Why Does My Dog Skip When Walking?
Understanding the Sudden “Skipping” or Hopping Movement Many Dogs Develop
One of the most common things owners notice before a diagnosis of patella luxation is a strange skipping movement during walks.
Dogs may:
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suddenly hop for a few steps,
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briefly carry a back leg,
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or appear to “skip” before walking normally again.
Because the episode often lasts only seconds, many owners initially wonder:
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“Did they just step awkwardly?”
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“Is it a muscle strain?”
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“Are they just being playful?”
In many dogs, this intermittent skipping pattern is actually caused by kneecap instability — most commonly patella luxation.
At Balance Vet Rehab, we regularly assess dogs across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Scenic Rim showing intermittent skipping, hopping, or sudden hindlimb limping associated with patella luxation and related mobility conditions.
Not sure whether your dog’s skipping is normal or something more significant? We’re happy to help answer questions.
What Does “Skipping” Actually Mean?
Owners describe skipping in many different ways.
Common descriptions include:
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hopping for a few steps,
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briefly running on three legs,
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suddenly lifting a hind leg,
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“bunny hopping,”
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or walking normally again moments later.
In many dogs, the skipping is intermittent because the underlying instability itself is intermittent.
Once the kneecap returns to position, the dog often resumes normal movement almost immediately.
The Most Common Cause: Patella Luxation
The most common cause of intermittent skipping in small breed dogs is patella luxation.
Patella luxation occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove within the knee joint.
When the kneecap slips:
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the leg may suddenly feel unstable,
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the dog briefly avoids weight-bearing,
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and a skipping or hopping motion occurs.
Once the kneecap relocates back into position, movement often appears normal again.
For a full overview, visit:
Patella Luxation in Dogs
Why Dogs Sometimes “Kick” the Leg Backward
Many owners notice their dog:
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stretches the leg backward,
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shakes the limb,
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or pauses briefly before walking normally again.
This often happens because the dog is effectively helping the kneecap slide back into its groove.
Once the kneecap relocates:
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stability improves,
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discomfort reduces,
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and the skipping episode resolves temporarily.
Is Skipping Always Painful?
Not always.
Some dogs appear surprisingly comfortable despite repeated skipping episodes.
Others develop:
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soreness,
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stiffness,
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muscle fatigue,
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or progressive arthritis over time.
Even when dogs do not appear obviously painful, repeated instability may still place abnormal stress through the joint.
This is why intermittent skipping should not automatically be dismissed as harmless.
Why the Skipping Often Comes and Goes
One reason owners become confused is because symptoms fluctuate so much.
Skipping often worsens:
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after zoomies,
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after rough play,
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on slippery floors,
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during fatigue,
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or after long walks.
Some days dogs appear almost completely normal.
Other days the limping may be much more obvious.
Related page:
What Makes Patella Luxation Worse in Dogs?
Small Breed Dogs Are Especially Commonly Affected
Patella luxation is especially common in:
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Pomeranians,
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Toy Poodles,
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Chihuahuas,
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Yorkshire Terriers,
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Cavaliers,
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and other small breeds.
However, larger dogs can also develop kneecap instability.
Young puppies may also show intermittent skipping early in life.
Related page:
Patella Luxation in Puppies
Can Skipping Become Worse Over Time?
Unfortunately, yes.
Repeated kneecap instability may gradually contribute to:
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muscle weakness,
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worsening instability,
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arthritis,
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and reduced confidence using the limb.
Some dogs progress from:
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occasional skipping,
to: -
more persistent limping,
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stiffness,
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or reduced exercise tolerance.
Related pages:
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Can Patella Luxation Cause Arthritis in Dogs?
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Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
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Dog Stiff After Resting
Why Muscle Weakness Makes Skipping Worse
Strong muscles help support the knee.
When dogs intermittently avoid using the limb:
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muscles weaken,
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stability decreases,
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and the skipping episodes may become more frequent.
This often creates a cycle:
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Instability causes skipping
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Reduced limb use causes weakness
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Weakness worsens instability
Rehabilitation focuses heavily on rebuilding muscular support around the knee.
How Rehabilitation Can Help
Rehabilitation aims to improve:
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strength,
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coordination,
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balance,
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confidence,
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and overall limb function.
Programs may include:
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strengthening exercises,
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hydrotherapy,
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balance work,
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gait retraining,
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and home exercise planning.
Many owners notice:
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reduced frequency of skipping,
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improved confidence,
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better endurance,
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and smoother walking patterns.
Even dogs with occasional skipping may benefit from strengthening and mobility support.
Hydrotherapy Is Often Extremely Useful
Hydrotherapy allows dogs to strengthen with:
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less joint loading,
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controlled resistance,
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and safer movement.
Underwater treadmill therapy may help:
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improve muscle mass,
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improve gait quality,
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and build confidence using the limb.
Hydrotherapy is particularly helpful when:
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muscle weakness exists,
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arthritis is developing,
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or dogs struggle with land-based exercise.
Related page:
Hydrotherapy for Arthritis
Is Surgery Always Needed?
Not always.
Some dogs with intermittent skipping remain stable for years with:
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rehabilitation,
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strengthening,
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hydrotherapy,
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and conservative management.
Others eventually require surgery if:
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instability worsens,
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arthritis progresses,
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or quality of life declines.
Treatment decisions depend on:
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severity,
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frequency of symptoms,
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function,
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age,
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and long-term goals.
Related page:
Does My Dog Need Surgery for Patella Luxation?
Other Conditions Can Also Cause Intermittent Skipping
While patella luxation is extremely common, intermittent skipping can occasionally relate to:
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cruciate disease,
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hip discomfort,
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spinal pain,
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or neurological issues.
A full assessment helps determine the most likely cause of the gait abnormality.
Related pages:
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Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs
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Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
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Arthritis in Dogs
Flooring and Home Setup Can Influence Symptoms
Dogs often skip more on slippery surfaces because poor traction increases instability.
Helpful modifications may include:
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non-slip rugs,
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runners,
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ramps,
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and avoiding repeated jumping from furniture.
Small environmental changes can sometimes significantly improve confidence indoors.
Supporting Dogs Across Brisbane, Gold Coast & Scenic Rim
At Balance Vet Rehab, we regularly assess dogs showing:
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intermittent skipping,
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hindlimb hopping,
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kneecap instability,
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arthritis progression,
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and postural compensation patterns.
We work with dogs from across:
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Brisbane,
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Gold Coast,
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Scenic Rim,
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Logan,
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Tamborine Mountain,
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and surrounding areas.
Some dogs need only mild strengthening support. Others require longer-term rehabilitation and arthritis management.
Many Owners Feel Reassured Once They Understand the Cause
The unpredictable nature of skipping often leaves owners:
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confused,
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frustrated,
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or unsure whether they are overreacting.
Understanding what causes the movement pattern often helps owners feel much more confident about what they are seeing and how to support their dog.
