Is your dog stumbling or scuffing it's feet? As dogs age they begin to lose fine motor skills and experience decreased energy levels. Ataxia in dogs is the clinical term for the loss of coordination or unbalanced gait due to sensory dysfunction. Some older dogs may appear to be drunk. Some senior dogs begin to experience stumbling when they walk or their paws may seem to curl under. Knuckling of the paws can be one of the first signs of degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy affects the spinal cord and it resembles arthritis in its early stages, but progresses to ataxia from hind limb weakness and paralysis.
Most pet owners don’t realize signs such as scuffing of the feet, worn toenails, paws dirty on top can indicate a neurological condition. Dr. Michelle Murray of NEST Veterinary Neurology points out that multiple orthopedic or neurological diseases can cause a dog to scuff its feet. This is not normal wear and tear due to aging. Early diagnosis can yield the best results. Please see a vet if you notice these signs in your pet.
Ask Ariel's Dog Brain Booster can help dogs with neurological motor coordination disorders. Dog Brain Booster can enhance motor skills with key nutrients such as Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL , Citicoline (as Cognizin) and Glycerophosphocholine (GPC). ArthroStride For Dogs & Cats can help to improve your dog's mobility and help strengthen hind leg muscle mass. It contains green lipped mussels, glucosamine, boswellia, MSM and collagen that are scientifically proven to support joint health and connective tissue.
Author: Susan Blake Davis
Originally Posted: 5/26/2021
Updated and revised: 2/24/2024
