I live in a two level home and my 7 yr old GSP is always between the two floors
she looks kind of awkward going down and Im starting to wonder whether its bad for her hips
she looks kind of awkward going down and Im starting to wonder whether its bad for her hips
Update:
cheers all - she gets seen by the vet regularly enough and theres no particular issues identified - was just a thought I had
Answer
Verulam:
With my main breed, it's the coming down that might cause problems, but
with others, perhaps those with the potential for hip problems, maybe
going up could cause problems. And either would be a definite no-no
unless the steps are carpeted and not bare wood (slippery). We ask
people not to let their Bassets on stairs at least until they have the
muscle tone to support joints and bone. And allowing any dog to come
down fast, could lead to trouble.
As old age creeps in, all of us have the potential to suffer with joint problems. You'll just have to be aware that as she gets older, she may start having problems, and perhaps make adjustments to her living space, where possible.
Perhaps now would be a good time to have your vet examine her. She could have a spot of arthritis starting up for which there is no 'cure', but there is pain relief for when arthritis flares up (cold damp weather - always worse).
ps With common sense, some stair-work can help build up muscle tone, with the younger dog.
As old age creeps in, all of us have the potential to suffer with joint problems. You'll just have to be aware that as she gets older, she may start having problems, and perhaps make adjustments to her living space, where possible.
Perhaps now would be a good time to have your vet examine her. She could have a spot of arthritis starting up for which there is no 'cure', but there is pain relief for when arthritis flares up (cold damp weather - always worse).
ps With common sense, some stair-work can help build up muscle tone, with the younger dog.
Jack:
It certainly is an issue in a dog with hereditary joint issues like hip
dysplasia. And dogs that have a degenerative eye issue can be very
cautious going down the stairs. It could even be that she's got a touch
of arthritis now that she's getting older. Would certainly be worth a
mention to the vet the next time she is in. I doubt that going up and
down stairs - in a dog with no skeletal issues - really causes problems,
but that problems that pre-exist are made worse by stairs?
Allen:
If the dog coming down that might cause problems.Because long legged
dogs find it awkward to come downstairs and run downhill. Vet can say
that if that dog joint is OK or not while falling down from the
stairs.but it should not cause any problems unless she falls.
Charles:
If the dog coming down that might cause problems.Because long legged
dogs find it awkward to come downstairs and run downhill. Vet can say
that if that dog joint is OK or not while falling down from the
stairs.but it should not cause any problems unless she falls.
Nobby:
Long legged dogs find it awkward to come downstairs and run downhill.
Only a vet can say if her joints are ok or not, but it shouldnt cause
any problems unless she falls.
