I have a 14yr old dog who is now afraid to go down my back steps!
by
Barbara
+5
What can I do?
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Poor baby. Is it because his hind legs and hips are getting weak and he's afraid to fall? I am in the same situation and now walk mine out the front door as there are no steps.
I'd take him to the vet as there are many issues that could be involved besides those of old age.
We have a ramp built on the back deck for our aging parents with wheelchairs and someday for my aging dog.
My 12 year old Lab got frightened of my back stairs because they were slats and he could see through the back. I ended up taking him out the front door where the steps were solid. I also ended up wrapping some fabric under his belly to hold his back end up because his hind end was getting uncooperative and weak.
My 14 wouldn't go up or down steps. I gave anything I could that was for joints.
How about using a ramp. They do sell them. Maybe he won't be afraid then since he won't have to climb.
My 15 1/2 year old couldn't see well and was hesitant about going down the steps, so I just picked her up each time and put her on the ground and picked her up to take her back up. If you have a large dog, I would build them a ramp.
I used to take care of a 15yo labrador retreiver who could no longer manage, and I got a sling to put under his belly with 2 handles and I walked him up and down. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dog+sling+for+large+dogs&sprefix=dog+sling%2Caps%2C292&crid=3BJXUXJQNSAPS
Vision goes down, and I had to guide my dog down via leash and then she was find. Our vet said it was something to do with vision and depth!.