Passgang in dogs – what does it actually mean?
When a dog is walking in the pass gait, it alternately moves each of its right or left legs forward at the same time. For example, while the right hind leg and the right front leg occur simultaneously or nearly simultaneously and support the weight, the opposite left leg pair is in the air and swings forward.
There are some animal species where it is completely normal, such as elephants, bears or camels. You can observe that they have a very rocking gait. In dogs, it actually occurs rather rarely. However, there are some breeds that basically run in the passport.
When passport aisle is harmless
Completely harmless he is in the transition from walk to trot. This often happens when dogs walk on a leash and the pace is too fast for walk and too slow for trot. Dogs also often use the passing gait over longer distances because it is a very energy efficient gait.
But beware!
However, it is often a sign of physical problems in the dog and one should get to the bottom of the cause. Especially if the quadruped has not previously walked in the pass gait, or it sometimes occurs more often sometimes less often. It can be a sign of joint problems of all kinds and also spinal problems. But also abdominal pain or problems with the pancreas can indicate the passport gait.
It also occurs more frequently in older dogs. Due to e.g. arthrosis and stiff joints, they thus try to move more “comfortably” and save energy. Of course, the cause should be treated here as well.
If pass walking occurs in combination with other signs of pain such as.
- Sensitivity to touch on joints or back
- Difficulty getting up or lying down
- Change in social behavior
- Increased groaning or sighing
- Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into a car
- Disinclination to move
- Paw loops
- Increased panting
is on high alert.
You should then not hesitate for long and visit your vet so that they get to the bottom of the cause.
Other causes
Passing gait can also have other causes. Some dogs that are expected to maintain eye contact at all times in the dog park have a tendency to pass gait. Because the one-sided head posture makes the back muscles tense. Also working dogs that like to “hang in the leash” more often show this conspicuousness in the gait. But also show dogs in the too small show ring show pass gait more often.
What can be done about the passport aisle?
First of all, it is important to know the cause and to treat or eliminate it specifically. If tensions are present, they should be relieved by means of massages. With the help of targeted active movement therapy and training of normal movement sequences, it is then possible to counteract the pass gait that has manifested itself. Although this is often a longer process, as the movement sequences are stored in the brain and “reprogramming” takes some time. But in order to counteract permanent incorrect stresses, it is important to train a healthy movement sequence. This is something that is excellently achieved with active movement training. Here the dog learns on the one hand to perceive his body better and physiological, i.e. healthy movement sequences are trained. If you are looking for useful exercises around movement training, you will find them here.
All the love, your Tina
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