What is the reason for sudden weakness in the hind legs of a puppy? You will know after reading it!

Pet     9:13am, 18 October 2025

Even though dogs are usually active and lively, they seem to be very energetic and healthy. There are times when they are sick and vulnerable. What should an owner do when he finds that his dog's legs suddenly become weak? What are the reasons why a puppy suddenly becomes weak in its hind legs?

1. Injury

The sudden weakness of the puppy's hind legs may be caused by an injury to the hind legs. It is recommended that the owner carefully check the puppy's hind legs and pads to see if there is any obvious trauma, and gently press the legs to see if the puppy resists. If there is trauma, the puppy's wound needs to be treated. It is recommended to clean the wound with saline first, then disinfect it with iodophor, and then bandage it. If the puppy resists or even screams, it may have suffered internal injuries, such as fractures, bone fractures, etc. It is recommended to go to a pet hospital for examination and treatment.

2. Calcium deficiency

During the development stage, puppies need a large amount of calcium for body growth. If the puppy usually has a single nutritional component, resulting in calcium deficiency in the body, the puppy will suddenly become weak in its hind legs, causing unstable walking and easy falling. After this happens, it is recommended that the owner supplement the puppy with calcium in time. You can use liquid calcium, which is easier to absorb than solid calcium tablets. You can also take the puppy out to bask in the sun more, which will help promote the dog's absorption of calcium.

Note: Calcium supplement products need to be used according to the treatment course for a long time. If used intermittently, the effect will not be achieved. If necessary, seek prompt medical treatment.

3. Joint dysplasia

A puppy's sudden weakness in its hind legs may also be caused by joint dysplasia. This condition usually occurs in young dogs. The owner can take the dog to the pet hospital for X-ray examination of the bones and joints of the hind limbs to further diagnose the location and extent of the disease, and then provide targeted treatment. If the joint disease is not serious, you can take maintenance treatment with nutritional joint drugs specially designed for pets. But if the disease is severe, surgical treatment needs to be considered.