[pt83]

I noticed when my 2 months old puppy running, it sort of looks like a bunny hop. When he walks, he seems normal.. but when he walks faster, sometimes he kinda walk sideways.. sort of like cars with alignment job needed. Is this normal for a puppy?
Thanks

 

[honeysmum]

Sorry I cant help as Honey has a very odd gait due to H/D but wanted to bump up so that somone maybe able to help with your question.:crossfing

 

[fostermom]

If your puppy is truly bunny hopping, I would get x-rays of his hips. Bunny hopping is a classic symptom of hip displaysia. Hopefully what you are describing is not actually hopping.

 

[kruisyk]

Others on the forum are far more knowledgeable than I, but bunny-hopping is certainly a sign of hip dysplasia. Don't know, though, if what you're describing is just a pupster "growing into" is body. I wouldn't panic, but most definitely call it to the vet's attention. Keep us posted!

 

[Florabora22]

I thought puppies bunny hopped for several months before they actually started running more naturally? Just like Honeysmum, I can't help out too much b/c Flora also has hip and knee issues, and she's a champion bunny hopper when she runs.

 

[Noey]

I think it's ok in a puppy. How does he walk steps.

 

[pt83]

Sorry I cant help as Honey has a very odd gait due to H/D but wanted to bump up so that somone maybe able to help with your question.:crossfing

Thank you!

If your puppy is truly bunny hopping, I would get x-rays of his hips. Bunny hopping is a classic symptom of hip displaysia. Hopefully what you are describing is not actually hopping.

I will try to get some video from my digital cam. Hopefully i can catch it at the right angle.

Others on the forum are far more knowledgeable than I, but bunny-hopping is certainly a sign of hip dysplasia. Don't know, though, if what you're describing is just a pupster "growing into" is body. I wouldn't panic, but most definitely call it to the vet's attention. Keep us posted!

I thought puppies bunny hopped for several months before they actually started running more naturally? Just like Honeysmum, I can't help out too much b/c Flora also has hip and knee issues, and she's a champion bunny hopper when she runs.

I really hope its just puppy thing that will resolve itself as he age.. I don't have experience on this as I've never raised puppy from this young before.

I think it's ok in a puppy. How does he walk steps.

He walks normally. If I call him, he would run towards me and thats when i thought i see bunny hopping. I'll ask the vet on his next scheduled shot about this.

 

[Willow52]

At 2 months, I don't think I'd worry. Young puppies are so uncoordinated and just learning how to control their muscles. They're bow-legged and clumsy with funny gaits at times.

 

[arcane]

I wouldn't worry in a puppy, if they are still doing it @ an older age, then perhaps...I would take a peek @ the hips. I don't feel gait or clicking of the hips can accurately DX hip dysplasia, as there can be many reasons for it...eg: how the dog is put together...straight front, exaggerated rear... etc etc...If they are not balanced in structure they are not going to move smoothly. I was once told that any dog that frog dogged was dysplastic...My Boston and almost every puppy out of him does this : go figure!

 

[pt83]

At 2 months, I don't think I'd worry. Young puppies are so uncoordinated and just learning how to control their muscles. They're bow-legged and clumsy with funny gaits at times.

I wouldn't worry in a puppy, if they are still doing it @ an older age, then perhaps...I would take a peek @ the hips. I don't feel gait or clicking of the hips can accurately DX hip dysplasia, as there can be many reasons for it...eg: how the dog is put together...straight front, exaggerated rear... etc etc...If they are not balanced in structure they are not going to move smoothly. I was once told that any dog that frog dogged was dysplastic...My Boston and almost every puppy out of him does this : go figure!

Thank you, I will definitely keep an eye on it as he gets older
He is sometimes so rough when playing.. and sometimes went into "hyperdrive" and go bouncing around the house. I just hope that won't have negative effect on his joints. I often call him up trying to stop the madness as I'm just worried he would bump his head hard on something.
Man I worry too much.. sorry for that! :

 

[mylissyk]

I've seen a lot of puppies that do a bunny hop, or bounding like a deer when they are little, but as they get older develop a smoother gait. I always thought it was cute.

 

[Pointgold]

In an 8 week old puppy I wouldn't be concerned unless it is the ONLY gait utilized. Puppies "bunny hop" because it's "efficient", but if it continues into adolescence/adulthood, I'd be radiographing.