Why Does Your French Bulldog Walk Sideways?

Have you ever seen your French Bulldog walking sideways?

It can be an amusing sight, but it’s important to understand why they do this. It could be due to a variety of conditions, from joint pain to neurological disorders.

Or it could even be a sign of their personality. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different causes of sideways walking in French Bulldogs.

We’ll look at physical issues such as joint pain and neurological disorders, as well as behavioral reasons for walking sideways. Plus, we’ll have advice on how to reduce the chances of your Frenchie walking sideways and what to do if it happens.

So let’s start by finding out why does your French Bulldog walk sideways.

Causes of Sideways Walking in French Bulldogs

If so, you may be wondering what could be causing this peculiar gait.

There are several potential reasons for sideways walking in French Bulldogs, but the truth is that it’s important to have a veterinarian evaluate them to determine the underlying cause. The most common cause of sideway walking in French Bulldogs is a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia.

This condition can cause pain, inflammation, and a limited range of motion in the hip joint, resulting in an abnormal gait. Other potential causes include joint problems such as arthritis or a dislocated hip, spinal disorders like intervertebral disc disease or degenerative myelopathy, obesity which puts extra strain on the joints, neurological conditions such as seizures or vestibular dysfunction, and even an injury to the leg or back.

There are various products on the market that can help your dog’s mobility and overall wellbeing if recommended by your vet.

Spinal Issues as a Cause of Sideways Walking

Spinal issues are common in French Bulldogs, from puppies to older dogs. Intervertebral disc disease, spinal cord injury, and arthritis can all lead to abnormal postures and gaits – including sideways walking.

Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the cushion-like discs between the vertebrae become damaged or degenerate. This can result in herniation, which presses on the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, weakness, and abnormal movement.

French Bulldogs with intervertebral disc disease may walk sideways, struggle to climb stairs, or have difficulty standing up. Spinal cord injuries can also cause sideways walking in French Bulldogs.

Falls or car accidents can cause severe injuries that restrict their mobility and cause pain or paralysis. If you suspect a spinal cord injury, seek veterinary attention right away.

Arthritis is another common spinal issue in French Bulldogs; it occurs when the joints between the vertebrae become inflamed and painful – leading to decreased mobility and comfort. As arthritis progresses over time, it can lead to increasingly severe mobility issues – including abnormal gait patterns such as sideways walking.

If your Frenchie is exhibiting signs of a spinal disorder such as sideways walking, seek veterinary attention right away.

Hip Dysplasia as a Cause of Sideways Walking

It can be a bit of a shock to see a French Bulldog walking sideways – but don’t worry; there’s usually an explanation.

Hip dysplasia is one of the leading causes of this strange gait, and it affects the hip joint. Hip dysplasia is associated with pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

It can also cause lameness and arthritis in more severe cases. It can also lead to a bunny-hopping gait, where the hind legs move together rather than alternating when they run or walk.

This unbalanced motion can cause them to walk sideways. French Bulldogs are particularly vulnerable to hip dysplasia due to their small size and muscular build.

It can be caused by bad breeding habits or other factors such as excess weight, poor diet, heavy exercise, or inactivity. If you suspect your French Bulldog is suffering from hip dysplasia, it is important to seek veterinary assistance right away.

So don’t hesitate if you notice any signs of hip dysplasia such as stiffness or reluctance to exercise – get them checked out by a doctor right away.

Neurological Issues as a Cause of Sideways Walking

It can be a worrying sight to see your beloved French Bulldog walking sideways, but don’t despair; there are a few potential causes that could be to blame.

Neurological disorders, spinal cord injury, and degenerative myelopathy can all lead to this strange gait. Vestibular disease, otherwise known as “old dog syndrome,” affects the inner ear and can cause dizziness and disorientation.

Standing or walking straight can become uncomfortable, leading to an ungainly sideways walk. Spinal cord injuries can also contribute to this abnormal gait; they may result from trauma such as a fall or car accident, or from a degenerative condition such as intervertebral disc disease.

If the injury is severe enough, the dog may have difficulty controlling their hind legs, resulting in staggering or sideways movement. Degenerative myelopathy is another neurological disorder that causes weakness and muscle atrophy in older dogs’ hind legs.

In the early stages of this condition it may manifest as a wobbly or dragging gait. If you think your French Bulldog’s sideways walking could be due to a medical disorder, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

They’ll be able to perform an examination and suggest an appropriate treatment plan for your pup.

Diagnosing the Underlying Cause of Your Dog’s Gait Issue

If you’ve noticed your French Bulldog walking sideways, it’s time to take action.

While this may seem strange and alarming, there are several potential causes for this condition, from spinal cord injuries to hip dysplasia. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and care, your pup can regain their mobility and lead a happy and healthy life.

The first step is to bring them to the vet for a comprehensive physical examination. Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion in order to identify the underlying cause of the gait issue.

They may also suggest X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic imaging tests to get a better understanding of what’s going on. Degenerative myelopathy – which affects the spinal cord’s nerves and leads to weakness in the hind legs – could be one possible explanation for your pup’s unusual gait.

Hip dysplasia – a common problem among French Bulldogs – is another; this occurs when the ball and socket joint of the hip do not properly align, causing pain and discomfort in the joint. Lastly, IVDD (intervertebral disk disease) is another potential cause of lameness or an abnormal gait; this disorder usually requires surgery or medication management for effective treatment.

No matter what is causing your dog’s sideways walk, it is essential that you get them to the hospital as soon as possible so they can receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options for Dogs with Abnormal Gaits

Don’t let them suffer in silence – take action now.

With potential causes ranging from spinal cord injury to hip dysplasia, it’s essential to bring your canine companion to the hospital for a thorough examination. Your veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis and administer the right care to help your furry friend regain their mobility and live a happy, healthy life.

The treatment of dogs with abnormal gaits will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, rest and supportive care may be enough to resolve minor issues.

However, if the condition is more serious, such as hip dysplasia or spinal cord injury, more advanced treatment options may be necessary. For example, hip dysplasia treatment can include anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, physical therapy, and even surgery options such as hip replacement or corrective osteotomy.

If the abnormal gait is due to a medical condition such as vestibular disease or cerebellar ataxia, medications or surgery may be required, as well as rehabilitation therapy to improve muscle function and aid in recovery. Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care could also be beneficial in improving mobility and reducing pain associated with abnormal gaits.

To determine the best course of action for your pup’s specific situation, consulting with a veterinarian or specialist is highly recommended.

Prevention Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Mobile

As a French Bulldog owner, it’s important to take preventive measures to keep your pup healthy and mobile. With the right steps, you can ensure that your dog is able to live a happy and active lifestyle for years to come.

Diet and Exercise:

A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for keeping your pup strong and fit. Make sure they’re eating a balanced diet with all the essential nutrients they need. Exercise helps them keep their joints in good shape, so make sure they get enough activity throughout the day.

Vet Check-Ups:

Regular visits to the vet are key in early detection of any joint or bone problems. This can help reduce the severity of these conditions, as well as alleviate pain and discomfort.

Joint Supplements:

You may want to consider investing in joint supplements or glucosamine chews for your pup. These can help improve joint health and mobility, especially in older dogs or those prone to joint issues.

Comfortable Living Space:

Provide your dog with a comfortable living space free from obstacles and hazards. This will help reduce the risk of falls or injuries that could result in further mobility issues for your beloved pooch.

ayM2eQ4Jm7A” >

Conclusion

It’s essential to be aware of the potential causes of sideway walking in French Bulldogs and take action if you spot any signs of abnormal gait.

From hip dysplasia to neurological disorders, these medical issues can lead to this strange gait. Fortunately, with accurate diagnosis and care, your pup will regain their mobility and live a happy and healthy life.

To get an accurate diagnosis, it’s essential to bring them to the vet for a comprehensive physical examination. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options may include rest and supportive care, anti-inflammatory drugs, weight loss, physical therapy or medication administration.

Ultimately, it is important to take preventive steps such as providing a balanced diet and regular exercise for your pup, as well as regular checkups at the vet in order to keep them fit and healthy.