How to Help Your Elderly Dog Walk Up and Down Stairs

When your dog gets older he or she can have a very difficult time going up and down stairs. Stairs can be dangerous to an elderly dog. You need to make sure that you're there for your dog so that no injuries occur.

Take your elderly dog out on a harness leash as opposed to putting them on a lead or on a regular leash. The harness leash is better for them, especially if they have any health conditions. Check with your vet for recommendations on the type and brand they recommend before purchasing. The lead is long enough that it can become tangled around the elderly dogs feet and make them lose their balance.

When you're going down the stairs, stand a few steps in front of him or her in case they lose their balance and start to slide forward. You have easy accessing to catching them and stopping them from falling. You can also coax them, give them encouragement, and help them along. When the dog is going up the stairs, stand behind them in case they slide backwards. You can catch them and give them a chance to regain their balance.

Let your elderly dog take their time when going up and down the stairs. Your dog needs to go at their own pace so that they can make sure they keep their balance. Also they can make sure to go up and down in a way that they aren't afraid and won't be in any pain.

Don't pull your dog by the leash when bringing them up or down the stairs. You can injure them, especially if they have health conditions.