Luxating Patella in Dogs: Why Your Dog Does That Skippy Little Hop

If your little dog occasionally does a funny skip-hop mid-walk, holding a back leg up for a step or two before carrying on as if nothing happened, there is a good chance you have seen a luxating patella in action. In plain terms, it means the kneecap is slipping briefly out of its groove and then popping back. It is very common in small breeds, often mild, but it is always worth a vet's opinion because catching it early helps protect the joint over time.

I am a groomer, not a vet, so consider this a friendly heads-up on something I notice a lot in the small dogs I groom. It is one of those quirks owners often mention while their dog is up on my table, and it is well worth understanding.

What a luxating patella actually is

The kneecap (patella) normally glides up and down a groove at the front of the knee. With a luxating patella, it slips out of that groove, usually to the inner side, then slides back in. When it pops out, the leg cannot straighten properly for a moment, which is what causes the trademark hop.

Vets grade it from mild to more severe depending on how easily and often it happens. Many dogs live happily with a mild grade for years, while others need more help, which is exactly why a proper assessment is useful.

The classic signs

The main thing owners notice is intermittent and comes and goes:

• A sudden skip or hop, holding a back leg up for a stride or two
• A quick stretch or shake of the leg, after which they walk normally again
• Occasional lameness or stiffness, especially after rest or exercise
• In more affected dogs, a bow-legged stance or reluctance to jump

The tell-tale pattern is that it appears and disappears. One minute your dog is fine, then a little hop, then fine again. That on-off quality is very typical.

Which dogs it affects most

It is especially common in small and toy breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Jack Russells, French Bulldogs and Cavaliers, and it often shows up while dogs are young. Larger breeds can get it too, just less commonly. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight takes strain off the joints and is one of the kindest things you can do for a wonky knee.

Groomer's tip: I always keep the hair between the paw pads and around the legs neat and non-slip, because a dog that can grip the floor moves more confidently. Slippery laminate is no friend to little legs, so a few rugs or runners at home genuinely help dogs with dodgy knees.

When to see the vet

Book a vet visit if you notice the hop for the first time, or if it becomes more frequent or seems to bother your dog. Get in touch sooner if you see:

• Persistent limping rather than the odd hop
• Signs of pain, yelping, or reluctance to walk, jump or use stairs
• The leg being held up for long periods or a clearly abnormal stance
• Your dog seeming stiff or sore much of the time

Even mild cases are worth mentioning, because untreated knee problems can lead to wear and arthritis down the line, and your vet can advise on weight, exercise, physiotherapy or, for more severe grades, surgery.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my dog hop and hold up a back leg? Often it is a luxating patella, where the kneecap briefly slips out of its groove. The leg cannot straighten for a moment, causing a skip or hop, then pops back and your dog walks normally. A vet can confirm what is going on.

Is a luxating patella painful for dogs? Mild cases may cause little obvious pain and only occasional hopping. More severe cases can be uncomfortable and cause limping or stiffness. Because it varies so much, a vet's assessment is the best way to know.

Which breeds get luxating patella most? It is most common in small and toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Jack Russells and Cavaliers, often appearing when they are young. Larger breeds can be affected too, just less often.

Does it always need surgery? No. Many mild cases are managed with healthy weight, sensible exercise and sometimes physiotherapy. Surgery is usually reserved for more severe grades. Your vet will grade the knee and recommend what suits your dog.

This isn't veterinary advice

We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.

Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. We take special care with little legs on the table and keep paw pads trimmed and non-slip so your dog stays steady and comfortable. Book a gentle, one-to-one groom.