8 Dog-Proof Tricks to Stop Your Dog Falling Down The Stairs 1. It's not just climbing up the stairs that can cause problems for senior dogs. If you don't want to leave the ramp extended all of the time, choose one that folds up easily. He just suddenly started avoiding them. to help with traction. }); Many illnesses or medications can cause weakness in a dog's hind end. Eating (he was a lab, after all) ... I’m so sorry your dog is having trouble. propel them upwards. Maybe your dog had a bad … Author; Recent Posts; Follow me. 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. 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. While all of these steps will help your dog, you should also take it to your vet for an examination. What’s causing this? Dog Won’t go Down Stairs Anymore . in the morning she will go down as far as her 2 front legs will take her and back off. There are lots of safe ways we can help your dog with any of these problems. You may also want to consider a dog stairs if your senior dog likes to jump on or off the bed or couch. Written by. or neurological issues. I recommend getting her checked by your vet. Easy Access-If your senior dog is having trouble getting in or out of a vehicle, a dog ramp can make for easier accessibility. can find it scary to head down the stairs, when they could wobble to one side or lose their balance 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. Ask about using hydrotherapy as a treatment option. 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. Learn about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process. She moves around great, can walk down the stairs, and her behavior seems normal. My Shi-tzu rolled off the bed one night at age 15. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. A Dog Trainer’s Tips for Dogs Scared of Stairs. About the author: Adrienne Farricelli is a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. can I - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. I love my dog but it gets anoying when i hear her whining becasue she cant get up and down the stairs. Adrienne Farricelli. He stayed for several days and ate a little while he was there, but when he came home he stopped eating again. Sometimes steps are just too steep and the ramp can help make their climb up and down easier. 'theme' : 'transparent', 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. Attach non-slip stair treads or lay down a carpeted rug to help your dog grip the stairs. physiotherapist may have your dog do exercises in the facility, or can show For bigger dogs, the hips are particularly susceptible. 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. I agree with the others. Is Your Dog Having Trouble Climbing Stairs? The problem may not be your stairs. W hen your dog is having trouble pooping, there can be a plethora of reasons why they are having problems.It's important to understand the main reasons why this … Dogs who have balance issues in particular 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. Make sure the ramp has a good, grippy surface Straining to poop 3. She's at least 9 years old.. we adopted her when she was about 4, she's part Pitbull and Ridgeback. Block off your stairs. What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs? Dogs Dog Training Tips Dog Behavior Problems. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. In addition he has a strange cough. the issue and help our dogs continue on their happy way. My dog is having trouble going up stairs and wont jump (she loves jumping). By using our site, you agree to our. 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. A mobility harness lets you lend your strength to your dog when he needs help. Wincing, whimpering, or crying while pooping 4. Around the house, if your dog is having trouble getting on and off your bed or the couch then a set of “pet steps” or ramp would be good to consider. 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. I have 2 suggestions. She stands at the bottom and reminds me of her puppy days when she did not know how to go up the stairs. The problem stairs. after 10-20 mins she just jumps. Consider visiting a veterinary acupuncturist. 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. This works great as an exercise that builds muscles without putting any strain on your dog’s joints. but she does go upstairs and at times goes up by herself its the only area she enjoys to "sleep" aside the dinning room. You may also want to consider a dog stairs if your senior dog likes to jump on or off the bed or couch. To learn more from our Veterinary co-author, including how to treat mobility issues with dietary supplements, keep reading! Weakness in the hindquarters makes this much more difficult and the dog may So long as the dog continues to enjoy life Attach non-slip stair treads or lay down a carpeted rug to help your dog grip the stairs. Injury or Pain. She's a bit overweight. 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. ... An older Shih may have difficulty climbing stairs for the same reason. Apparently she started having issues going up the stairs Saturday morning. Some dogs are afraid of going up and down stairs. 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. 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. He just suddenly started avoiding them. It's so weird and all of the sudden. Easy Access-If your senior dog is having trouble getting in or out of a vehicle, a dog ramp can make for easier accessibility. Dogs who have balance issues in particular can find it scary to head down the stairs, when they could wobble to one side or lose their balance and fall. The vet said it was probably due to arthritis. 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. Jennifer Coates, DVM Reviewed on 09/17/19 by . This has been going on for about 1 year. My dog seem in pain and can't go downstairs on the steps. My dog (who is an 8 year old white German Shepherd) recently, just suddenly, 4 days ago tries avoiding going up stairs. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. August 10, 2016 at 11:52 pm. 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. The not too steep for your dog to climb. Eating (he was a lab, after all) When he first stopped eating we took him to Blue Pearl. about the dog accidentally falling off the sides. My dog is having problems going up and down stairs. Instead of a joint … Such mobility challenges make it crucial that dog owners appropriately modify their home, yard, cars, and other environments to promote safer movements. but this nerver happened to her before. For example, set a treat on the stair above your dog and say, "Climb.". There are medications that the vet can prescribe to help. 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. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Many older dogs She has written more than 100 articles on dogs. My girl was 12 when she stopped jumping on the bed. Install Ramps. Set up a lightweight ramp over the stairs to make it easier for your dog to climb. If your dog is having trouble obeying that command, online dog training resources may come in handy. 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