Why Older Dogs Suddenly Get Scared of the Stairs
He used to race you to the top. Now he stands at the bottom and whines. Three common reasons, and what helps with each.
A dog who has climbed the same stairs ten thousand times does not forget how. When he starts to hesitate, something has changed in how the stairs feel or look to him.
Here are the three reasons vets see most often.
Read all the way to the end. We save the one detail most people never think about for last.
-
Sore joints
1. Going up or down has started to hurt
Sound familiar?Stairs put far more load on hips, knees and elbows than walking on the flat. Going down is often harder than going up, because the front legs take the weight.
A dog with stiff joints may manage fine on walks and still refuse the stairs.
Try thisWatch whether he is worse first thing in the morning or after a long rest. Tell your vet, because joint pain in dogs is very treatable.Advertisement -
Fading sight
2. He can no longer judge the steps
Sound familiar?Older eyes cope badly with low light and poor contrast. A dark staircase with plain carpet can look like one long slope.
Dogs with failing sight are usually more worried about going down than up.
Try thisTurn the stair light on in the evening and put a strip of pale tape on the edge of each step. -
One bad slip
3. He slipped once and has not forgotten
Sound familiar?Weaker back legs and smooth wooden steps are a poor match. A single slide can be enough to put a careful older dog off for good.
AdvertisementThe fear is reasonable. He has learned that the stairs are not safe for him any more.
Try thisFit stair treads or a carpet runner, and keep the fur between his paw pads trimmed so he gets a better grip.
The short version
A dog who avoids the stairs is telling you they have become difficult. Better grip, better light and a chat with the vet about his joints solve it for most dogs.
Last updated . This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your own vet.
