Why does my dog walk sideways?

If you’ve ever watched your dog take a few sideways steps and felt a knot of worry or curiosity, you’re not alone. Owners notice this for many reasons: a sudden change in gait on a walk, a hesitant shuffle after a nap, or a peculiar head tilt that accompanies the sidestep. I wrote this guide for dog lovers who want a clear, practical explanation of what might be going on, what matters most, and what to do next. Read on to learn why a sideways walk can range from harmless quirk to a sign that needs prompt attention, and how to help your dog comfortably and safely.

Why this guide matters if your dog is walking sideways

Most people come here because the behavior is new, odd, or concerning. You might have noticed your dog veer sideways when getting up from a bed, twist at the hip while walking, or intentionally brush against you while loitering. Common motivations include wanting reassurance, trying to rule out pain or injury, or figuring out whether a behavior is medical, environmental, or learned. I typically see owners ask about sideways walking after an active day at the dog park, after a stumble on stairs, or when a previously steady walker suddenly looks off-balance. This guide will help you narrow down likely causes, recognize red flags, and take practical next steps so you feel confident about your dog’s care.

Most likely reasons your dog walks sideways

There isn’t a single answer—sideways walking can come from several main sources. The most likely are: discomfort in a limb or joint that shifts weight away from the painful side; inner-ear or vestibular problems that disrupt balance; neurological conditions that alter coordination; or behavioral reasons where a dog has learned a sideways gait to get attention or avoid something. Which of these is most likely depends on how suddenly it started, whether other signs are present, and what happens when the dog is resting versus moving. Short-term causes often include strains, paw injuries, or brief vestibular episodes, while persistent or progressive sideways walking is more likely linked to structural or neurological issues.

Canine anatomy and body language: what sideways walking communicates

Gait is how a dog’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems work together to keep it upright and moving. When one limb hurts, the dog shifts weight away from that side and redistributes load to comfortable limbs; that can produce a noticeable sideways lean or a lopsided stride. If the inner ear—the vestibular system—is affected, the brain receives mixed signals about head position and movement, which may make a dog drift, circle, or walk with a distinct tilt. Neurological problems higher in the brain or spinal cord can change coordination patterns, producing asymmetrical steps or stumbling.

Dogs also communicate with posture. A sideways walk might be a protective posture: turning the body to shield a sore flank or exposing a less injured side. In some cases it becomes a social signal—if a dog learns that a particular odd gait always prompts fussing, treats, or being carried, the behavior can be repeated without the original medical cause. I watch for accompanying signs—ear position, facial expression, paw lifting, or selective favoring of one side—to help determine whether the movement is expressing pain, disorientation, or a learned response.

Everyday situations that trigger sideways walking

The context often points directly to cause. Dogs that walk sideways only on slick floors or icy sidewalks may be responding to poor traction and are adjusting their stance; this is different from a dog that walks sideways on all surfaces. If the movement appears right after exercise, a strain or overuse injury may be likely. Sideways gait that starts after a fall, collision, or sudden head shake could indicate acute ear injury or trauma. Symptoms that appear mainly at night or after loud noises may have a fear-related or startle component. I also take note of whether the sideways stepping happens more when the dog is excited—such as near other dogs or at the door—because that pattern suggests behavioral or attention-related reinforcement rather than a medical cause.

Red flags: when sideways walking signals a serious issue

Some signs mean the dog needs veterinary attention quickly. Sudden onset or rapidly worsening sideways walking, especially if it comes with a head tilt, tight circling, or a seizure, suggests a serious vestibular or neurological event that should be evaluated right away. Reluctance to bear weight, obvious severe limping, or not using a limb at all may indicate a fracture, dislocation, or severe soft tissue injury. Systemic signs—vomiting, collapse, high fever, or marked lethargy—could point to infections, toxins, or other illnesses that require urgent care. If your dog shows confusion, rapid breathing, drooling, or loss of bladder/bowel control alongside a strange gait, treat it as an emergency.

Immediate steps to take when your dog starts walking sideways

When you first notice sideways walking, remain calm and reduce stimulation. Here are practical steps I suggest you take in order:

1. Safely contain your dog in a quiet area to prevent falls—use a leash indoors if needed and avoid stairs.
2. Look for obvious injuries: check paws for thorns, cuts, swelling; gently press along limbs, hips, and spine for signs of pain; peek into the ears for discharge or a foul smell that may suggest an ear problem. Do not force painful manipulations.
3. Record short videos of the gait from different angles while your dog walks slowly; note the time it started, recent activities or incidents, and any other signs you saw before or after (vomiting, head tilt, inappetence).
4. Contact your veterinarian with your observations and videos. Describe whether the onset was sudden or gradual, any known trauma, and whether the dog is still eating, drinking, and eliminating normally. Follow their guidance about coming in immediately versus monitoring at home.

If the vet advises watching at home and the dog seems comfortable and stable, keep activity low, prevent jumping, and re-check the gait several times a day. If the vet recommends urgent evaluation, bring your video and a concise timeline to help them triage and decide on exams or imaging.

Training adjustments and environmental fixes to try

If the cause is non-urgent or behavioral, simple adjustments can reduce recurrence and keep your dog safer. Modify leash routes to avoid uneven terrain and steep curbs, and slow the pace during walks while the dog recovers. At home, I often suggest adding secure, non-slip surfaces where dogs commonly walk or sleep—rubber-backed rugs or traction tape can prevent missteps on tile and wood floors. Ramps beside beds and couches reduce the need to jump, which helps if hips, knees, or backs are sensitive.

When fear or attention-seeking is part of the picture, reward-based desensitization works better than punishment. If your dog moves sideways in response to loud noises or strangers, gradually expose them to lower-level triggers paired with high-value treats and calm praise, building tolerance over time. Never scold a dog for a gait change—this can increase anxiety and make symptoms worse. If you suspect the gait is a learned behavior that now persists without pain, work with a positive trainer or behavior specialist to create an alternative, reliable behavior that you can reinforce instead.

Helpful equipment and tools vets and trainers recommend

Some practical equipment can make assessment and care easier:

• Supportive harnesses and lifting slings to help a dog rise or climb into a car without stressing joints.
• Non-slip mats and modular ramps for furniture and car entry to reduce the need for jumping.
• Your smartphone or a small video recorder to capture gait from front and side views; these clips are often invaluable to a veterinarian.
• BASIC ear-cleaning supplies only if your vet has shown you how and advised cleaning; never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal.

When in doubt, bring the video and any relevant gear to the clinic. A sling or harness may be useful for a vet to assess mobility safely and with less stress to the dog.

Sources and further reading on sideways walking

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus statements and clinical reviews on canine neurological assessment
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
• Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook: sections on vestibular suppressants and supportive care
• De Lahunta, A., & Glass, E. (Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology): clinical approach to gait abnormalities in dogs