My golden retriever is 6yo and she has a hard time getting up stairs. She hesitates and then starts and then hesitates and eventually does it. She doesn't seem to be in pain at all, but could this be an "old dog" problem? She certainly never has a problem getting onto the couch! LOL! I didn't think 6 was old since my previous 2 dogs lived to be into their teens.
2006-10-08 13:47:43 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Six years old can be old for dogs, especially larger breeds. Golden Retrievers generally live to be 12-15 years as long as they are healthy and don't have any other problems. You can visit http://www.absolutelygolden.com/generalinfo/golden_retriever_faq.htm for more info on golden retrievers. She may be developing arthritis if she is having trouble climbing stairs. You can have her looked at by a vet if you think this might be the case. He/she can prescribe an arthritis med to help with the pain, such as Rimadyl or Derramax.
2006-10-08 13:53:13 · answer #1 · answered by Vet_Techie_Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Six is "adult" for large dogs and anything over eight years is considered "senior".
If you dog doesn't seem to be in pain when she goes up the stairs, she may have a vision problem. She might not be able to properly see the steps in front of her and hesitates until she can get her bearings.
We suggest that you taker her to her vet and give her a full work up to rule out things like cataracts, arthritis, etc.
2006-10-08 14:25:37 · answer #2 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Six is not old at all for a dog. could be that your dog is having some arthritic pain in the legs or the hips. our dog gets this (she's ten) and is a bit slow up the steps, like she knows its going to hurt a little.
Funny how she can jump on the couch like your dog too, and can run up for food fast as well! Motivation, huh? Get your vet to check it out.
also if your dog is a bit overweight it doesn't help their hips and joints.
2006-10-08 13:54:07 · answer #3 · answered by mhm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 6 yrs she is probably in her middle years. I think goldens normally live to 10-12 yrs. She could have a bit of arthritis. You can get something to give her for that, or could be hip dysplasia.
2006-10-08 13:53:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe she'd be about 47 to 50 in People age. So she's middle aged. If she has a hard time going upstairs - I think maybe you should take her to the Vet's - I think that's too young for a dog to be in distress over walking upstairs. Maybe she's got arthritis or ??? Hope she's not sick.
2006-10-08 13:52:10 · answer #5 · answered by You'llneverguess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what you describe your dog may have arthritis. Take her to the vet and see if you can put her on glucosamine and condroiten. It might help. Rimadyl works too but is very expensive. Six is not that old, but old enough for arthritis.
Good luck
2006-10-08 17:55:00 · answer #6 · answered by MANDYLBH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your little dog probably has arthritis. Try giving her a baby aspirin when you notice her having problems getting up the stairs.
2006-10-08 16:34:30 · answer #7 · answered by kittykat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually your dog is not old yet.6 years are 42 years for humans.
But you might check with your Vet, could be that Arthritis is setting in.
2006-10-08 13:51:17 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No not really. He might be getting a touch of arthritis though. You should get him into the vet to get him checked out. With a little anti - inflammatory, and extra calcium added to his diet, he should be doing better.
Good luck!
2006-10-08 13:49:50 · answer #9 · answered by Willalee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's about middle age for most dogs, but depends on size and breed. Could be arthritus or problem seeing. In any case, it would be good to check with your vet.
2006-10-08 13:53:13 · answer #10 · answered by Little Stoney 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋