Does your dog have “east-west” feet? This is when a dog’s front feet and toes point outward while standing or moving.
A dog’s feet turn outward for a variety of reasons. Some breeds are more prone to having their feet turn out than others. It is most common in dogs with long backs and short legs. Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and certain small terriers are examples of dog breeds that are particularly prone to east-west feet. It is said that a dog’s long back and short legs cause bad posture, resulting in them splaying out their front feet – but this is just a theory.
We will discuss the several causes of east-west feet in dogs and how to treat them in this article. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Fix East-West Feet In Dogs?
The best way to fix east-west feet in dogs is to feed your dog a balanced diet and make sure they get enough exercise.
While you might not be able to completely remove east-west feet in dogs (unless they go away on their own), you can still give your pet a healthy and happy life. The following are some common causes of east-west feet in dogs, as well as how to fix them.
Weight
Some dogs – particularly small dogs – are more prone to injury, such as east-west feet due to weight gain. It is critical to keep dogs healthy by feeding them a well-balanced diet and exercising them regularly. You should not give your dog excessive snacks or high protein foods. If you notice your small dog gaining weight, include more exercise in their daily routine and gradually reduce their food portions.
Best food for a dog with East-West feet
A great food option for a dog with east-west feet is PEDIGREE Healthy Weight dog food. It is a roast chicken and vegetable blend, and a a 15lb bag only costs around $12.
Long Nails
Dog nails, like human nails, require regular maintenance. Long nails in dogs can cause various issues, including injury and long-term deformities if not treated. Long-nail dogs frequently have difficulty placing their paws flat on the ground. This can result in poor posture because the dog will adjust its position to compensate for the lack of grip.
You should trim your dog’s nails regularly. If an owner does not feel up to the task, you can hire a groomer to trim the dog’s nails. If you need more guidance, check out my article on how to cut an uncooperative dog’s nails.
East-west feet can also be caused by several medical conditions, including CED, MPL, and Carpal Valgus. These causes are more serious and may necessitate a trip to the vet, but you must be aware so that you can assist your dog.
Canine Elbow Dysplasia (CED)
If you suspect your dog has CED, you should take them to the vet right away. Canine Elbow Dysplasia (CED) is characterized by elbow joint abnormalities. If CED is left untreated, it can cause various problems in dogs, including foot deformities and lameness. Surgery is usually required for treatment unless the problem is detected early enough to be resolved through non-surgical means, such as physical therapy.
If you suspect your dog has CED, you may need to feed your dog an anti-inflammatory diet.
Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL)
Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) is a common orthopedic disease that affects smaller dogs like Yorkshire Terriers, Papillons, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians. Generally, surgical treatment is not necessary unless the MPL has progressed significantly. A veterinary surgeon would be best able to diagnose and treat the condition. Commonly used methods include increasing the groove in which the knee joint rests and reconstructing soft tissue that surrounds the kneecap.
Carpal Valgus
The carpus is the canine equivalent of the wrist. Carpal Valgus is a development deformity that occurs on the carpus. This condition usually affects puppies, but it can last until the dog is 7 months old. The condition affects the front legs and causes the feet to turn out. There are theories that say this condition causes an imbalance in growth between the front legs’ bones and tendons. One way to approach this problem is to change your puppy’s diet. However, the best course of action would be to take the puppy to the vet and have them examined.
Genetics
Genetic issues are difficult to treat because you can’t change the length of your dog’s bones. The simplest method to keep your dog healthy, even if it has east-west feet, is to lessen the amount of strain on its joints. This can be accomplished by avoiding overly strenuous exercises and excessive jumping.
What Causes East-West Feet in Dogs?
Turned-out toes can be caused by your dog’s breed, genetics, or general health. It could be a potential problem that needs to be addressed by your veterinarian, or it could simply be how your dog was born. Knowing why your dog points its toes allows you to manage the issue and keep it active and happy.
While it can be concerning, most dogs can live healthy and happy lives even if their feet are turned out.
A typical dog’s feet should be facing forward. It is well known that observing a dog’s resting standing posture is an excellent way to assess a dog’s health. A normal dog should stand with its legs straight and its feet forward. Some dogs “toe-out,” like puppies, but this is usually insignificant. Their chests will “drop” and fill in as they grow and develop, correcting the East-West toe out.
Conclusion
If a puppy has turned out feet or “toeing out,” most of them will grow out of it as they mature. In the case that your puppy doesn’t grow out of it, it is the owners’ responsibility to ensure that the dog remains healthy through regular, non-strenuous exercise and avoidance of areas that may be harmful to the dog, such as stairs.
If you are concerned about your dog’s development, you should take them to the veterinarian to see if anything is wrong.
If your dog has east-west feet, love and care are required to maintain their health and happiness. We owe our animals the same treatment because they love us despite our flaws.
As the owner, you can do your best for your dog by bringing them to the veterinarian as soon as you find an issue, so that you can develop a plan of action.
