How to Help an Old Dog Up the Stairs

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It's sad to watch your old dog struggle up the stairs, but there are ways you can help! Set up a lightweight ramp over the stairs to make it easier for your dog to climb. Cover slick surfaces with carpet so your dog can grip them easier and consider buying a harness or sling so you can support them on their way up the stairs. If pain or loss of mobility is making it hard to get up the stairs, improve your dog's range of motion by going on walks, adding joint supplements, and getting medical treatment.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making Adjustments at Home

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    Look for a ramp with an anti-slip surface so your dog is less likely to fall. Measure in a straight line from the bottom of the steps to the top to ensure that the ramp is long enough to extend across every step. [1]
    • You can buy ramps online, at your local pet store, or through pet suppliers.
    • If you don't want to leave the ramp extended all of the time, choose one that folds up easily.
    • You can get pet stairs to help them climb on couches and furniture. [2]
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    Your dog might be unsure about using the ramp, so you'll need to encourage them. Use small treats and lots of verbal praise to train your dog to go up the stairs on the ramp. This will make your dog feel comfortable using the ramp on their own. [3]
    • For example, set a treat on the stair above your dog and say, "Climb."
    • You may need to steady or support your dog as they go up the ramp so they don't lose their balance.
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    if you don't want to get a ramp. If your stairs are made of wood, tile, or laminate, your dog may have trouble getting traction on them. Attach non-slip stair treads or lay down a carpeted rug to help your dog grip the stairs. [4]
    • Consider laying down carpeted runners over slick surfaces throughout the rest of your house too.
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    If your dog still struggles to get up the stairs without help, buy a mobility sling, lifting aid harness, or walking harness with a handle. Then hold onto the mobility aid and give your dog extra support as you both get up the stairs. [5]
    • If you have a small dog, you can carry it up and down the stairs. [6]
    • If you often lift and support your dog, choose a mobility sling or lifting aid harness. If your dog needs a little help getting started, consider getting the walking harness with a handle.
    • If your dog works with a physiotherapist, ask them to refer a mobility aid for your dog.
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    Make arrangements for your dog to stay on one floor. [7] If your dog still struggles to get up the stairs even with the ramp or it's becoming increasingly painful, transfer anything your dog might need to the first floor so they don't have to go up the stairs anymore. [8]
    • Consider raising your dog's food and water dishes so they're easier for your dog to reach. Either set the dishes on boards or purchase a raised feeder.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Improving the Dog's Mobility

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    Take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice that they have difficulty climbing the stairs or appear to be in pain when they move. The vet may find that your dog has a condition or disease that makes mobility painful. Follow any treatment plans the vet recommends and see if that improves your dog's flexibility. [9]
    • 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.
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    Ask the vet to refer your dog so you can work on improving their mobility, especially if their limited mobility is caused by back pain or arthritis. A physiotherapist will use exercises that get your dog moving which may make them more comfortable with going upstairs. [10]
    • 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. For example, the vet may recommend that you take the dog swimming or go for gentle walks.
    • Ask about using hydrotherapy as a treatment option. This works great as an exercise that builds muscles without putting any strain on your dog’s joints.
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    If you think your dog's stiffness is preventing them from climbing the stairs, take your dog to a veterinary acupuncturist. The acupuncturist will insert needles into specific pressure points that should improve your dog's range of motion. [11]
    • Keep in mind that you may need to take your dog for more than 1 session a week. It may take more than 2 or 3 weeks before you notice results in your dog.
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    Ask the vet about giving your dog a daily glucosamine supplement to help repair cartilage in their joints. This is especially helpful if your dog resists going up the stairs because their arthritis makes it painful. [12]
    • Look for a pet glucosamine supplement that's designed specifically for aging dogs.
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    Depending on your dog's condition, they may benefit from regular, gentle exercise. Short walks of less than 15 minutes along paths or slight slopes can strengthen the muscles in your dog's back legs which could make going up the stairs easier. [13]
    • Follow your dog's lead. If they look like they're in pain or you're unsure if the exercise is helping, pause physical activity until you've consulted the vet.
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      Things You'll Need

      Making Adjustments at Home

      • Carpeted runners or non-slip stair treads
      • Ramp for the stairs
      • Treats
      • Mobility sling, lifting aid harness, or regular walking harness with a handle

      Improving the Dog's Mobility

      • Joint supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin
      • Medication, optional

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/general-health/dog-stairs-and-ramps/
      2. ↑ Jamie Freyer, DVM. Licensed Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 7 December 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/general-health/dog-stairs-and-ramps/
      4. ↑ http://www.scamperingpaws.com/seniors/problemswithstairs.shtml
      5. ↑ http://www.scamperingpaws.com/seniors/problemswithstairs.shtml
      6. ↑ Jamie Freyer, DVM. Licensed Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 7 December 2021.
      7. ↑ Jamie Freyer, DVM. Licensed Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 7 December 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-help-an-older-dog-with-arthritis-and-other-mobility-issues
      9. ↑ http://www.scamperingpaws.com/seniors/problemswithstairs.shtml
      1. ↑ http://www.scamperingpaws.com/seniors/problemswithstairs.shtml
      2. ↑ http://www.scamperingpaws.com/seniors/problemswithstairs.shtml
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/general-health/glucosamine-for-dogs/
      4. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/exercising-your-senior-dog

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Old dogs often struggle to climb stairs, but luckily there are lots of ways you can make things easier for it. Try covering your stairs with carpet, which will make it easier for your dog to grip onto them. You could also buy a walking harness or lifting harness, which will give your dog support as they walk or allow you to lift them if they can’t manage by themselves. Another option is to buy a ramp with an anti-slip surface at a pet store or online. If your dog isn’t sure how to use the ramp, offer it treats and lots of praise to encourage it to walk up the stairs on it. While all of these steps will help your dog, you should also take it to your vet for an examination. They may find that your pet has a medical condition that can be treated to improve its mobility issues. To learn more from our Veterinary co-author, including how to treat mobility issues with dietary supplements, keep reading!

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