Why Dogs Stop Walking & Won’t Move
Have you ever been on a walk with your dog and they suddenly stop moving and refuse to move? We want you to know you arent alone. This common problem dog owners face can be very frustrating and hard to manage, especially if you dont know why they wont move. Here, our vets share some reasons why your dog may have stopped walking and how you can get them moving again.
Sometimes dogs stop walking when they are suffering from long-term pain in their joints. Common causes of joint pain include arthritis and hip dysplasia. These conditions can be very painful for dogs. This is why you should know how to recognize the signs of joint pain, such as favoring one leg over the other when stopped or letting out a yelp or whimper before stopping.
If you think your dog is experiencing joint pain, the best thing you can do is call your vet to schedule an exam. Your vet will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the underlying cause of the pain and prescribe a treatment plan.
Your dog may stop walking suddenly if they get injured. Injuries can be minor or severe and can include a hurt paw pad or nail, or something more serious.
If your dog is injured, stop your walk immediately and examine its paws and legs for any injuries. If you find the source of the wound, take pictures and call your vet to schedule an appointment and get first aid instructions. If you cant find the source of the injury, you still have to call your vet to get advice and book an appointment.
Meanwhile, to keep the injury from getting worse, call a friend or family member to pick you and your dog up.
Lots of dogs refuse to walk or keep moving if they are scared of something in their surroundings. This is seen most often in young puppies who are going through their fear period and adult dogs that are walking in an unfamiliar environment (especially if they tend to be anxious/fearful or have a history of trauma).
If your dog is afraid it may tuck its tail beneath them, hold its ears back, crouch down, or/and breathe heavily or abnormally.
The first thing you should do is determine the source of their fear, which could be another dog walking nearby, a strange noise, a trash can, a sign, or a scent you didnt notice. If the source is a specific sight or smell they may stop in the same spot every time you walk by it.
Once you know the source of your dogs fright you can start desensitizing your dog to this trigger (if it is safe) and help them build their confidence. While the exact steps required to desensitize your dog may differ based on the fear, here are some basic actions you can take:
If you know your dog stops walking out of fear, call your vet and schedule an appointment. Your veterinarian can help by offering specific tips and advice on how you can properly manage your dogs fear safely and efficiently.
Another common reason why your dog may refuse to keep walking is that they arent used to going for walks on a leash or havent gone for a leash walk before.
If this is the case, you need to remember that this can be an overwhelming or frightening experience for your pup, so its best to start them out slowly, introducing the process gradually. Begin by showing them one piece of equipment at a time, letting them sniff and get to know the gear as you pass them treats. Do not skip this step because it could result in negative associations with walks and equipment.
Then you can start putting the collar on them for brief periods at a time, gradually increasing time intervals, starting with a few seconds and increasing the time until they are used to it.
Its also essential to select a properly fitting and weighted collar for your dog, by carefully reading the size guidelines and recommendations on the packaging. However, for training purposes, a lighter collar and leash are typically best.
Before taking your dog for a walk on a leash, let them wander around your home with the collar on for several days, so they get used to the feeling. Then you can start taking your dog for leashed walks in your home. Gradually, you can introduce your dog to outdoor walks in areas such as a fenced backyard or an enclosed dog run.
Dont forget to move at your dogs pace and reward good behaviors with treats. If you need help leash training your dog, dont hesitate to contact your vet for advice.
If you dont think the above situations apply to your dog, here are some other potential causes:
It’s often more nuanced and a combination of the above. You’ll likely need some pet detective work to sort this out.Here are ten things you can try to get your dog up and moving again:
You’re just out with your dog, enjoying a walk, and then SCREECH!… 3 blocks from home, they put on the brakes and refuse to take even one step further. Why? Why does this happen? Here are ten possibilities
What are the signs your dog is dying?
If you are wondering how to tell if a dog is dying, you need to look out for certain symptoms. These include:
If your dog has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be very hard to come to terms with the fact that you will probably lose him soon. However, there are things you can do to make sure your pet is as comfortable as possible during his last days.
Accept that the end is near. Your dog will die eventually, even if you have done everything in your power to make him better. Try to come to terms with this fact so that you can spend your time with your dog making him happy and not stressing about what might happen.
Know the signs of imminent death. As dogs approach their death, they tend to slow down and become less active than usual. They may also stop eating or drinking, and they may begin to urinate and defecate involuntarily. They may also experience changes in their sleeping patterns, becoming restless at night.
Help your dog sleep comfortably. You may need to help position your dog so he is comfortable if he is having difficulty moving around on his own. If he has trouble breathing or he cannot lie down flat on his bed, place a pillow under his head so he can lie at an angle without putting too much pressure on his neck or chest.
Dog Won’t Move? How to Get Your Dog to Move | Animal Behavior College
Lethargy and weakness — these are vague but common symptoms of illness in dogs. And many things, some of them quite serious, can make your dog weak or lethargic. Heres information about the most common conditions, how they are treated, and when your dog should see a vet.
Things that can make your dog lethargic and weak can range from infection and disease to pain and medication. And because weakness and lethargy can indicate anything from a chronic condition to a life-threatening illness, you should always talk to your vet when you notice either symptom.