Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My pug's hind legs are weak, dragging, and collapsing. What's happening?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 2 years and 3 months old | 18.5 lbs

Hello, I have a 2 and a half year old pug who over the past week has been noticeably dragging his hind legs when he walks and his back legs have been collapsing and “splaying” out when sitting. I’m a bit worried as he only went to the vet a week ago for his anal glands being expressed and also slight swelling in his folds on his face - all cleared by antibiotics. He doesn’t appear in pain but this all started since the vet expressed his glands as well. On his back legs he collapses when jumping.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Snickers. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian again. The hindlimb problems should not be related to his recent anal gland expression. The condition is worrisome though. He may be experiencing advancing joint disease that is leaving him to be very weak in the back legs. The collapsing and splaying is likely painful for him. He also could be experiencing a neurological condition from a bulging or ruptured disc in his back. This can be a very serious situation as the weakness has the potential to become paralysis. For this reason, he needs to be seen as soon as possible. Keep him quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My old pug has hind leg weakness and trouble walking. What's wrong?

This is most suggestive of lower spine injury. This is not uncommon in older dogs, where the vertebral canal, or intervertebral disks can pinch the nerve. Treatment is possible depending on the cause of this, so I recommend taking Bandit to the vet for an evaluation. They should be able to identify the cause of this and at-least get him started on medication to relieve pain and hopefully the mobility and incontinence issues. I hope that helps and all is well with Bandit.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My pug's legs are weak, and he's barking and crying. What's wrong?

Pain and lameness in multiple legs can be a sign of polyarthritis (painful swelling in multiple joints) related to autoimmune disease or tick borne diseases like Lyme disease if there are ticks in your area. If he seems weak in his back legs back pain or a prolapsed disc would also be a possibility. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine him. If you think his barking and crying is a sign of pain or if you do think his back legs seem weak it would be best to take him to an emergency vet tonight.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My pug's back leg isn't working, vet gave meds. What's next?

Injuries to the spine or muscles/nerves in the back can sometimes cause symptoms similar to what you are seeing, and pain meds and anti-inflammatory medications are often the first-line treatment for this to help reduce any swelling and let the area heal. Keeping Voodoo calm, quiet, and on leashed-only potty walks may also help with the healing process. If her symptoms are worsening, don't improve with the medication, or she seems in bad pain or distress, taking her back to the vet for additional exam and treatment may be needed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my senior dog's hind legs weak and wobbly, but no pain?

Have Hopper examined by your veterinarian. Spinal x-rays may reveal arthritic changes that could cause low back pain and home end weakness. Pain management, physical therapy, swim therapy and/or cold laser therapy may all be options depending on the diagnosis.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog walking weirdly with a crooked back and weak hind legs?

Hello, sorry to hear about Paddy. It sounds like Paddy may have a back or neck injury either from a slipped disk or a inflammation. I would recommend restricting his activity and not allow any running, jumping, or rough housing as this can exacerbate any injury until you can see your primary care veterinarian. Monitor for any worsening signs of weakness in his back legs and if you see any of these then have him evaluated sooner. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's back legs are suddenly not working. What could it be?

Spinal cord infarct and slipped disc (intervertebral disc extrusion) may be most likely differentials considering the description of the signs you provided. This clinical status require and immediate check up and neurological and physical examination. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my pug suddenly unable to stand or walk? Is it serious?

Poor guy. It sounds like Noddy has a serious issue affecting his neurological system or his musculoskeletal system. He needs to be seen right away by your nearest veterinarian for medications to help stabilize his condition. There unfortunately isn't anything you can give him at home for this type of condition, so it is best to take him in right away for bloodwork and potential x-rays to check for any signs of arthritis or degenerative joint disease that may explain his symptoms and offer a reasonable treatment plan to help him.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share