Authoritative Sources

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian for specific concerns about your dog’s health or behavior.