Does Walking Help a Dog's Weak Legs?

Dogs develop leg weakness due to heredity, illness, injury, joint wear and age. Some breeds are more prone to leg weakness than others, due to their size or the configuration of their backs. Walking can sometimes help a dog's weak legs become stronger, but many conditions that cause weak legs require medical treatment or surgery to correct or devices for assistance when the weakness or paralysis has become permanent. Several conditions cause leg weakness in dogs. Have your vet diagnose the cause of your dog's weakness unless it is known to be caused by inactivity.

  1. Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease has two causes: the natural overproduction of adrenal hormone due to presence of a tumor on the adrenal or pituitary gland or overtreatment with prednisone or other corticosteroids. Adrenal gland tumors can be removed by surgery. However, due to its risky nature, general veterinary practitioners prefer that a specialist perform the surgery instead of attempting it themselves. When Cushing's disease is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland it is not usually removed, also due to the risk. Such dogs receive treatment solely for their symptoms. Typically, they have a lifespan of about two years. Cushing's caused by overtreatment with corticosteroids is treated by reducing the use of corticosteroids. In neither case is leg weakness caused by Cushing's disease helped by walking.

    Hip Dysplasia

    • Dogs with hip dysplasia will exhibit stiffness, followed by muscular weakness as the dog begins to avoid exercise. According to PetEducation.com, "hip dysplasia is caused by a subluxation in the hip joint. This creates abnormal wear and erosion of the joint and as a result arthritis and pain develop." Muscle-building exercise like walking will help prevent or slow development of the disease. However, high-impact exercise will make the condition worse. Hip dysplasia is usually treated with surgery and drugs.

    Muscular Weakness

    • Lack of activity can create muscular weakness. Dogs that have been injured or that have not had the opportunities for exercise offered to them can develop muscular weakness. As long as no other conditions or issues exist in association with the muscular weakness, then walking will help make a dog's weak legs stronger.

    Peripheral Neuropathy

    • Diabetic dogs can develop peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, also known as polyneuropathy, is a disease that affects the nerves that control the legs and certain autonomous functions of the body. Untreated peripheral neuropathy can cause your dog's muscles to weaken or shrink. It might cause your dog's legs to tremble. Because peripheral neuropathy has several causes other than diabetes, treatment may vary. Walking may be part of the treatment to return muscle tone. However, some dogs do not recover even when the cause of the neuropathy is treated.

    Spinal Disc Problems or Paralysis

    • Long-bodied dogs can develop leg weakness or paralysis from slipped intervertebral discs. Dogs with slipped discs hold their backs in a rigid and arched position. Their rear legs may become weak and unable to support their weight. This condition is usually treated using anti-inflammatory drugs and possibly surgery. Exercise, including walking, is discouraged during treatment, and the dog is placed on crate rest.