But dont throw in the towel - you can give your buddy some help. For example, a dog who awkwardly hops up the stairs may have hip issues, a dog that stumbles while heading down the stairs may have joint problems and a dog that leans against the wall when ascending or descending may have a neurological issue. 17 Very Common Reasons Why a Dog is Pacing and Unsettled. When the reverse is true—no problem ascending, but showing unwillingness or pain while descending—the issue is usually with the dog’s elbows or shoulders. Posted by 5 years ago. Look at a potential back issue within your dog. I recommend getting her checked by your vet. A determined pet will not give up trying to go upstairs just because it hurts! There are lots of safe ways we can help your dog with any of these problems. 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. I'm Lou. You don't want to aggravate whatever injury he may have by encouraging those activities. If your dog is having trouble maneuvering the stairs in your house or if you live on one level and he’s unused to climbing any stairs, consider a dog ramp. Unfortunately, it isn’t always the case. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. Dogs use their back legs to push themselves from step to step. What’s causing this? Sometimes, the problem can be something treatable. A rear leg support harness makes it possible for a dog with leg weakness or hip dysplasia to continue to go for walks and up and downs stairs. 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 dog may start getting weak and no longer have enough strength to get up. I noticed her hind leg looks a bit sore. Don’t delay in seeing a vet. One of the toughest things dog owner can experience is watching a beloved poochs hind legs grow weak. Is it a bad idea to carry your dog upstairs once in a while? A dog who doesn’t want to go up the stairs might start to whine, and it can be easy to give into that whining and carry them up. You may have to stay on one step for a few days in a row before they’re ready to move on. 8 − = 7. She doesn't show overt signs of discomfort (ie: yelping) when her back legs and joints were touched/moved, but she is a very tolerant dog. When faced with a problem, the vet draws up mental list of the likely problems (in vet-speak, this is a list of “differential diagnoses”). Other Possible Causes of Sudden (Acute) Hind Limb Weakness in a Dog. He has good days and bad days. What’s causing this? Some dogs require assistance getting around. 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. A dog that is suddenly walking hunched up, not raising their head, not moving their tail like they normally do, or is walking with a different gait may be in pain.9. Difficulty climbing stairs: Introduction. 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: If you do need to re-train your dog to take the stairs, then you should do it one step at a time – literally. Changes in posture. D. DonShula Member. Joint problems make this nearly impossible. This can take some practice and patience, but over time your dog should be able to run in and out of the house on outdoor steps. Sorry to hear your pup is having trouble getting around. Some back issues can’t be treated. As your dog’s owner, you should be able to get a good idea of how your dog feels when they’re at the top or bottom of a staircase. He is eating and drinking normally. I have a dog that is about 6 years old. Signs of Progressive Vision Loss in Your Dog: 1. All dogs love a good run around the great outdoors, most cannot…. R ... she had stopped climbing stairs. If you have a pet who is suddenly scared or refuses to take the stairs, you should try a re-training program. Ask a Groomer: How Often Should You Bathe a Dog? Whether it’s your face, the…, Every dog has a unique personality, but some quirks seem to be fairly universal among our canine companions. Patience. SOURCES: Fogle, B. Caring for Your Dog, Dorling Kindersley, Ltd., 2002. Older dogs can even develop cataracts, a thin milky-like coating over the surface of their eyeball. It can take a lot of work for dogs to find their balance and feeling uneasy while looking down a long flight of stairs can make almost any dog feel anxious. Or, try one of the products that can make it easier on you and less stressful for your canine companion. That can become exhausting for you and your family quickly. So, as the back legs start to weaken, your older dog might decide they don’t even want to bother with stairs anymore because it’s too much work or takes too much time. If your dog seems hesitant going up or down stairs, the best thing you can do is try to figure out why. I have a 7 year old chocolate lab who all of the sudden two days ago decided he did not want to climb the basement stairs. Climbing up and down stairs can be precarious for older dogs who have muscle loss or weakness in their legs. Our other dog will go potty right away. 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. As things progress, the dog may no longer be able to get up and walk around; some may also struggle to lift their heads. I plan on seeing the vet next week, but any insight into what is wrong? There’s no reason your dog still can’t go up and down the stairs with a little help from you! I When he walks it almost appears he is drunk or on ice. There are several ailments that can cause a dogs hind legs to lose its power and normal abilities. Q: My older large-breed dog is having trouble climbing and descending stairs. A dog that is suddenly stiff, reluctant to climb stairs, jump like they normally do, stops running and playing, or is having trouble standing or laying down may be experiencing pain.8. But it doesn’t have to be this way. My dog is 7ish years old, relatively healthy, and hasn't had any major issues in the past. And some breeds (like Labs and golden retrievers) are particularly susceptible to other joint conditions, such as hip dysplasia. I have not seen him pee. If you don’t want to put your dog through physical therapy or give them medications, some products can help. Even if it takes something like surgery to fix the problem, it isn’t impossible. My dog is having trouble climbing up the stairs at night? Hope his problem is a minor, short-lived one. This way, your dog will not have to deal with navigating around you as you ascend the stairs, and your dog will be able to better watch the stairs as she is ascending. Puppies learn a step at a time when it comes to taking stairs. Suddenly however, he has been having difficulty going down stairs and now won't go down them at all. Here's what you need to know if your dog has a fear of the stairs. All Rights Reserved. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the solutions you can use for senior dogs or dogs who might be in pain to help them get up the stairs. Dogs use their back legs to push themselves up the stairs, as they age this becomes more difficult. Walk side by side with your dog on the stairs use treats and praise every time he takes a step. As stated above, when a dog is sitting at the bottom of a staircase, think about what they might see. He also had no trouble going down similar steps on our deck outside. They tire easily and, in some cases, using the stairs may even be painful for them. I have a 1yr old rottweiler who is limping on his left front paw . If your dog has gone up and down stairs confidently since they were a puppy, it can be hard to see them struggling with the stairs all of a sudden. This is where having the pet insured from a young age can save a lot of heartache. e is limping on his left front paw. And some breeds (like Labs and golden retrievers) are particularly susceptible to other joint conditions, such as hip dysplasia. Difficulty climbing stairs: difficulty in climbing stairs is seen in certain disorders. Senior dogs no longer have as much control on the stairs. However, some conditions also cause leg weakness. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. If your pet is already scared, pushing them or touching them with force could result in you getting bitten. As a dog nears death, he or she will become less mobile. Reply. In addition he has a strange cough. In many cases, your dog can be treated for back issues. My golden retriever is about 6 or 7 years old now and is in pretty good health. If you don’t continue to carry them each time they whine, it could become louder and stronger, and they may not stop until you finally carry them up. Maybe your pet is fine with the stairs inside, but they won’t go up or down deck stairs or any stairs that have spaces between them. Is your dog afraid of the stairs? If your dog is unsettled and won't lie down, then you'll know better than…, It’s a common belief that making eye contact is a vital part of human communication and body language, but can the same be said for dogs? For Murphy, mine went something like this: Disc Disease. Their legs may start giving out or they may have trouble climbing stairs and have difficulty navigating slippery floors. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Sometimes steps are just too steep and the ramp can help make their climb up and down easier. Dogs that have short legs and long backs, such as the Dachshund, Corgi and Bassett Hound should be discouraged from climbing or descending stairs, for their own protection. You can then start looking at different solutions to get your dog mobilized on the staircase once again. She scrabbles around her legs sort of slip to the sides, and when she's climbing stairs she simply falls down. 1. If you see your dog wanting to go down the stairs to be with you, but seems scared, there are some things you can do that will make life easier. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. But, that’s a learned behavior for them that can get worse over time. In the video below, Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, discusses treatment alternatives for those who cannot afford hip dysplasia surgery for their dog: I guess it is the equivalent of a sprained ankle. If they have suddenly become fearful, comfort them as much as possible and let them re-learn the ins and outs of a staircase on their own time. If they start to show any interest in the stairs, be sure to praise them as much as you can. Sometimes, dogs can develop a fear of going up the stairs, but not down. 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. labrador in pain when climbing stairs but can run walk ok for about 6 weeks on and off my dog has winced in pain when trying to go up steps or stairs but seems very happy when going for walks. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom. This guide will cover the reasons why dogs may stop going up and down stairs all of a sudden. Elevated Food Bowls: Golden’s who suffer from stiff joints or arthritis may have a hard time leaning forward and down to eat and drink from a regular bowl. You know your dog best, so you’ll have to make the ultimate choice. How to Choose the Perfect Pet Carrier for Your Dog, My dog won’t pee! Why your dog refuses stairs. Relay all symptoms you have noticed in your dog, including changes in appetite and behavior and the history of the weakness. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 7 of 7 Posts. My dog is having trouble going up stairs and wont jump (she loves jumping). These stairs are carpeted, he doesn't limp or have any physical ailments, he does not respond to us luring him with treats, adn he will climb other stairs, such as our outside stairs to the deck which are much steeper and wooden. Fogle, B. ASPCA Complete Dog Care Manual, DK Publishing, 1993. Dogs have an instinct to stay away from the unknown. Many people consider it one of the best parts of owning a dog. I have a 7 year old chocolate lab who all of the sudden two days ago decided he did not want to climb the basement stairs. Why Does My Dog Bark at Strangers on Walks? Check Price on Amazon. Sometimes, the problem can be something treatable. When we turn the light on she sometimes still just stands there looking at us whimpering until we come carry her up. We sometimes recommend products we love. 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 … Maybe your dog had a bad experience, such as falling down the stairs. See a doctor if this persists. Why is My Dog Lethargic and Not Eating or Drinking? In the video uploaded to YouTube, the little black and white kitten is being filmed while attempting to climb the stairs. Remember that it never hurts to be cautious and visit the vet! For small breeds, arthritis becomes a concern at around 10 years old, for medium breeds it's around 8 or 9 years old and for large breeds it's around 5 to 6 years old. These types of harnesses will help support your dog’s quarters. I just saw him deficate and it was fine. This gradual ramp (photo and video below) is ideal for both medium-sized and small dogs. WebMD Veterinary Reference Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on August 11, 2019. If your dog is having trouble walking (pain in the joints) then I would suggest a vet visit to asses if the dog has arthritis or possible joint … Shivers or trembles. A small senior dog having problems going up the stairs is much more easily manageable than a large dog. Some dogs are afraid of going up and down stairs. Unfortunately, these stairs are common outside of people’s homes, especially on porches. Provide non-skid flooring. Before long, they’re running up and down the staircase faster than anyone else in the house. My dog has been having trouble climbing the stairs, jumplng, and lifting his leg to go in his pool. My dog is having trouble climbing stairs, walking, and getting up from laying down; back end/legs stiff. If your dog acts like it hurts going upstairs, never try to force them to make the trip. Carry small dogs with leg problems up and down stairs. If they can’t figure out what the outcome is going to be, they usually choose to avoid it. 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. An excited dog rushing down your stairs can easily slip and tumble… And going up isn’t much better, especially for elderly dogs with hip and joint problems, navigating a staircase can be difficult and painful. Keep up the pattern until your dog is confidently climbing the stairs to reach their dinner. Your dog is increasingly hesitant to jump off or on the bed. The age in which a dog exhibits these symptoms depends on the breed and size. The age in which a dog exhibits these symptoms depends on the breed and size. It’s common for older dogs to have joint and muscle issues, especially if they’re large. Name * Email * Website. Today, I’m going to share eight tricks to keep your dog safe on the stairs – no more falls! I had mentioned this at the vet who said she probably slipped once and is just skittish. Of, if you have a rescue pup, maybe he was even thrown down some stairs. However, some conditions also cause leg weakness. He has good days and bad days. Dogs with conformation of this type are particularly prone to spinal problems and ruptured discs, problems that can develop or worsen through climbing and descending stairs. Don’t scold your dog for this response – it’s a defense mechanism. Or, if they can, your dog’s back may never be as strong as it once was. Other times, they might need pain management treatment. I set up Pet Carrier Verdict to provide a website brimming with pet carrier and health advice you can trust. Why Won't My Dog Make Eye Contact with Me? It’s normal for a young puppy to be a little nervous when they’re unfamiliar with stairs. In a dog having problems climbing up stairs, the arthritis may be localized to either the level of … This is Terra, a 1 year old Lab mix. A forceful push or pull down the stairs is also never a good idea. If they’re at the top of the stairs, the decline could look like they’re jumping off a cliff! With larger dogs, though, you’ll find it much easier to try to break the fear habit. Do they act like they’re in pain if they take a step? A National Institute of Health study found that about a third of healthy seniors aged 65 and over will fall at least once each year 50% of seniors over the age of 85 will. 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. Time limit is exhausted. Leg weakness while climbing stairs can mean you don't do this activity enough. Dog walking should be a fun, relaxing activity. We are Here to Help! She still went down ok and did everything else, but she just refused to go up the stairs, so I lifted her. Just like the issues with senior dogs, even young dogs can injure their legs. The dog may have coped for days, weeks or months with this problem, but at a certain point, the pain of lifting the legs to climb stairs may just be too much. Their legs may start giving out or they may have trouble climbing stairs and have difficulty navigating slippery floors. Your email address will not be published. My dog started walking slow and having trouble walking up stairs/jumping on the bed today. Until you can get to a vet, help him out on the jumping and stairs - go ahead and pick him up. She had never in her life walked up or down a set of stairs until last week when I had to take one of her doggy friends home, who happened to live on the 3rd floor. My dog started walking slow and having trouble walking up stairs/jumping on the bed today. However, recently she seems to have been having a lot of difficulty getting up and climbing stairs. PetCarrierVerdict.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But, don’t force your dog to go up and down the stairs. He also has been moving slower than usual and seem generally less happy than usual. He didn't cry while deficating. If your dog isn’t scared of the stairs, their hesitation might be connected to their age. You may need to find ways to adapt so they can continue to get from room to room as they please. Once you have reached the top of the stairs, you can command your dog to come. Dog Sees Tiny Kitten Having Trouble With The Stairs, He Goes To Help And It’s Beyond Adorable March 7th, 2018. He has not benn drnking more than usual. If your dog can't stand up or walk, you need take her to the vet. She may have a back problem that makes her reluctant to jump. It will be much harder to get rid of this habit than it will be to re-train them to lose their fear. A dog may suffer from spinal arthritis, have difficulty getting up from his bed, or become weak in his back legs. It's so weird and all of the sudden. 'She shows no signs of limping or favoring a leg when standing. Stairs. Fortunately, you can help your dog get over this fear and go up and down the stairs with confidence. This gradual ramp (photo and video below) is ideal for both medium-sized and small dogs. This will allow the steps to retain their shape but will hide the see-through spaces. These products are easy to use and will make your dog much more comfortable on their ascent up the stairs and back down again: The solutions and products listed above should only be used if your dog is in pain going up the stairs or absolutely cannot do it on their own. Vision Problems: Dogs are not exempt from having vision problems. A fear of the unknown is common in most dogs, which is why we introduce things to them one step at a time as puppies. But, I’d recommend either the Lifeunion Split Lift Harness or the PetSafe Solvit (#2 or #5, respectively). If your dog has joint problems due to arthritis or the natural aging process, then giving them Turmeric Curcumin for Dogs could help to improve their mobility. As you might expect, it’s not uncommon for puppies to be scared of going upstairs or downstairs. This is a fairly common fear or phobia, especially in young dogs who may not have encountered them while they were puppies. The following list of conditions have 'Difficulty climbing stairs' or similar listed as a symptom in our database. Understanding why your dog is having difficulty with stairs is the first step. And we didn’t have stair runners at the time. The stairs in our house are solid wood, not carpeted. Close. If you see your dog wanting to go down the stairs to be with you, but seems scared, there are some things you can do that will make life easier. Understanding Infiltrative Lipomas in Dogs, Reasons Why Dog Antibiotics are Not Working. If you have noticed signs of weakness in your dog’s back legs, take him into the clinic to be checked as many of the causes can be progressive. Most Comfortable Pet Travel Carriers for Dogs and Cats! Thankfully, those issues usually go away with time and a little rest. What does it mean…, Dogs take in their surroundings with their tongues just as much as their eyes and ears, meaning that they’re prone to licking anything in sight. Thankfully, there are options you can try when it comes to getting your senior dog up and down the stairs freely again. [3] X … Arthritis is painful, but is also manageable once diagnosed. Some dogs won’t go down stairs anymore due to age, illness, and fear. Dog Stairs: If your dog likes to rest on the couch or even your bed, investing in some dog stairs will help ease the pain of having to jump up. If you have any questions about your dog's health, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about your concerns. Encouragement is critical, and it also works as positive reinforcement for your pup. Either of those should allow you to give pretty serious support to your pooch’s hips/back legs. It could be a pulled muscle or sprain. My dog has suddenly started having problems climbing up and down stairs and jumping (on and off of the couch, etc.). An older dog will need your help. 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. PetLab Review: How effective are these joint chews for dogs? https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Signs-of-Hip-Dysplasia-in-Dogs He - Answered by a verified Dog Specialist We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. In some cases, it can even be painful or exhausting for them. There are options for smaller dogs that can make it easy to carry them or transport them up the stairs. You also shouldn’t feel bad about carrying them or using one of the products listed here if they’re injured or older. But, you could be teaching a bad habit that will become hard to break. As founder and editor of PetCarrierVerdict.com, I combine my passion for animals with expert advice to bring you articles that will make you a better, happier pet owner. There's a part of a dog's hind leg that can get injured and it eventually heals. If your dog doesn’t want to take the stairs anymore, don’t lose hope or feel too bad for your pet. Most dogs who have trouble getting up after lying down are suffering from arthritis, but this could also be a symptom of more serious conditions as well. Sources . This can also happen the opposite way, too. You can help by moving your pet’s bed downstairs or using a child's stair gate to prevent access. Dr. Benson explains that hip and knee problems, such as cruciate ligament injury and hip dysplasia, can present with what appears to be sudden-onset weakness in a dog’s back legs. This unusual behavior started about a year after we moved into this house. Some dogs are afraid of going up and down stairs. Before this, he had been going up and down those steps — without incident — several times each day. If you buy something, we may be paid a share of the sale. If your dog seems hesitant to go downstairs, it could be because they feel a little wobbly. Is Your Dog Having Trouble Climbing Stairs? Carrying your dog up the stairs when they’re able to go on their own might seem like a good option because you want the dog with you and your family. Some dogs won’t go down stairs anymore due to age, illness, and fear. I have a 11 year old yorkshire terrier and lately at night when my family and I are getting ready for bed and have the lights in the house turned off we will hear her crying from the bottom of the stairs. No. Problems like arthritis can affect senior dogs and make it feel impossible for them to get up the stairs. This can be a time-consuming process and takes a lot of patience. 2. Many older dogs develop arthritis. This has been going on for about 1 year. Many older dogs develop arthritis. :-) Physical therapists for dogs exist, and they can be a big help in strengthening joints and muscles. Her rectal temp is 38.4 degrees celcius. A canine that loses their lust for life, and will not eat…, Owners often find that dogs are restless and pace about when they want your urgent attention. Unfortunately, there are problems with stairs that dogs don’t overcome. Up to half may fall multiple times. 0. My dog is having difficulty walking and standing My 11 year old lab is having difficulty walking, standing,and going upend down stairs. Hey, Gina. One of the best solutions is to place a thin blanket or sheet over the stairs. Q: My older large-breed dog is having trouble climbing and descending stairs. Jul 13, 2016 2,777 0 0. If they’re at the bottom looking up, it may seem like an incredibly daunting climb. Old dogs can struggle to walk, limp, climb stairs and stand up after lying and can no longer do a circuit of the park or do their normal walks. Q: My older large-breed dog is having trouble climbing and descending stairs. When a dog starts acting reluctant to take the stairs, it’s likely a problem with his back or back legs. Archived . See a doctor if this persists. Even if you have the calmest dog in the world, a dog’s reactions to things can change when they feel scared or threatened. Sometimes steps are just too steep and the ramp can help make their climb up and down easier. Attach non-slip stair treads or lay down a carpeted rug to help your dog grip the stairs. (Is it one of these reasons? It will take more than one lesson for a dog to overcome a fear of stairs. How can you help your dog? He doesn't mind climbing up them however. My Bichon is having trouble walking or standing on her back legs , does not even go up or down stairs anymore since yesterday . If they’re in pain or feel stiff and achy, they might not want to go up the stairs. Climbing stairs at all is bad for a dog's health, simply because most dogs aren't built for jumping like that all the time. Once your pet gets used to walking up and down the steps several times, you can remove the sheet. If your older dog is beginning to have trouble climbing stairs and going outside it may be time for a rear leg support harness. Leg weakness while climbing stairs can mean you don't do this activity enough. Indeed, seeing a once-proud gait devolve into a feeble scamper is enough to make you feel helpless. Running down stairs severely strains the front legs. Doing it now and then can help to show them that the stairs aren’t something scary or unusual. When you toss a treat or a toy for your dog, she does not see it. It takes time to heal, but a dog who has had back problems treated should eventually be able to go up and down stairs again with minimal problems. You never want your pet to be in pain when climbing the stairs. She could not run when I let her outside, and she had difficulty climbing the few stairs from the deck. Over the years I've noticed that dogs with hip issues find it far more difficult to go up a set of stairs rather than down. I have a 11 year old yorkshire terrier and lately at night when my family and I are getting ready for bed and have the lights in the house turned off we will hear her crying from the bottom of the stairs. If your dog is having trouble obeying that command, online dog training resources may come in handy. As a dog becomes older, it begins to show signs of age, such as longer sleeping patterns, disinterest in activities and an inability to climb stairs or jump and get up after lying down. Some owners think they can ‘train’ their dog by pulling them up or down the stairs with a leash. They might always experience a nominal pain. Dogs have trouble with stairs because stairs are something they instinctively find intimidating. An over-the-counter joint medication, such as. You must contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice this kind of symptom. Traveling upstairs takes a lot of work for dogs, especially from their hind legs. Test peripheral vision too—toss the treat or the toy to the far right and to the far left and observe how well she notices it is there. If your dog is having trouble with their back legs, see the vet right away. Either way, though, it can be difficult for both the owners as well as the dog. Subscribe now! As a dog becomes older, it begins to show signs of age, such as longer sleeping patterns, disinterest in activities and an inability to climb stairs or jump and get up after lying down. Small dogs typically live longer and large dogs tend to display deterioration in their legs earlier. But, what about a dog who has never been afraid of the stairs until recently? However, this morning, she was not able to jump off the bed herself, and was stiff when walking. Required fields are marked * Comment. These stairs are carpeted, he doesn't limp or have any physical ailments, he does not respond to us luring him with treats, adn he will climb other stairs, such as our outside stairs to the deck which are much steeper and wooden. 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. Why does my dog sleep with its head on my neck? It's so weird and all of the sudden. Climbing stairs puts great strain on the back legs. If you notice your pet climbing stairs with difficulty, hesitance, or refusing to climb them all together, it may hint towards a more significant problem. 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. Understanding why your dog is having difficulty with stairs is the first step. My pug developed a skin irritation on her head and face within the past few days, which I thought were hot spots. If your stairs are made of wood, tile, or laminate, your dog may have trouble getting traction on them. Q: My older large-breed dog is having trouble climbing and descending stairs. When we turn the light on she sometimes still just stands there looking at us whimpering until we come carry her up. Of course, your dog could also be trying to tell you something about the state of their health by not going up the stairs. His hind legs are weak. What makes the condition truly frightening is that the condition cou… Your dog could be in some pain, or may feel insecure on stairs. Some dogs may even go downstairs but not upstairs. Please reload CAPTCHA. If your dog has become hesitant to climb the stairs, arthritis is a likely cause, particularly if your pet is getting on in years. Maybe it is something like that. If your dog is scared to go down the steps, pulling them will likely cause them to dig in, even more, putting on the brakes and staying put right where they are. You can also help your dog to regain some mobility in their back legs by taking them to a specialist. She would wait for me to lift her. Stairs can be daunting for many dogs, including puppies, dogs with health issues, small dogs, etc. Select from the following alphabetical view of conditions which include a symptom of Difficulty climbing stairs or choose View All. Photo: bhumann34 Why Are My Dog’s Back Legs Suddenly Not Working? Last year she was limping a lot out of nowhere. You get to enjoy the outdoors and the fresh…, Any time a dog is suddenly lethargic, it’s natural for you to worry about their health and wellbeing. The problem could be something more serious, like a herniated disc, arthritis, or even torn ligaments. If you’ve ever been on a walk with your pup when a bout of stubbornness comes on, you know exactly what this action is. Increase Visibility. What could this be. Unfortunately, this is rarely a successful practice and can make your dog even more frightened. Instead of trying to force your dog up or down the stairs in any way, use one of the suggestions listed in this guide. My dog has been having trouble climbing the stairs, jumplng, and lifting his leg to go in his pool. Your dog could be in some pain, or may feel insecure on stairs. He is eating and - Answered by a verified Dog Specialist . A dog I recently referred for a total hip replacement was given an estimate of more than $8,400 for a medium-sized dog. Do they look scared? See detailed information below for a list of 39 causes of Difficulty climbing stairs, Symptom Checker, including diseases and drug side effect causes. (888) … ), You can try to strengthen their back legs and hips. Suggestion: Get a board to span over the stairs to act as a ramp for your dog before you have some serious problems. It may be a slow process but be patient and encouraging. My dog started walking slow and having trouble walking up stairs/jumping on the bed today. But, don’t make a habit of it for dogs who could get up the stairs by overcoming their fears or seeing it as an obstacle. Why is My Dog Afraid of the Vacuum Cleaner and Brooms? I have a rottweiler who is 1yr old. My dog has trouble only going up the stairs. But, if you have a full-grown dog and they stop using the stairs suddenly, there’s likely to be an underlying problem that needs to be corrected. Understanding Testicular Cancer in Intact Male Dogs. Because climbing stairs forces all a dog’s weight onto his back legs, his hips are forced to bear more weight than they usually do. If your dog decides they aren’t moving, it can be challenging to get them to budge.