If your dog can use the stairs, you want to ensure their spine is always supported. Back Injuryīack injuries can vary in severity before letting your dog use the stairs, always speak to your vet to determine what’s best. Using a rear support leash that supports their hind end and your guidance will help them take their next step confidently. Dogs rely heavily on the feel of the ground under their paw to know they can walk safely. If your dog is injured, they may need some extra help on the stairs temporarily while they heal.Ī dog with an injured leg may need a little boost going up the stairs, especially if they’re wearing a splint or cast that goes under the paw. Need additional assistance and support to help them to move comfortably and safely. Keep the light turned on to help your dog see each step! Helping an Injured Dog on the Stairsĭepending on the nature of your dog’s injury, your dog may Tip: Stairwells can be dark, and for senior dogs with vision changes or balance issues this can be an added challenge. When in doubt, use a pet gate to block the stairs, so your dog can only use the stairs when you’re with them. Standing beside them or keeping a hand on them as you go down the stairs may be all they need to feel safer. Your dog may require your help to guide them down the stairs walking next to them can provide confidence that you’re there if they start to fall. This can make going down a flight of stairs a daunting task. Although your dog may still have their sight, their eyesight can deteriorate enough to affect their depth perception. Just like us, a dog’s vision can change and worsen over time. A harness that allows you to lift and support them on the stairs will give them back the confidence and control they need to use the stairs safely. Hardwood stair treads are more challenging for dogs to grip on, which increases the risk of your dog slipping and falling. This can be even scarier for your pet if your stairs are slippery. Using the stairs can be tiring, and a pet may not feel safe using them independently without your assistance. Senior pets experience leg weakness this loss of strength makes going up the stairs exhausting. As muscle tone is lost, they may feel like they descend the stairs too quickly. Senior dogs no longer have as much control on the stairs. To get an older dog to use the stairs, they will need your help. Whether it’s climbing or descending the stairs, many senior dogs experience difficulty. They tire easily and, in some cases, using the stairs may even be painful for them. Dogs use their back legs to push themselves up the stairs, and as they age, this becomes more difficult. Senior dogs weaken over time, their joints ache, and they may be losing strength in their legs. Many older dogs develop arthritis, and larger dogs like labs and golden retrievers are at high risk for hip dysplasia and other painful joint conditions. Climbing the stairs can be painful for dogs with joint pain. How to Help an Old Dog on the StairsĪs dogs age, they are hesitant to use the stairs because they’re not sure they can navigate the stairs safely anymore. Slowly encourage them with treats and praise until they become comfortable with the stairs again. If your adult dog is showing a sudden fear, be patient. Think back, have they missed a step and stumbled last time they went down the stairs and are afraid they’ll do it again? Or they heard a loud noise when they were on the stairs and thought the sound came from the stairs. Dogs become fearful based on recent experiences. If you have a smaller staircase (just a few steps), let them practice before conquering a much larger staircase.ĭogs are always learning, which means a new fear or phobia can develop at any time. Give your puppy a chance to adjust if they’re uncertain, carry them up or down the stairs until they know it’s safe. At the top, looking down, your dog may be afraid of falling. Going up a flight of stairs can seem like an endless obstacle. The stairs are a common fear for most young puppies. Walkin’ Lift Combo Harness - Front & Rear.
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