Puppy Running

[MariaM]

Hey y'all. I was just wondering about my puppy, Major. It might just be me getting paranoid (I sure hope so) but it seems like Major isn't running quite right. A few days ago he would run to me really really fast, and now he runs fast, but its not as fast, and the run is different. And his walk is different too...
When we first got him, we thought he was walking a little funny but then he seemed normal for the next couple weeks. maybe it's just because this is my first dog. Maybe I didn't really notice on other dogs...what do you guys think?
Edit: Oh and he didn't seem quite as hyper today...do you think he was just having one of those days?
Second Edit: Do you think he just could be getting used to himself? He has definately grown a lot since April 12, when we got him, and he has long legs for a puppy.

[guster girl]

Without really knowing what you're describing.....I'd say your best bet is to get him to the vet. Describe what's going on, be as specific as possible...like does he seem to be throwing his back end to one side, is he limping, does he stumble, does he seem to be in pain, etc.....or even just call the vet first and explain what's going on. It could be as simple as he's just a lanky, clumsy puppy, and as complicated as possible hip displaysia (I don't think I spelled that correctly) or something else to do with his joints or with his balance. Even something like an ear infection could be throwing his balance off. Have you checked him all over? Like inside his ears, checking his sight and his hearing, felt his legs and back and checked his feet and stuff? Sorry I can't be more help, maybe post some more specifics and someone else can help....

[MariaM]

Well we are going to take him to the vet anyway around May 10th to get his second shots. He doesn't seem to be in pain, he's not howling or crying or anything. His ears look fine, his eyes look fine. It kind of looks like he's stumbling...not sure. Maybe he just had a minor injury or something like that. If it is still like this tomorrow I'll phone the vet and ask.

[guster girl]

Yeah, that's a plan. :) You can just take his paw in your hand and move his leg and foot around, and, watch his reaction. Sorta use firm (not hard, obviously) pressure and just rub your fingers up and down his legs, around his torso, down his back, everywhere....just to see. Let us know what the doc says. You could just be an overly worried new mommy, too! :)

[MariaM]

Ok, I will try that. He might try and bite my hand off, though, we're working on that;) I shall let you know. :)

[lv4dogs]

I would get him to the vet too just to be safe. But if he seems to be stumbling it may just be the fact that he is a pup & growing, so as he grows he has to adjust to walk, run differently. Just like puppy clumsiness.

[MariaM]

Yeah we'll take him to the vet on May 10th or so when he gets his shots. Its half hour drive, not too bad.
He doesn't seem to be in pain or anything.
Also I noticed his back legs seem to be longer than his front. Maybe they are growing faster or something, I think he is just adjusting.
Never know for sure though.
Edit: Another question. Do your dogs get hiccups? I think Major gets them...

[guster girl]

finn gets the hiccups. :) But, if you can get him to the vet sooner, you should. Especially if something is wrong. And, some breeds have an uneven topline.....like german shepherds back ends are lower than their fronts.....that's the only example I can think of. But, I don't think it's that they're growing faster than the front, they just may be longer.

[Karen]

All pups go through phases, he could just be feeling a bit calmer for a few days. As for his walk, I agree, a vet check can't hurt. But just like some adolescents seem klutzier suddenly, so do pups - those growing limbs take getting used to!

[MariaM]

Ok, thanks everyone.