The Truth About Stairs and Your Arthritic Dog
Jul 13, 2024
Arthritis is a common problem for dogs as they age. One of the areas of concern for arthritic dogs is the impact of stairs. Many dog owners are unsure whether stairs are bad for their arthritic pets, and if so, how they can make stairs safe and beneficial. This blog post aims to shed some light on this issue.
Are Stairs Bad for Arthritic Dogs?
In general, stairs can be bad for arthritic dogs. They can potentially cause injury and lead to flare-ups of arthritis.
What Dogs Should Avoid Stairs?
As a rule of thumb, if your arthritic dog can barely walk, it's best to avoid stairs. Stairs can be too challenging for them, and the risk of injury is high. On the other hand, if your dog can walk relatively comfortably, then stairs might not be a problem.
Making Stairs Safe and Beneficial for Arthritic Dogs
If your dog can walk relatively comfortably, then there are some strategies you can consider to make stairs safe and even beneficial for your arthritic pet:
- Lift smaller dogs: If your dog is small and can't manage the stairs, simply lift them if it is safe for you to do so.
- Use a harness: If your dog is big and struggles with stairs, use a harness to guide them up and down the stairs.
- Make stairs non-slip: Making stairs non-slip can be a game-changer for arthritic dogs. There are many non-slip stair treads available in the market that you can attach to your staircase. These treads provide a good grip for your dog's paws, making it easier for them to navigate the stairs and less likely to fall or slip.
- Use baby gates: Placing a baby gate at the bottom or top of the stairs can prevent your dog from going up or down the stairs without your supervision.
- Controlled speed with a lead: If your dog is struggling with stairs, you can guide them up and down with a lead to help control their speed so they don't do up or down too fast which can lead to an injury.
- Use them as strengthening exercises: Stairs can actually be a great strengthening exercise for arthritic dogs. Encourage your dog to go up and down the stairs, if they can do so comfortably. This can help improve their muscle strength and joint flexibility.
Stairs can be a real challenge for arthritic dogs, but with the right strategies, they can be made safe and even beneficial. Always include your vet in the conversations of managing your dog's arthritis.
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