Why Does My Dog Keep Falling Down The Stairs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Health issues may be the reason your pooch cannot properly navigate the stairs, too. The cause of the fall can be

any damage or injury to your dog’s inner ear

, which regulates balance. Additionally, the dysfunction of the dog’s inner ear itself can be caused by different reasons, such as vestibular disease.

Why is my dog falling down stairs?

So if your dog falling over or down the stairs has become a regular occurrence,

it could be a sign your dog has a more severe illness, disease, or condition that needs professional attention

. Your dog stumbling or frequently losing balance shouldn’t be happening regularly if your pet is fit and healthy.

What does it mean when a dog keeps falling over?

If your dog is staggering, stumbling, or falling over,

it may be the result of a variety of medical issues, including injury, stroke, poisoning, or an infection

. Here, our Matthews Emergency and Specialty Vets explain why you should get to a veterinary hospital right away.

Should I take my dog to the vet after falling down stairs?

Seek veterinary care


You should have the vet examine her if she’s falling more than usual

. If your dog is showing any symptoms of suffering a fall, it’s important she gets checked out by a vet to ensure she hasn’t experienced a serious injury you can’t see.

How can I make my stairs easier for my older dog?

Based on those experiences, I recommend trying

stick-on anti-slip stair treads or carpeted no-slip tread

. You can also help your dog up and down stairs using a mobility sling, lifting aid harness, or even a walking harness with a handle.

How do you tell if a dog is okay after a fall?

  1. Yelping is a clear sign that your dog is in pain.
  2. Check your dog for any surface injuries such as cuts, scrapes, or protruding bones.
  3. Look at the dog’s front and back legs. …
  4. Some broken bones might not be visible. …
  5. Injured dogs will breathe faster than normal.

What to watch for after dog falls down stairs?

  • Reluctance to stand or walk.
  • Pain when lying down or rising.
  • Stiff gait.
  • Limping.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Whining.
  • Lethargy.
  • Decreased appetite or difficulty apprehending food.

How do you know if your dog is suffering?

  • Show signs of agitation.
  • Cry out, yelp or growl.
  • Be sensitive to touch or resent normal handling.
  • Become grumpy and snap at you.
  • Be quiet, less active, or hide.
  • Limp or be reluctant to walk.
  • Become depressed and stop eating.
  • Have rapid, shallow breathing and an increased heart rate.

What are the signs of neurological problems in dogs?

  • Neck and/or Back Pain. Your pet might cry out or yelp when you touch an impacted area. …
  • Balance Issues. …
  • Abnormal eye movements.
  • Disorientation. …
  • Confusion. …
  • Mobility issues, particularly in the hind legs. …
  • Phantom Scratching. …
  • Seizures.

How do I know if my dog’s injury is serious?

  1. Dangling limb (dislocation)
  2. Swelling.
  3. Hot limb.
  4. Obvious break or unnatural angle.

Why wont my dog go up the stairs anymore?


Senior dogs weaken over time, their joints ache, and they may be losing strength in their legs

. Dogs use their back legs to push themselves up the stairs, and as they age, this becomes more difficult. They tire easily and, in some cases, using the stairs may even be painful for them.

Should you walk dogs with arthritis?

Arthritic dogs will benefit from controlled exercise.

Gentle regular lead walks are better than an hour spent running around after a ball or with another dog

.

Is it bad for dogs to climb stairs?

Stairs are not always a bad thing when it comes to our dogs. In fact, in most cases,

majority of dogs are completely fine with using them and there is little to no risk

.

Do dogs forgive you if you hit them?

Finding Forgiveness

Some dogs can and do develop emotional traumas, but in most cases bad experiences are forgotten and replaced with newer, more positive patterns.

Dogs forgive, but not quite as much as they forget

.

What are the signs of internal bleeding in a dog?

Common signs of internal bleeding include

weakness, trouble breathing, pale gums, a distended abdomen, and collapse

. Less common signs are vomiting, not eating, and general malaise. And on one cold January night that is how Rice, a 12 year old terrier mix, was acting, alerting his owners that something was wrong.

Do dogs get hurt when they fall?

Although dog owners can try their best to keep their pet safe from harm, accidents can happen. One cause of accidental injury for dogs is falling. Although dogs may seem agile,

they can be hurt just as bad as any other animal from a fall

.

Do dogs know when they’re dying?

She says

it’s tough to know how much a dog understands or is feeling near the end of their life

, but some behaviors might be more apparent. “Many dogs appear to be more ‘clingy’ or attached, following you around consistently and remaining close,” Bergeland says.

How do you know if your dog is crying for help?

  • Change in Eating Habits. …
  • Drinking a Lot or Too Little. …
  • Difficult or Rapid Breathing. …
  • Vomiting or Changes in Stool. …
  • Lack of Energy or Lethargy. …
  • Poor Balance or Difficulty With Regular Movement. …
  • Irritated, Weeping or Red Eyes.

Do dogs know I love them?



Yes, your dog knows how much you love him

! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have actually hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway that is normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.