Falling Dog?

Question

I have a 7 year old Labrador Retriever. My whole house downstairs is harwood floor, do to allergies in the house and everytime he's downstairs (main living spot) he is scared to walk on the hardwood floor and even sometimes falls! All day he's been upstairs on the carpet (were he's not suppose to be) or when he does come downstairs he runs to the nearest rug! We have his nails cut all the time, but we're starting to discover his nails aren't the problem.

Has anyone had a dog that is or has done this before?

Yeah, good point. I was thinking about putting booties on him for suction to the floor.

Yes, we got him from a very good breeder, he has papers and everything, and has been tested for hip dyplasia.

Answer 1

Both answers above have good answers! The main thing is that if the dog dose have arthritis's and has fallen on the hard wood floors he is afraid of falling again. I to would place alot of small rugs around for him to walk on!!

Answer 2

Hi, I foster a lot of dogs. Some dogs are used to tile and hardwood, others are not. I suggest taking the dog to the vet and having his hips checked, and his spine as well for the beginnings of arthritis. Then be sure to have the fur in between his pads trimmed. If all of that check out, then you are going to have to go to the "leash and lilypad" method.
To do this, buy a bunch of small, cheap bath mats so that your dog will be able to step on a rug every few steps while downstairs. In the morning when you get up, hook him on a leash and lead him downstairs. Have treats ready. Call him over to the first one, praise, treat.. move to the second one, repeat. Work all the way to the breakfast bowl. Carry on as you normally would, you might need to babygate off the upstairs so he can't go running back up to the carpet. Provide him with a place to lie down if he isn't allowed on the sofa.
He will soon learn to "leapfrog" about and in about 2 weeks he should be moving about, not happily, but at least calmly. Do treat him every time he walks calmly on the floor. After he is calm, begin to move the mats a bit apart until he is finally calm enough to have them put away all together. Good luck!- dd

Answer 3

There was a episode of the "Dog Whisperer" on with the same issue, it happened to be a great dane with the problem. He showed the dog that he was in charge and also exhumed confidence, this relaxed the dog and he followed the "alpha" into a area where he didn't want to go. Take it slow but be calm and assertive, reward good behavior and not excited behavior. Good luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Answer 4

He's scared of slipping on the floor. I used to see that all the time at the pet store, where dogs would get really excited, try to run, and slide on the tile. Try trimming the hair between the pads of his feet plus keeping his nails short. That should keep his feet from being to slippery.

Answer 5

I have a 12 year old lab. Just within the last year she started falling on our hardwood floor too. I think it is a problem with her hips, so I've started her on glucosamine chondrotin which has been a real help. I also lay a lot of rugs down for her. I don't want her injuring herself, she's an old girl with fragile bones.

Answer 6

I saw the " Dog Whisper " on TV work with owners
that had a dog afraid to walk on linoleum floors
in fear of falling. He put the dog on a short leash
and walked around with him slow at first, until the
dog got used to it. Then put him on a longer leash chain.
When the Dog got used to the floor he let him walk alone.
I LOVE THIS SHOW. I don't have a dog anymore, but
I'm really in to watching the Show. Cesar does a GREAT
job with dogs.

Answer 7

I would have the vet check him. He may have some weakness in the hind legs or a neurological problem. My dog is very old and getting quite weak. I put dog booties on her hind legs during the day if she is having a bad day. This helps give her traction on the slippery floors.

Answer 8

When you bought yur dog did you make sure he had been checked for hip dysplasia. This is often the age they start showing it and decreased control of his hindquarters is a good sign. This can result in falling. Labs are very prone to dysplasia. Good breeders have their litter exrayed for this. All exrays are sent to a board of certified experts who look them over and then rate them as to their potential of developing the disease.

Answer 9

if you have carpet upstairs then put it on down stairs. stop the poor thing from falling, he could get harm badly. and you claim of allergies, what dose having carpet upstairs and not down stairs make any difference?. l say, that do not make sense to me. so if you love your dog carpet the floor.please

Answer 10

It's called lack of traction,don't trim the nails too short.