Ask about using hydrotherapy as a treatment option. 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. You may need to steady or support your dog as they go up the ramp so they don't lose their balance. My dog started walking slow and having trouble walking up stairs/jumping on the bed today. Jennifer Coates, DVM Reviewed on 09/17/19 by . Why Would a Big Dog Have Problems with Stairs? Short of lifting and carrying the dog up and down the stairs or lifting It's so weird and all of the sudden. The problem may not be your stairs. If you often lift and support your dog, choose a mobility sling or lifting aid harness. 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. Her dog is quite old and usually has trouble going up and down stairs as well. While dog ramps aren’t practical for long flights of stairs, they might be useful if you … Anyways I still think these are great products for mans best friend. My dog is having difficulty walking and standing My 11 year old lab is having difficulty walking, standing,and going upend down stairs. the owners as well as the dog. 1 Posts . She was having problems going down the stairs too. In addition he has a strange cough. Check Price on Amazon. 8 Dog-Proof Tricks to Stop Your Dog Falling Down The Stairs 1. I been telling my fam we should have her as downstairs only.. since shes over 12 years old. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. It's so weird and all of the sudden. Joint and back problems are more prone in bigger dogs, but even a small Shih Tzu can suffer from these issues too. While all of these steps will help your dog, you should also take it to your vet for an examination. Amy is a dog trainer with more than a decade of experience. There are four main things that can make it difficult for a big dog to climb up and down the stairs. The best thing you can do is help your dog learn to go up and down the stairs on his own. When we came home I examined her legs and paws and nothing seems amiss and there doesn't seem to be any pain. My dog seem in pain and can't go downstairs on the steps. Old dogs often struggle to climb stairs, but luckily there are lots of ways you can make things easier for it. 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. Here are some tips on Dogs who have balance issues in particular 'position' : 'right', We use cookies to make wikiHow great. August 10, 2016 at 11:52 pm. I have a friend that would definitely be interested in a dog ramp. 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 … 'theme' : 'transparent', Such mobility challenges make it crucial that dog owners appropriately modify their home, yard, cars, and other environments to promote safer movements. Note that the carpet can be a little smooth/slippery for some dogs. be able to relieve some of that stiffness. Either set the dishes on boards or purchase a raised feeder. Dogs have trouble with stairs because stairs are something they instinctively find intimidating. particularly steady on their feet. Anxiety. Their previous youthful sprint up the stairs becomes a distant memory, as they feel more aches and pains. 'numPreferredServices' : 5 after 10-20 mins she just jumps. Go on outings (we had to start bribing him with treats to go down the 45 stairs to and from our house) 8. I just attributed to old age. Pooping small, liquid stools with or without blood 6. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 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. Dogs and Fear of Stairs. I recommend getting her checked by your vet. This gradual ramp (photo and video below) is ideal for both medium-sized and small dogs. It may take more than 2 or 3 weeks before you notice results in your dog. (not slippery). Block off your stairs. ... An older Shih may have difficulty climbing stairs for the same reason. Weakness in the hindquarters makes this much more difficult and the dog may can I - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. 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. Consider visiting a veterinary acupuncturist. Since we never put her in a cage, we just babysitted her for 2-3 days and she got back to normal. 4 He was fine, I thought. }); Many illnesses or medications can cause weakness in a dog's hind end. Consider raising your dog's food and water dishes so they're easier for your dog to reach. balk when faced with stairs, or refuse them entirely. By using our site, you agree to our. Go on outings (we had to start bribing him with treats to go down the 45 stairs to and from our house) 8. My dog started walking slow and having trouble walking up stairs/jumping on the bed today. Attach non-slip stair treads or lay down a carpeted rug to help your dog grip the stairs. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Install Ramps. He has good days and bad days. it takes awhile to get her to go upstairs.. A textured surface is better than a smooth one. can no longer manage. Instead of a joint … The... 2. Keep in mind that you may need to take your dog for more than 1 session a week. Anyways I still think these are great products for mans best friend. propel them upwards. His hind legs are weak. My dog is having trouble going up stairs and wont jump (she loves jumping). She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Help-an-Old-Dog-Up-the-Stairs-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Help-an-Old-Dog-Up-the-Stairs-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Help-an-Old-Dog-Up-the-Stairs-Step-1.jpg\/aid10177096-v4-728px-Help-an-Old-Dog-Up-the-Stairs-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"