Hi Dont know if there actually is any valid research for this. I know there is the research about not allowing pups to climb stairs until older and also making sure they dont charge like a lunatic. So to explain we have our main living area upstairs, kitchen, main bedroom etc. So stairs are about 15 steps approx. (I am on way back from work so can't remember). When we got her I would carry her until about 6months plus. I then gradually introduced the stairs to her and she is not allowed to run down the stairs. She never has so that has helped, walks by my side with my pace so. I go slow for her sake. On an average day she will be up and down approx 8times ie:4 each way. I don't know what impact this would have on her joints as she grows older. Is there anyone who has been in a similar situation. I am more thinking to the future as she does sleep in our room and we spend a fair bit of our time upstairs (obviously). We have talked about moving house in the future to resolve this but in case this does not materialise quickly enough just thinking about impact. Call me over planning given this is years away but not that far as such. Thoughts?
You’ve done all the right things so far. I wouldn’t be worried about her joints, given your careful approach. As you are anticipating, stairs are hard for an old dog. You can do things to help, like adding something for extra grip (eg carpet if they’re not carpeted). When the time comes it might be cheaper to install a wheelchair stairlift than to move house. But it’s not something you should need to worry about for a long time. With my old dog, he had to be carried up and down stairs (eg if we visited somewhere with two stories) for the last 6-8 months of his life. He lived till 14. He weighed about 35kg so it’s lucky that my hubby is a big guy!
For me, it is always good to plan ahead and think of potential problems, sad I know but then I have a young dog with ED so all houses, including holiday cottages are vetted based upon accessibility and have rejected numerous holiday cottages, and permanent homes, which have been perfect in every way except the issue of 'upside down' living. In your situation I wouldn't be overly concerned now but if you were thinking of moving, perhaps worth considering if the only other solution would be carrying a rather large Lab up and down stairs several times a day.
I don't think you are over planning at all , you are showing a responsible attitude to dog owning ! Fortunately for us, we live in a bungalow so we don't have this issue . I remember when my daughter first moved into her house over the lane , Sam went to visit, he could hear my grandson upstairs but was quite perplexed as to how to get to him !
Thanks it is more of a future as we have talked about moving anyhow. So this would not just be because of the dog(s). I was more thinking all the up and down now on a daily basis knock on effect in the future. I have no issue carrying her as have done in the past, OH not so that would be a potential issue. See how we go...
With our previous lab we used to throw the ball up the stairs (but NOT down) to wear her out when the weather didn't permit us to play outside. (We didn't know any better then) Despite that, she lived to almost 14 and never had any hip or joint issues. She even had x-rays at 13 that showed no arthritis or other joint issues. That being said, we're not doing the same with our current pup. But I'm not going to worry about her walking up and down stairs normally just to get from one part of the house to the other. We just try to keep her at a safe pace. I'm more worried about her taking a fall than stressing joints.
Our old lab did have trouble with stairs when she got old but not from joint issues. She had Cushing's and LP, both of which cause muscle wasting and weakness. It was just too much effort for her to climb stairs. She was too big to carry so we used a harness with a handle to help her up (or in and out of the car, etc). But mostly she just stayed downstairs in her last months.
This is what I would hate more. As she is part of the family. I think we would end staying downstairs with her and sleeping in the spare room. Call me tragic but hey we love her
Well, like I said, she did not like stairs for reasons other than joint issues. Her muscle atrophy was the main issue, which had nothing to do with playing on the stairs as a puppy. But we would help her up to bed at night with a harness. We did not want her alone all night. She mainly stayed downstairs during the day. Even with good joints, old age can make stairs formidable no matter what you do.
I realised that after re-reading post again. Then I thought about reposting as there was the potential that my response could have been taken the wrong way. Most by reading was due to other unknown health issues as they get older (same as us humans). Glad you still managed to get her up to stay with you though, even if it was tricky at times Yes agree about stairs and age. I was more thinking if there is anything that could assist in preventing further in the early days whilst we all feel young and fit. That was the main reason for my question.
Only other things I can think of are to keep her slim and keep her fit. Those things will help to protect her joints too You probably have that covered already.
I do I do I do. We do get plenty of comments though that she is thin (but always with a complement of nice coat and looks fit). Go figure. That is one thing that really annoys me. Vet things she is perfect and we should maintain her as she is currently. So yes she will be maintained. Friends and OH think I am nuts as I weigh her treats out for each session etc. So that we dont go over her food allowance or shape etc.
My vet is the same. He always gushes at how fit my lot are. Other people say, "Aren't they slim?! They look really fit!". Errr, yes. That's how they're supposed to look! Just wait till I've got Luna properly muscled, she's going to look immense
Our dogs never climbed stairs. On one occasion they had to. Euan was at that time 8 years old and Finn 6 month. We were in a dog friendly hotel in Germany. They had an elevator but for the last floor we had to climb 1 stairs. Then Euan twisted his back and yelped very hard ....Finn had no problems. Euan had his back problems and a herniated disk after this. He had an operation but was never the same. He had to pts after 2 years because of excruciating pain in his back!
