She stands at the bottom and reminds me of her puppy days when she did not know how to go up the stairs. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 0. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If your dog isn’t sure how to use the ramp, offer it treats and lots of praise to encourage it to walk up the stairs on it. His vision deteriorated slowly over 6 months only manifested by inability to go down stairs. Carry the dog down the stairs for now. My 8 year old male whippet can’t and won’t jump on the couch, climb the stairs, sometimes won’t step down 2 steps to go outside from the house iam having to lift him most of the time. “They might also struggle on stairs if they have vestibular disease, which affects balance. So every day my dog goes upstairs to sleep. My dog seem in pain and can't go downstairs on the steps. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. manageable than a large dog. Such mobility challenges make it crucial that dog owners appropriately modify their home, yard, cars, and other environments to promote safer movements. News and Influencive. She's at least 9 years old.. we adopted her when she was about 4, she's part Pitbull and Ridgeback. She has written more than 100 articles on dogs. Because these things can be dangerous or even life threatening, call your vet immediately if your dog is falling down. Some examples include There are four main things that can make it difficult for a big dog to climb up and down the stairs. He stayed for several days and ate a little while he was there, but when he came home he stopped eating again. I When he walks it almost appears he is drunk or on ice. He has always gone up stairs swiftly and no there were no signs of him slowing down. First, give medical cannabis for dogs. ... An older Shih may have difficulty climbing stairs for the same reason. % of people told us that this article helped them. It also helps to keep him stable. degenerative myelopathy; Written by. Adrienne Farricelli. physiotherapist may have your dog do exercises in the facility, or can show Lack of pooping for more than two days 2. Our lab had similar issues as he got older. Pooping small, liquid stools with or without blood 6. There are medications that the vet can prescribe to help. Wincing, whimpering, or crying while pooping 4. You should monitor your dog for the following signs: 1. If your dog is already being treated for a condition or disease such as dysplasia or a tumor, ask the vet to reevaluate the medication since the medication might be causing stiffness. It's sad to watch your old dog struggle up the stairs, but there are ways you can help! She all of a sudden went blind and next thing I knew she had diabetes. Dog Loss of Balance: Common Causes and Treatments. Old dogs often struggle to climb stairs, but luckily there are lots of ways you can make things easier for it. Eating (he was a lab, after all) When he first stopped eating we took him to Blue Pearl. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. My dog is having difficulty walking and standing My 11 year old lab is having difficulty walking, standing,and going upend down stairs. It’s usually an accident, but dog owners sometimes teach their pets to be afraid … While dog ramps aren’t practical for long flights of stairs, they might be useful if you … Go on outings (we had to start bribing him with treats to go down the 45 stairs to and from our house) 8. Consider raising your dog's food and water dishes so they're easier for your dog to reach. Apparently she started having issues going up the stairs Saturday morning. Please note, if your dog all of a sudden has issues going up or down stairs, it could be a problem with their vision. I wish I would have taken her in sooner. He just suddenly started avoiding them. A mobility harness lets you lend your strength to your dog when he needs help. also find going down the stairs to be daunting as well. Short of lifting and carrying the dog up and down the stairs or lifting My dog got to a point where we thought he was afraid to go down the stairs because he would stand at the top, look down and then turn around. Perhaps the best solution to dog-proofing your staircase is to block your dog’s access to it. Age. be able to relieve some of that stiffness. A textured surface is better than a smooth one. Author; Recent Posts; Follow me. Archived . If you notice your pet having trouble walking or keeping their balance, or if the dog fell down the stairs, think about the injuries they may have had recently. I have a friend that would definitely be interested in a dog ramp. Their reduced ability to push themselves upwards or to support their weight coming down stairs can lead to slips and stumbles, especially on non-carpeted staircases. This has been going on for about 1 year. Stairs Climbing up and down stairs can be precarious for older dogs who have muscle loss or weakness in their legs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. Attach non-slip stair treads or lay down a carpeted rug to help your dog grip the stairs. Consider laying down carpeted runners over slick surfaces throughout the rest of your house too. can find it scary to head down the stairs, when they could wobble to one side or lose their balance When I did get him to go up the steps, that day when he started avoiding the steps, he went slowly. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Ask about using hydrotherapy as a treatment option. Go on outings (we had to start bribing him with treats to go down the 45 stairs to and from our house) 8. Such mobility challenges make it crucial that dog owners appropriately modify their home, yard, cars, and other environments to promote safer movements. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 41,628 times. A dog may suffer from spinal arthritis, have difficulty getting up from his bed, or become weak in his back legs. This gradual ramp (photo and video below) is ideal for both medium-sized and small dogs. Instead of a joint … Consider visiting a veterinary acupuncturist. I got home from a movie tonight and made some food and my dog just came into the kitchen and just kind of stood there and didn't move. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Keep in mind that you may need to take your dog for more than 1 session a week. Why Would a Big Dog Have Problems with Stairs? If your stairs are made of wood, tile, or laminate, your dog may have trouble getting traction on them. Tender or swollen abdomen Your d… These are: Joint Pain: As a dog ages, like us, they can develop pain in their joints. Her dog is quite old and usually has trouble going up and down stairs as well. Injury or Pain. Hip dysplasia basically means clunky hip joints. A ramp with a gentle incline can make it easier for your dog to get into the car, Anyways I still think these are great products for mans best friend. In addition he has a strange cough. Reply. This is where having the pet insured from a young age can save a lot of heartache. What’s causing this? Please see the vet sooner rather than later - he needs your help. propel them upwards. To start, walk the dog up the stairs once or twice and lots of praise/treats on the stairs and at the completion of the task. 'She shows no signs of limping or favoring a leg when standing. When going up the stairs, dogs need to be able to "power off" their back legs to help This article has been viewed 41,628 times. My dog started walking slow and having trouble walking up stairs/jumping on the bed today. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. His hind legs are weak. reason why the dog is having trouble with stairs, acupuncture treatments may Dogs that suddenly have trouble jumping, moving or not wanting to walk up or down stairs have possibly pulled a muscle. The symptoms that your pooch may show if they are experiencing constipation are very similar to if they have a bowel or stomach blockage or internal damage. it takes awhile to get her to go upstairs.. I been telling my fam we should have her as downstairs only.. since shes over 12 years old. Amy Bender. It's not just climbing up the stairs that can cause problems for senior dogs. Last Updated: January 2, 2020 Visit The Vet. The best thing you can do is help your dog learn to go up and down the stairs on his own. This ramp is large but the slope angle is gradual. My dog started walking slow and having trouble walking up stairs/jumping on the bed today. Is your dog having stair trouble? Their previous youthful sprint up the stairs becomes a distant memory, as they feel more aches and pains. My dog (who is an 8 year old white German Shepherd) recently, just suddenly, 4 days ago tries avoiding going up stairs. Look for a pet glucosamine supplement that's designed specifically for aging dogs. For example, set a treat on the stair above your dog and say, "Climb.". 3. about the dog accidentally falling off the sides. The If they look like they're in pain or you're unsure if the exercise is helping, pause physical activity until you've consulted the vet. Maybe your dog had a bad … A: Any time there’s a major change in a dog’s willingness to do a previously routine activity like going up or down steps, we’d want to check for physical changes. If you can't take your dog to a physiotherapist, ask the vet to show you simple exercises you can do with your dog at home. Ramps should also be anti-slip. Luke Fitzpatrick has been published in Forbes, Yahoo! 'numPreferredServices' : 5 Reviewed by. She was having problems going down the stairs too. Consider taking your dog to canine physiotherapy / rehabilitation. while also saving your back! Dogs have trouble with stairs because stairs are something they instinctively find intimidating. Jennifer Coates, DVM Reviewed on 09/17/19 by . don't have sides or railings, so dogs could potentially slip off if they're not Ramps generally Is Your Dog Having Trouble Climbing Stairs? particularly steady on their feet. I’m sure this would be a perfect solution but unfortunately her birthday isn’t any time soon, haha. They are not as steady on their feet as they once were, and if they have hip dysplasia or a slipped disc, climbing stairs may cause even more damage to their already fragile body. If this is the problem he will start to feel better with medication but care is needed so he will not make it worse. Sometimes steps are just too steep and the ramp can help make their climb up and down easier. References. The little Chihuahua and the tiny teacup Yorkie dog are just two of the smaller dog breeds that may need a hand getting up and down stairs! My dog started walking slow and having trouble walking up stairs/jumping on the bed today. Jumping puts a lot of impact on the joints, but a dog stairs can help prevent an injury from occurring. Learn about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process. Posted by 5 years ago. This works great as an exercise that builds muscles without putting any strain on your dog’s joints. Vision Loss. If you’ve had a dog for several years and he’s showing signs of hesitation on the stairs, there could be several potential reasons: Always learning: Dogs are continually learning. If you often lift and support your dog, choose a mobility sling or lifting aid harness. While all of these steps will help your dog, you should also take it to your vet for an examination. Easy Access-If your senior dog is having trouble getting in or out of a vehicle, a dog ramp can make for easier accessibility. It's also very important to steady the dog as he climbs the ramp. Make sure the ramp has a good, grippy surface You may also want to consider a dog stairs if your senior dog likes to jump on or off the bed or couch. Cushings Disease; There are lots of safe ways we can help your dog with any of these problems. January 21, 2017. Dogs Dog Training Tips Dog Behavior Problems. A dog may suffer from spinal arthritis, have difficulty getting up from his bed, or become weak in his back legs. Then on the way up the stairs she gets up the first big set of stairs then she waits on the platform and has trouble getting up the last 5 stairs. Dogs with orthopedic problems—including hips, knees, and hind legs—will have no trouble going down stairs but will show reluctance, struggle, or bunny hop their way back up, Wood says. It's so weird and all of the sudden. and fall. While dogs seem to not have any problems walking up and down stairs when they are young and healthy, when a dog won’t climb stairs anymore, this is often a sign of something not right going on in the health department. If pain or loss of mobility is making it hard to get up the stairs, improve your dog's range of motion by going on walks, adding joint supplements, and getting medical treatment. This article has been viewed 41,628 times. He just suddenly started avoiding them. Consider laying down carpeted runners over slick surfaces throughout the rest of your house too. curb or near the door so that the incline isn't so steep for your dog. 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A sudden an unexpected hesitancy to going up or down the stairs could be for any number of reasons including: Fear. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. If your dog is lame, stiff, has difficulty rising, weak legs or has any other similar conditions make an appointment (01254 53622) to see one of our vets. He has always gone up stairs swiftly and no there were no signs of him slowing down. My girl was 12 when she stopped jumping on the bed. His hips may collapse when he tries to go up the stairs in your home, or his feet may no longer support his weight when he tries to go down the stairs. I agree with the others. I think the security of having the leash on, helped him a little and he would walk down a bit better. Please read the whole thing, it is essential. Discussion Starter • #1 • Apr 24, 2014. If your stairs are made of wood, tile, or laminate, your dog may have trouble getting traction on them. Hindy Pearson. Difficulty while moving up onto or down from elevated surfaces, traversing stairs, or getting in or out of the car are common clinical signs seen in dogs having OA. In the video below, Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, discusses treatment alternatives for those who cannot afford hip dysplasia surgery for their dog: Here are some tips on August 10, 2016 at 11:52 pm. or neurological issues. Sometimes steps are just too steep and the ramp can help make their climb up and down easier. Dry, hard poop 5. A few of the more common causes of falling down in dogs include: Vestibular Syndrome. but this nerver happened to her before. It often looks like he is trying to throw up but the cough is always unproductive. can no longer manage. I love my dog but it gets anoying when i hear her whining becasue she cant get up and down the stairs. A small senior dog having problems going up the stairs is much more easily the issue and help our dogs continue on their happy way. He was fine, I thought. Weakness in the hindquarters makes this much more difficult and the dog may Jumping puts a lot of impact on the joints, but a dog stairs can help prevent an injury from occurring. If your dog works with a physiotherapist, ask them to refer a mobility aid for your dog. }, He has good days and bad days. If you don't want to leave the ramp extended all of the time, choose one that folds up easily. First, be sure your stairs are covered with a traction-providing surface, so he doesn’t slip and scare himself if he tries to use them. he is real stiff in his legs. small commission at no extra cost to you. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Either set the dishes on boards or purchase a raised feeder. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Amy is a dog trainer with more than a decade of experience. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If your dog needs a little help getting started, consider getting the walking harness with a handle. By using our site, you agree to our. I been telling my fam we should have her as downstairs only.. since shes over 12 years old. 'theme' : 'transparent', He was way too big to carry, so we tried leashing him. Learned Behavior. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If stiffness is part of the (not slippery). Stairs can be daunting for many dogs, including puppies, dogs with health issues, small dogs, etc. It has been two days now and my almost 7 year old German Shepherd is all of a sudden can't walk up any stairs. but she does go upstairs and at times goes up by herself its the only area she enjoys to "sleep" aside the dinning room. Anyways I still think these are great products for mans best friend. It's so weird and all of the sudden. It may take more than 2 or 3 weeks before you notice results in your dog. If your dog is having trouble going down stairs, first ensure that your dog does not have a physical or orthopedic problem that is preventing him, by causing pain or restricting his movement. Sleeping in the sun on our front deck 9. What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs? January 29, 2017. Difficulty while moving up onto or down from elevated surfaces, traversing stairs, or getting in or out of the car are common clinical signs seen in dogs having OA. When you purchase through links on this site, I may earn a Easy Access-If your senior dog is having trouble getting in or out of a vehicle, a dog ramp can make for easier accessibility. Set up a lightweight ramp over the stairs to make it easier for your dog to climb. I need to hold onto the handrail with one hand and the opposite wall with the other or i will fall down the stairs due to leg weakness and instability (i seem to get my upper body strength back way before my lower body). In addition he has a strange cough. So avoid pushing your dog or pulling your dog on the leash as this will only cause your dog to want to put on his breaks even more. He said she needs to be caged for few days till she gets better, can't have her going up/down stairs or jumping off couch. You can buy ramps online, at your local pet store, or through pet suppliers. When i can get out of bed, i also have alot of problems walking down the stairs but not so much up the stairs for the next couple hours. 'share' : { She may have a back problem that makes her reluctant to jump. My dog is having problems going up and down stairs. Sleeping in the sun on our front deck 9. April 12, 2019 November 13, 2016 by Adrienne Farricelli. Check Price on Amazon. If you have a senior dog, a dog with arthritis, or a dog with other mobility issues, it may be time for dog stairs or a ramp. So every day my dog goes upstairs to sleep. For example, the vet may recommend that you take the dog swimming or go for gentle walks. As a dog ages, their ability to go up and down the stairs decline. Close. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. I When he walks it almost appears he is drunk or on ice. Strengthening the Back End If a medication condition is causing weakness or stiffness in the dog's hind end, treating the underlying issue may help the dog regain some of its strength and flexibility/mobility. ... It’s worth it to take the time to train your dog properly and ensure they’re comfortable going up and down the stairs in a safe manner every time. To learn more from our Veterinary co-author, including how to treat mobility issues with dietary supplements, keep reading! You may also want to consider a dog stairs if your senior dog likes to jump on or off the bed or couch. She moves around great, can walk down the stairs, and her behavior seems normal. Either way, though, it can be difficult for both The problem stairs. His hips may collapse when he tries to go up the stairs in your home, or his feet may no longer support his weight when he tries to go down the stairs. They may find that your pet has a medical condition that can be treated to improve its mobility issues. His hind legs are weak. addthis.layers({ Anxiety. joint problems Don’t just assume your dog has become suddenly lazy or that he got scared of something and has therefore become wary of the stairs. Since we never put her in a cage, we just babysitted her for 2-3 days and she got back to normal. For some dogs, stairs can become a struggle seemingly overnight. Well basically if Kiko is having a hard time getting up stairs or jumping up then it is possible that this could be caused by back or neck pain { and often is }. You could also buy a walking harness or lifting harness, which will give your dog support as they walk or allow you to lift them if they can’t manage by themselves. Are stairs bad for puppies hips? Next, place the dog in the proper position going down the stairs, 2 steps from the bottom, and legs on the proper stairs. My dog (who is an 8 year old white German Shepherd) recently, just suddenly, 4 days ago tries avoiding going up stairs. Dogs with orthopedic problems—including hips, knees, and hind legs—will have no trouble going down stairs but will show reluctance, struggle, or bunny hop their way back up, Wood says. Occasionally I’ll get a call from a client who is having trouble getting their dog to go up or down stairs – a frustrating dilemma when you want your canine companion to be able to accompany you wherever you go. When those instincts kick in, there is often no amount of coaxing that will convince dogs that the stairs are something they should come to trust. The problem may not be your stairs. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Is your dog afraid of the stairs? Dogs who have balance issues in particular it takes awhile to get her to go upstairs.. Note that the carpet can be a little smooth/slippery for some dogs. So long as the dog continues to enjoy life My Shi-tzu rolled off the bed one night at age 15. Straining to poop 3. My dog is having difficulty walking and standing My 11 year old lab is having difficulty walking, standing,and going upend down stairs. 4 8 Dog-Proof Tricks to Stop Your Dog Falling Down The Stairs 1. My dog is having trouble going up stairs and wont jump (she loves jumping). Joint and back problems are more prone in bigger dogs, but even a small Shih Tzu can suffer from these issues too. This is a fairly common fear or phobia, especially in young dogs who may not have encountered them while they were puppies.Fortunately, you can help your dog get over this fear and go up and down the stairs … Loss of balance can also be a consequence of a head injury or even ataxia, which can lead to your dog falling down the stairs. I’m sure this would be a perfect solution but unfortunately her birthday isn’t any time soon, haha. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Help-an-Old-Dog-Up-the-Stairs-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Help-an-Old-Dog-Up-the-Stairs-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Help-an-Old-Dog-Up-the-Stairs-Step-2.jpg\/aid10177096-v4-728px-Help-an-Old-Dog-Up-the-Stairs-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"