How to Fix East-West Feet in Dogs Latest Update
Has your dog been acting weird lately? He’s probably the same happy dog you’re used to seeing, but his feet might be hurting.
Does your dog often have his or her feet spread out and pointing in different directions? Your dog may have East-West foot syndrome if this is the case. But don’t worry, because there are many ways to deal with this problem.
What can be done if a dog’s feet point in the wrong direction?
Your dog’s east-west feet can be fixed by giving it a healthy diet. In a nutshell, that sums up everything. You should also spend a lot of time moving around with your dog. To make sure that your dog lives a long and healthy life, it’s important to keep him active.
Let’s take a closer look at “east-west feet” to learn more about why some dogs have them and how they work.
Why Do Dogs Develop East-West Feet?
While the exact reason of east-west foot orientation is unknown, genetics are a strong candidate. Dogs with shorter legs are more likely to have feet that point east or west, according to our research. Long-backed, small-bodied dogs are also at increased risk for this condition.
Dogs of the Australian Terrier and Dachshund breeds are particularly at risk for developing this condition. Nonetheless, this is not limited to the aforementioned types of dogs. East-west feet are possible for any tiny or short-bodied dog breed with a long spine. East-West legs are more common in dogs with this body type than in others of a similar size.
On the other hand, large breed puppies may display symptoms of this disorder as well. However, the condition often disappears as the dog matures and gains weight.
This indicates a concern with body alignment and health. So, your doggo could be able to help you out if you take the necessary measures. Let’s have a look at the potential causes of East-West foot syndrome in canines.
Unkempt and Long Nails
When it comes to paw posture, the length of a dog’s nails is very important. You should always keep your dog’s nails short, since long nails can lead to feet that point east and west. This is because long nails could make it hard for your dog to stay balanced.
Long-nailed dogs have trouble keeping their paws on the ground in a straight line. The long claws on the paws make it impossible for them to lie flat on any surface. This is because a dog’s nail doesn’t grow out and forward like a human’s does. Instead, they grow outward and downward, which means that the nails will probably bend down on a slope.
As you might expect, this makes it hard for your dog to put all four paws on the ground at the same level. If you try to do this, you will only hurt your dog’s paws. So, your dog will move their paws to the side right away to avoid this. If you do this often, you might end up with feet that point east and west.
As dog owners, we can help by making sure their nails don’t get too long. By keeping the nails at the right length by trimming them regularly, you may be able to avoid problems. Also, it’s important to have good hygiene. Since we own dogs, we should know how to take good care of them.
The Weight Factor in Small Dogs
Most dogs, especially little ones, will develop east-west feet as they gain weight. Maintaining a balanced posture becomes difficult when a small dog, such as a Dachshund, grows too rapidly. The Dachshund’s tiny legs are unable of supporting an overweight body.
Furthermore, the Dachshund’s long back makes keeping its paws together much more challenging. As a result, your dog will struggle to stand up and will be forced to utilize his east-west feet.
This is another another example of appropriate dog care.
Allowing your dog to get overweight is quite irresponsible on your part as a pet parent. The body of a dog is not built to handle that much weight, and doing so will result in serious health issues. Dogs, unlike tigers and lions, lack the broad and strong legs required to handle the extra pressure.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise to avoid becoming overweight. This is particularly important for tiny pets such as corgis and basset hounds. Small dogs are especially susceptible since their legs are much smaller than their bodies. A regular and healthy exercise program may easily fix this condition.
Your dog’s diet is also crucial when it comes to east-west legs. We must use caution while dispensing sweets, no matter how much we enjoy doing it. A dog that overeats and does not get enough exercise will almost certainly develop health issues later in life. So, when it comes to nourishment for your dog, make sure it’s healthy and well-balanced.
Underlying Health Conditions
Serious and underlying health concerns might also cause your dog to acquire east-west legs. If you see your dog acquiring this condition, seek the advice of a veterinarian immediately.
The east-west legs condition is evident to the naked eye, but its causes are unknown. Having a veterinarian engaged may help you choose the best method. You’ll also learn whether any underlying medical issues are implicated.
Canine elbow dysplasia, often known as CED, is a disorder that affects the elbows and joints. This might be the cause of your dog acquiring east-west legs.
Your dog’s elbows, you see, are made up of three bones that come together to form powerful joints. CED causes anomalies in the development of these bones, resulting in the bones no longer fitting. This may result in east-west legs as well as a slew of dangerous illnesses.
Canine elbow dysplasia is a dangerous ailment that requires surgery to correct. As a result, you will undoubtedly want the services of a skilled veterinarian. If the problem is diagnosed early, it may be treated with physical therapy.
CED is more common in giant dog breeds such as malamutes and Tibetan mastiffs. Experts recommend that dogs with CED follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
Another problem to be aware of is Medial Patellar Luxation, which may affect both small and large dogs. The knee caps slide in and out of their original place as a result of this disease.
If left untreated, MPL may lead to east-west legs as well as other major health issues such as arthritis. This condition is more frequent in little dogs, such as toy poodles or papillons.
If you suspect your dog has MPL, we recommend calling a veterinarian right away. If MPL is found early on, it may be repaired without significant danger. However, if a large amount of time has gone, surgery will be your only choice.
Carpal Valgus is another disorder that may result in east-west legs as well as other health issues. It is a disorder that causes a malformation in the carpus, or wrists, of dogs. Carpal Valgus produces an imbalance in the formation of the tendons and bones of the front legs, resulting in malformed legs. It causes the feet to tilt sideways in different directions.
This illness typically affects puppies aged 7-8 months and should be treated as soon as it is discovered. In this case, we urge that you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion on How to Fix East-West Feet in Dogs
East-west feet in dogs are a disease that may affect both small and large dogs as pups. However, as they become older and larger, most large dogs can solve this issue on their own.
However, it is conceivable that your dog may never recover from this disease. If this is the case, we recommend doing all possible to keep your dog healthy.
The condition of east-west feet is also heavily influenced by heredity. Some dogs are born with little features, which causes their bones to be weaker and more delicate.
As previously said, the smaller ones are more prone to this illness and are more vulnerable to other ailments. Furthermore, little canines are frailer and more susceptible to sustain dangerous injuries.
Small dogs are just gorgeous to look at and a delight to be around, which explains their popularity. Furthermore, as compared to large dogs, they are simpler to manage and control. Getting a tiny puppy, on the other hand, comes with a slew of new obligations that we should not overlook. You may need to reconsider your little dog’s food or exercise schedule. So there’s a lot of work to be done here.
It should be alright if the reason of east-west foot is not related to underlying health issues. However, this is not a justification to disregard the illness; doing so would be completely irresponsible.
A competent pet parent should always be able to care for a dog.
So make the time and effort to keep your dog’s health and weight in check. Doing so may help to avoid future illnesses and problems.
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FAQ
I have been working in animal shelter for the past six years and I have been raising the puppies of different breeds. I have had experience in training the puppies in obedience, agility, and other dog sports.
My main objective is to train the puppies to become good family pets. They should be well-behaved and trained to be loving, loyal, and obedient.
Contact me:
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