Why Does My Dog Run Sideways?

Dogs love to run and play!

They perform unpredictable and energetic movements, especially when excited.

However, have you noticed that your dog runs at an angle while still managing to move forward?

Why do dogs run sideways like this, and should you be worried about it?

Your dog may run sideways because of its natural gait and excitement or from having a more dominant side to its body.

Some breeds, such as Border Collies, Spaniels, Vizslas, and German Shepherds, are prone to running sideways.

It is understandable for dog owners to be curious or to worry when their four-legged friends run sideways.

So, to answer the concern about why your dog is running sideways (or crab-walking), we are going to look at the behavior in detail.

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Why Do Dogs Run Sideways or Crooked?

It’s normal for dogs to walk or run sideways with their bodies curved at an angle.

Of course, there are many reasons why they might move or run sideways.

When dogs run sideways, they travel forward in a straight line; yet their body curves at an angle toward the line they are running.

It can also look as if their back legs are farther off to the side of their front legs, giving them an off-kilter appearance.

This unusual-looking movement is so common that the AKC Glossary calls it “crabbing” or “sidewinding.”

Here are the most common reasons why your dog is running sideways:

1. Your dog may be running sideways due to its natural gait.
2. Your dog’s body may have a dominant side causing it to run sideways.
3. Certain dog breeds are more prone to running sideways.
4. Dogs can run sideways from excitement.
5. Your dog may still be growing and have imbalances in its body.
6. Your dog might have an ear infection.
7. Pins and needles can cause your dog to run or walk sideways.
8. If your dog is running sideways, it may be from a medical condition.
9. Your dog might start running sideways from old age.

Continue reading for a more detailed overview.

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1. Your Dog May Be Running Sideways From Its Natural Gait

Running sideways may be the way your dog naturally moves. Like humans, dogs have various walking and running styles.

For example, while some dogs take small, rapid steps, others take long, heavy strides.

Their unique shape, size, joint conditions, and training contribute to how they walk or run.

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2. Your Dog’s Dominant Side Can Cause It To Run Sideways

Most people have a dominant arm or leg, where one side is stronger and more flexible than the other side.

Well, this is true for dogs too.

When side dominance is the reason for crabbing, the dog’s dominant side will push off the ground with a stronger force while they run.

This force shifts the body sideways, making it look like the dog runs sideways. But, its dominant side dials back once the dog slows down and the gait returns to normal.

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3. Certain Dog Breeds Are More Prone To Run Sideways

Dogs who crabwalk with their hind legs angling off towards one side are mostly built that way.

Dogs with short bodies and long legs struggle to run in a straight line because their back legs get muddled up with their front legs.

Twisting the body to walk or run sideways helps dogs with long legs avoid tripping over their feet.

Crabbing allows their back feet to pass to one side of the front feet without tripping.

Dog breeds most likely to walk sideways:

• Border collies.
• Boxers.
• Cocker Spaniels.
• German shepherds.
• Pointers.
• Vizslas.

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4. Dogs Can Run Sideways From Excitement

Sometimes dogs walk or run sideways from pure excitement!

Have you ever noticed your dog running sideways while chasing a ball or stick?

While there isn’t enough research to back our theory, we believe that the pup’s tail is the culprit.

Your dog’s fast-wagging tail can cause a slight imbalance, causing its body to twist while running.

NOTE – You might like to read this post. It asks the question: Why Do Bulldogs Skateboard?

5. Your Dog May Still Be Growing

Is your pup under a year or two? It could be his growing legs causing him to run sideways.

Like teenagers, puppies also go through awkward growing phases of being uncoordinated.

Their growing legs are too long for their short bodies to coordinate. So, they will often tangle while running fast.

To avoid tangling, the puppy will angle its lanky back legs to the side to avoid tripping over its paws.

The crabbing behavior fades as the pup matures and gains control over its limbs.

But, some dogs do not outgrow the sidewinding and stay permanent “crabbers.”

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6. Your Dog Might Have An Ear Infection

A bacterial ear infection can affect your dog’s balance, causing it to walk and run sideways in a c-shaped curve.

Ear mites can cause an ear infection, which will throw your pup off balance and may cause it to walk or run sideways.

Dog breeds with longer ears, like Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and Cocker Spaniels, are more prone to ear infections than other dogs.

If you notice your dog running sideways and scratching his ears, book an appointment with your vet to check for an ear infection.

7. Pins And Needles Can Cause Your Dog To Walk Sideways

If you notice your dog walking sideways after a long sleep, it may be from pins and needles.

Yes, dogs can also get pins and needles!

If your dog has pins and needles, it should stop walking sideways when the tingling subsides.

So, help keep your furry friend up and moving to help ease the symptoms of pins and needles.

If your dog frequently gets pins and needles after laying down or sleeping, consult your local vet for advice.

Note – If you are in financial difficulty and are worried about vet bills, this website has many resources for charities that can help you with your bills.

8. Your Dog Can Run Sideways Due to Medical Conditions Or Old Age

Crabbing or walking sideways is usually nothing serious.

But sometimes, sidestepping is a symptom of a medical condition or imbalance.

If your dog suddenly starts walking sideways, consult your vet to get your pet examined.

If you have an older dog that starts crabbing or walking sideways, it may be from canine hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a nasty skeletal condition.

It can cause the hip’s ball and socket to rub and grind against each other instead of sliding smoothly.

Over time, hip dysplasia can cause severe deterioration of mobility and a loss of function.

Another disease that can alter older dogs’ gait is Vestibular Disease.

Vestibular Disease is a fast-occurring and non-progressive disease that impacts older dogs.

The imbalance can cause them to walk or run sideways.

Other medical conditions that can cause a dog to run sideways include:

• Structural imbalance.
• Nutritional deficiency.
• Orthopedic issues.
• Anal gland issues.
• Undetected pain.

Make an appointment to see your local vet if you suspect your pet is suffering from a condition.

Final Notes On Your Dog Running Sideways

If your dog’s running or walking style changes and he or she appears uncomfortable, go see your local vet.

However, if he or she is a sidewinding dog and it doesn’t seem in pain, don’t worry too much.

Running sideways or crabbing may just be one of the many cute quirks of your best friend!

Before you go, you might enjoy this short but really interesting video.

It explains why walking your dog every day is so important for them.

Just the video, and it will start to play: