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Should I worry about my German Shepherd puppy's unstable back legs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 3 months and 24 days old | 71.2 lbs

Recently my husband and I got a German Shepherd puppy. When she walks some times her back legs seem unstable and I noticed that they are sometimes close together. Her first puppy appointment was July 10th and the vet gave her an unremarkable exam. I am concerned tho that it may be a hip or spine issue. It doesn't seem to be all the time, and it doesn't seem to be painful to her. But rather makes her pretty clumsy in her back end. Do you think this is cause for concern?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 11th, 2017

Yes, having the narrow based stance in the rear legs and some instability is something I would be concerned about. German Shepard Dogs can have hip dysplasia and lumbo sacral problems. If the parents were OFA certified to have good hips then Nova may just be in a clumsy growing phase. Nova is too young to have definitive X-rays to diagnose hip dysplasia. A preliminary hip X-rays can be done at six months, usually when the dog is spayed as they need to be anesthetized to get good hip radiographs. When she is asleep they can also feel the hip to see if the joint is tight or has laxity. Many dogs can live a normal life with hip dysplasia if they are kept fit, lean and do not do excessive jumping or rough housing. Leash walking and obedience training is good exercise as it helps her control her legs and leg movement rather than just letting her run around and play all the time. If the instability and narrow rear legs continue as she grows you may want to go see an orthopedic specialist to get a second opinion and diagnosis. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Nova.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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