Why Does My Dog Walk Sideways? 5 Common Reasons Explained

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Thompson, DVM
Last Updated: April 2026

If you’ve noticed your dog walk sideways—sometimes called “crabbing” or “sidewinding”—you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Is it cute? Is it concerning? Should you call the vet?

Here’s the thing: when dogs walk sideways, it can range from totally normal puppy behavior to a sign of something that needs veterinary attention. Let me help you figure out which one applies to your furry friend.

What Does It Mean When Dogs Walk Sideways?

When a dog walks sideways, they move forward while their body is angled, almost like a crab scuttling along the beach. Some dogs do this occasionally, while others make it their signature move.

According to veterinary research, up to 50% of cases in younger dogs are due to benign causes like growth spurts, while in senior dogs, it’s more commonly related to balance issues or pain.

5 Common Reasons Why Your Dog Walks Sideways

1. Puppy Growing Pains (The Awkward Teenage Phase)

Just like human teenagers go through awkward growth spurts, puppies do too! If your dog walks sideways and they’re between 4 and 12 months old, they might just be dealing with rapidly growing legs.

Why this happens: Their legs are growing faster than their body can coordinate them. Walking sideways gives them more room to move those long limbs without tripping over themselves.

What to look for:

Happens during a 4-8 month age range
The dog is otherwise healthy and playful
No signs of pain or discomfort
Usually outgrows it by 12 months

What to do: Nothing! Most puppies naturally outgrow this phase. Just make sure your vet rules out hip dysplasia during their regular checkups, as large breed puppies can be at higher risk.

2. Vestibular Disease (Balance System Problems)

This is one of the most common medical reasons why dogs walk sideways, especially in senior dogs. Vestibular disease affects the balance system in the inner ear or brain, making your dog feel dizzy and disoriented.

Research shows that in younger dogs, up to 50% of vestibular cases are due to ear infections, while many cases in older dogs are idiopathic (meaning there’s no identifiable cause, but it resolves on its own).

Symptoms to watch for:

Sudden onset of dog walking sideways
Head tilt to one side
Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
Loss of balance or falling over
Circling in one direction
Nausea or vomiting

What to do: Contact your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms. While vestibular disease can look scary, most dogs recover with supportive care within a few weeks.

Sarah from Denver shares: “My 12-year-old Beagle woke up one morning walking sideways with her head tilted. I panicked! The vet diagnosed idiopathic vestibular disease. With anti-nausea medication and help getting around, she was back to normal within 10 days.”

3. Hip Dysplasia or Joint Pain

When a dog walks sideways due to pain, they’re trying to shift their weight away from whatever hurts. This is especially common in large breeds prone to hip dysplasia.

Common signs:

Favoring one leg
Difficulty getting up or lying down
Shorter stride on one side
Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
“Bunny hopping” when running

Breeds at higher risk:

German Shepherds
Labrador Retrievers
Golden Retrievers
Great Danes
Saint Bernards

What to do: Schedule a vet appointment for X-rays. Treatment might include pain management, joint supplements, weight management, or, in severe cases, surgery.

4. Ear Infections (Balance Disruption)

Ear infections, especially those affecting the inner ear, can mess with your dog’s balance system and cause them to walk sideways.

Signs of ear infections:

Head shaking or scratching at the ears
Foul odor from the ears
Discharge (yellow, brown, or black)
Redness or swelling in the ear canal
Pain when the ears are touched
Walking with a head tilt

What to do: Don’t try to treat ear infections at home. Your vet needs to examine the ear canal, identify the cause (bacteria, yeast, or mites), and prescribe appropriate medication.

5. Neurological Issues (When It's More Serious)

Sometimes, when dogs walk sideways, it indicates a neurological problem affecting their brain or spinal cord. While less common, these conditions require immediate attention.

Possible neurological causes:

Stroke (sudden weakness on one side)
Brain tumors (more common in older dogs)
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Degenerative myelopathy
Spinal injury

Emergency warning signs:

Sudden onset with no prior symptoms
Confusion or disorientation
Seizures
Loss of coordination in multiple limbs
Dragging legs or knuckling paws
Inability to stand

What to do: Seek emergency veterinary care if you notice any of these symptoms. Time is critical for conditions like strokes or spinal injuries.

When Your Dog Walking Sideways Is Totally Normal

Not every case needs a vet visit! Here are some harmless reasons why dogs walk sideways:

Playful behavior: Excited puppies and high-energy breeds sometimes do a sideways bounce when they’re happy.

Poorly fitting harness: New clothes, harnesses, or collars can cause temporary awkward walking until they adjust.

Social signaling: Some dogs walk sideways to show submission, approaching other dogs bum-first.

After grooming: Shaved dogs might walk funny for a day or two, reacting to the new sensation of air on their skin.

How Vets Diagnose Why Dogs Walk Sideways

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

Physical examination:

Checking reflexes and responses
Palpating joints and muscles
Examining ears and eyes
Testing balance and coordination

Diagnostic tests may include:

Blood work (to check for infection or organ problems)
X-rays (for hip dysplasia or arthritis)
Ear examination (for infections)
MRI or CT scan (if neurological issues suspected)
Neurological examination (for brain or spinal problems)

Pro tip: Take a video of your dog walking sideways! They might not do it at the vet’s office, and video evidence is incredibly helpful for diagnosis.

Treatment Options When Dogs Walk Sideways

Treatment depends entirely on the cause:

For ear infections:

Antibiotics or antifungal medication
Ear cleaning and medication application
Follow-up to ensure complete healing

For vestibular disease:

Anti-nausea medication
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Supportive care (helping them eat, drink, walk)
Most cases resolve in 2-4 weeks

For joint pain/hip dysplasia:

Pain management medications
Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin)
Weight management
Physical therapy
Surgery in severe cases

For neurological issues:

Depends on the specific diagnosis
May include medications, surgery, or supportive care
Mobility aids like wheelchairs for chronic conditions

Action Plan: What to Do Right Now

If your dog walks sideways suddenly:

Check for obvious issues (harness, injury, ear discharge)
Note any other symptoms (head tilt, vomiting, weakness)
Take a video of the behavior
Call your vet for guidance
Monitor closely for worsening symptoms

If it’s been gradual or ongoing:

Schedule a routine vet appointment
Note when it happens (during play, after rest, constantly)
Consider their age and breed risk factors
Document any changes in behavior or activity level

Emergency vet visit if:

Sudden onset with head tilt and vomiting
Unable to stand or keep falling
Signs of pain or distress
Accompanied by seizures or confusion
Rapid deterioration

The Bottom Line on Dogs Walking Sideways

Look, seeing your dog walk sideways can be anything from adorable to alarming, depending on the situation. The key is knowing the difference between a harmless quirk and a health problem that needs attention.

Remember:

Puppies often outgrow it – Growing pains are real
Sudden changes need vet attention – Don’t wait and see
Senior dogs need extra vigilance – Age-related issues are common
Take videos – They’re incredibly helpful for diagnosis
Trust your gut – If something feels off, call your vet

Your dog can’t tell you what’s wrong, so you’re their advocate. When in doubt, a quick vet visit for peace of mind is always worth it.

About the Reviewer

Dr. Jennifer Thompson, DVM, is a board-certified veterinary neurologist with 18 years of experience diagnosing and treating balance disorders in dogs. She specializes in vestibular disease and has published research on canine gait abnormalities. Dr. Thompson currently practices at the Veterinary Neurology Center.