What causes weakness in a dog’s limbs?
Expert Answer
A dog’s limb weakness can be caused by many factors, including nutrient deficiency, limb injury, viral infection, acute gastroenteritis, and acute kidney failure. If the dog lacks calcium or vitamins long term, it may show weak limbs and inability to stand.
In addition, ligament strains, sprains, or fractures may make standing hard. Also, diseases like distemper, parvovirus, acute gastroenteritis, and acute kidney failure can cause limb weakness. If it persists, take the dog to a vet promptly.
My dog's sudden hind-leg weakness turned out to be a slipped disk, and the vet said causes range from calcium deficiency to fractures to distemper or kidney failure, so "weak limbs" is a wide alarm. If he can't stand, is in pain, or it came on fast, get him to the vet now, some causes are emergencies. Don't assume exhaustion, rule out the scary stuff first with a proper exam.