How Can You Keep Your Dog Safe On Stairs?

BY | January 08 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY

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Most dogs master the art of climbing stairs from a very young age itself. They are very loyal creatures and in order to follow you up the stairs, they would have had to learn how to navigate those tricky steps too. But sometimes, dogs arenโ€™t the best at taking the stairs. One wrong move and danger awaits at the bottom. A fall from the stairs can really injure your dog, break his bones, and sometimes even be fatal.In todayโ€™s real estate market, itโ€™s rather difficult to find a home without stairs. Some dog breeds have trouble using the stairs when compared to others. These are older dogs, puppies, and dogs with long spines like Basset, Corgis, and Dachshunds. Here are a few safety tips that you can follow in order to better guarantee the safety of your pooch while heโ€™s on the stairs.

  1. Watch him.Although you canโ€™t prevent an accident by just watching your dog ascend and descend the stairs, at least you will be there is an accident were to happen. You will know how your dog fell and be able to point out how he landed to your vet when heโ€™s inspecting your pet afterwards.If your dog fell on the stairs while he wasnโ€™t being supervised, you might not find him right away and the delay can cause further medical problems. You can also find underlying medical conditions by watching your dog go up and down the stairs. For example, if he is limping or hopping up the stairs, or refusing to put his weight on one foot, he might have an orthopedic problem. If he seems uncoordinated, he might be struggling with vertigo.
  2. Make it easier for him to see.If you live an open-spaced home, navigating the stairs during the day may be easy for your dog. But what about at night. You can remarkably decrease the chances of a fall by simply improving his field of vision. Get better lighting in the areas in your home where there are staircases. Dark stairways can be problematic for all dogs and not just elderly dogs and dogs with eye problems.
  3. Try stair runners.We all know that hardwood floors make a statement. But when it comes to safety on the stairs, stick to carpets and runners, where your dog can find more footing.
  4. Try installing ramps.Although itโ€™s not a very good option for a long stairway, you could try the ramps on the porch where thereโ€™s only a couple of steps. You might need to train your dog to navigate the ramps. Try using a harness, leash, or a sling.
  5. Carry your dog.Although this is no practical option for bigger dogs, if you have a smaller dog, this might be the safest option.

How To Protect Your Dog From Falling Down The Stairs

In todayโ€™s day and age, finding a house that does not have any stairs is a rather difficult task. Although most dogs are able to navigate the stairs from a pretty young age, itโ€™s still good to be cautious. And taking the stairs can be pretty risky. Injuries sustained from a fall down the stairs can include sprains, fractures, bruises, injuries to the head, and sometimes even death.Animals would want to follow their owners from a very young age so, through determination and a willingness to master new and exciting things, they learn to successfully descend and ascend a staircase. They also tend to be naturally cautious around edges and that keeps them pretty safe. Although most dogs donโ€™t have much of a problem taking the stairs, older dogs, basset hounds, corgis, dachshunds, puppies seem to have a difficult time around staircases. Follow these steps to keep your pooch safe from injuries sustained from a fall on the stairs.

  1. Supervise him.Monitor your dog use the stairs. This wonโ€™t necessarily prevent them from falling, but if you were watching you can always assess the extent of the injuries before calling the vet. Some dogs have a harder time getting up the stairs if theyโ€™re suffering from knee pain, elbow pain, shoulder pain, or back and neck problems. If you see him limping or hugging the wall in order to get up the stairway, make an appointment with our vet immediately.
  2. Improve his visibility.Install better lighting overhead. Better lighting can help your dog see where heโ€™s going without any trouble and improve his natural consciousness around edges. Dark places are especially troublesome for dogs with a poor eyesight.
  3. Install a ramp.While theyโ€™re impractical if you have a long flight of stairs, ramps can be helpful when there are just a few steps involved like the steps between rooms or up your porch. After installing ramps, your dog may need a little training so he can successfully navigate around them in the future.
  4. Carry him.Some dogs are simply not able to get up the stairs. Especially smaller breeds, dogs that have recently undergone surgery or dogs with medications that have sedative effects. If itโ€™s a safe option for both the owner and the dog, then there shouldnโ€™t be a problem.

If you have a big dog who canโ€™t really be carried all the time, try to avoid the stairs completely. Play with him downstairs where heโ€™s more comfortable. Make sure that he wonโ€™t need to go up to get anything. All his favorite things and essential things should be placed downstairs for the time being that heโ€™s not able to go up the stairs.

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