Have you noticed that your dog has a hard time getting up and walking? Very normal, it's clear it's not.
My dog can't walk: what can be the reasons?
Yes, there's no single reason your dog might have a hard time walking. However, this article will only provide you with certain information. If it has already been 48 hours since your dog has stopped moving naturally, you should go to the vet immediately.
These may be the reasons why your dog can't walk.
Osteoarthritis and arthritis
With osteoarthritis and arthritis the joints and bones deteriorate, causing pains that impede normal mobility. Yes, it happens to humans and it also happens to dogs, especially those who reach old age and, above all, to those of large breeds.
If your veterinarian has determined that this is the problem, he or she may recommend some medication for your pet, as well as some physiotherapy sessions to help you regain maximum mobility.
Hip dysplasia
This is a bone disease that can cause your dog to be unable to walk. It may appear as a puppy because its hip does not form well or as an adult, especially in larger breeds.
Hip dysplasia is a malformation in the bone that joins the femur with the pelvis and can be given by excessive physical exercise, overweight, but also for a genetic cause, among others.
Injury
There are very obvious physical injuries, such as a cut or a break of bone that will logically prevent your dog from walking, but will be recomposed with a good cure
However, there are internal injuries, such as those in your spine or spinal cord that unfortunately impact your pet's mobility. Trauma or stroke can also cause these problems and it's very important that you know how to detect in time that something isn't right for you to go to the vet.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another disease that can cause your dog to have a trouble walking, but as we know, that's not the only symptom of diabetes.
Therefore, it is very important to know how to detect it in time and offer our pet the right treatment. But on top of that, it will be essential that you take care of their food. This is always basic!
Age
If my dog cannot walk, has not suffered accidents and is already an older dog, possibly the cause comes hand in age. However, as we are seeing, it could be another problem, so it's always best to make sure that we go to a specialist.
Obesity
Obesity or overweight causes joints and ligaments to suffer because they carry more weight than they should. This causes them to wear out more, which can lead to injuries or illnesses such as hip dysplasia or diabetes. As you can see, it's all very much related!
Malnutrition
When a dog does not eat or eat but does not receive the necessary nutrients, it will feel weak, ungainly and even tremble. Wouldn't it happen to you too? Therefore, malnutrition can cause a dog to be unable to walk well for lack of strength.
Degenerative myelopathy
Another common reason your dog can't walk is degenerative myelopathy.
This usually happens especially in elderly dogs, when they are 8 years old. The deterioration of the spinal cord itself causes mobility signals to arrive well in the brain, there is a lack of coordination and, little by little, the hind legs become paralyzed.
What can I do if my dog can't walk?
As we said at the beginning, it is best to always go to the vet and more if you know that you’re pets has not suffered any visible accidents and has eaten well.
The professional will examine your dog and according to their conclusions can perform different tests: x-rays to see if it is a bone problem, tests for diabetes, etc.
Sometimes, with the right treatment and food care, your dog will be able to lead a completely normal life.
In other cases, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy, your pet will need to have a dog wheelchair to help him move, but this won't stop him from being that adorable pet we're in love with. s. Take care of her!