Dog Back Legs Weak and Not Eating: What’s Going On?

Dog Back Legs Weak and Not Eating: Common Causes 

1. Arthritis or Joint Pain

In older dogs, especially large breeds, arthritis is a leading cause of hind limb weakness. Degenerative joint disease causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness, particularly after rest. Over time, your dog may:

• Struggle to get up or climb stairs

• Walk stiffly or favor one leg

• Lose interest in eating due to chronic discomfort

Pain can make your dog unwilling to stand and walk to the food bowl, and long-term discomfort can dampen appetite. Cold weather, weight gain, or high-impact activity often makes symptoms worse.

2. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a congenital or developmental condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly. It commonly affects young large-breed dogs (like German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers), but older dogs may show signs as arthritis sets in.

This can cause:

• Bunny-hopping when running

• Weakness or wobbliness in the hind end

• Muscle loss in the thighs

• Reluctance to eat or move

Appetite loss may stem from the pain or frustration caused by impaired mobility. Your dog may be mentally willing to eat, but physically hesitant to move.

Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)

3. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD is a spinal condition where the cushioning discs between vertebrae bulge or rupture, compressing the spinal cord. This can cause sudden or progressive hind limb weakness or even paralysis.

Signs include:

• Difficulty walking or dragging hind legs

• Yelping or sudden cries of pain

• Stiff posture or hunched back

• Loss of appetite due to intense discomfort

Small breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, and Shih Tzus are more prone to IVDD, but it can affect any breed. In severe cases, dogs may become immobile and refuse food entirely.

4. Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease affecting the spinal cord, most common in older dogs and breeds like German Shepherds, Boxers, and Corgis.

It typically starts with:

• Weakness or unsteady movement in the hind legs

• Knuckling or dragging feet

• Collapse in the back end

• Gradual loss of muscle mass and coordination

• Appetite changes as quality of life declines

Though painless, the loss of mobility often leads to depression, disinterest in food, and difficulty accessing bowls.

5. Tick Paralysis

In tick-prone areas, tick paralysis can cause sudden weakness in the back legs due to neurotoxins released by certain tick species. As the condition progresses, the dog may:

• Lose the ability to stand or walk

• Develop shallow or labored breathing

• Become lethargic and stop eating

Removing the tick early often reverses the condition, but untreated cases can lead to full paralysis or respiratory failure. Always inspect your dog thoroughly, especially during warmer months or after hikes.

6. Diabetes or Hypoglycemia

Metabolic diseases like diabetes or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can affect the nervous system and muscle strength. Diabetic dogs may show:

• Hind leg weakness (diabetic neuropathy)

• Increased thirst and urination

• Vomiting or nausea

• Appetite loss or sudden disinterest in food

Hypoglycemia is more common in small breeds, puppies, and diabetic dogs receiving insulin. If the brain doesn’t get enough glucose, symptoms like collapse or seizures may appear—often starting with weakness.

7. Addison’s Disease

Hypoadrenocorticism, or Addison’s disease, causes hormonal imbalances that affect the heart, muscles, and electrolytes. It’s often underdiagnosed but can be deadly if untreated.

Dogs with Addison’s may display:

• Intermittent vomiting or diarrhea

• Shaking or collapsing rear legs

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy or disinterest in movement

An “Addisonian crisis” can look like shock or collapse and requires urgent treatment. Blood work is essential to confirm this diagnosis.

What to Do If Your Dog’s Back Legs Are Weak and They’re Not Eating

If your dog shows these signs but remains alert and stable:

• Limit movement and encourage rest in a safe, soft area

• Help them to their water bowl, or offer water by hand

• Tempt them with bland food (boiled chicken or wet food)

• Use a sling or towel under the belly to assist with walking

• Record any tremors, collapsing, or dragging for your vet

Avoid stairs or high-impact exercise. If weakness or food refusal lasts more than a few hours, or worsens, consult your vet.

When to Call or Visit Your Vet

Contact your veterinarian urgently if:

• Your dog can’t stand or walk at all

• Their appetite is completely gone for more than 24 hours

• They are panting, whining, or showing signs of pain

• You notice swelling, dragging limbs, or knuckling paws

• They show signs of paralysis, tremors, or collapse

Your vet will likely perform a neurological exam, X-rays, blood tests, and possibly MRI or CT scans depending on the suspected issue.

Early intervention improves outcomes—especially for spinal and metabolic conditions.

• Related: Dog Lethargic and Not Eating or Drinking (What it means)

• Read more: Dog Acting Weird and Not Eating (Here’s why)

Key Takeaway

When your dog’s back legs are weak and they’re not eating, it’s not something to brush off.

These symptoms together often signal pain, neurological issues, or internal illness that needs veterinary attention.

Don’t wait too long to act. Whether it’s arthritis, spinal problems, or an endocrine disorder, identifying the cause early can give your dog the best chance for recovery, relief, and renewed mobility.

Your dog depends on you to notice the signs—and with the right care, many of these conditions can be treated or managed successfully.