Why Does My Dog Keep Falling Down The Stairs?

Why Does My Dog Keep Falling Down The Stairs?

A dog toppling down the stairs clumsily may be amusing sometimes, but it gets worrisome when they begin to do it a lot. What’s happening when your dog keeps falling off stairs? Read on to find out.

Causes

Here are the common reasons a dog may be falling down the stairs:

1. Head Injury

A dog who has hurt their head may need quick treatment for any bumps and bruises. Left unchecked, the problem may grow, and loss of balance could become much more serious.

2. The Staircase Itself

Sometimes stairs just aren’t well-designed, making them difficult for a dog to use. They may be too high, too narrow, too steep, or damaged.

3. Inner Ear Problems

The inner ear is responsible for balance, and damage, infection, or injury to it may cause a dog to fall a lot.

4. Brain Tumor

A tumor may affect the cerebellum, leading to coordination or posture difficulties.

How To Help

You can lessen the risk of your dog falling from stairs by taking the following steps:

  1. Fix Stairs. If your stairs are damaged, fix up the cracks and patch the missing pieces. It’s not just your dog who may get injured from this type of damage!
  2. Install A Ramp. For shorter sets of stairs, a dog ramp can be helpful, allowing your dog to run up and down without fear of pain.
  3. Runners. If your stairs are too slippery, a carpet or a runner may help reduce the difficulty of climbing on them – and once more, this isn’t just for your dog; you and your family will benefit, too.
  4. Block The Stairs. If it’s not necessary for your dog to climb the stairs, don’t let them at all. Block the way there with furniture or a gate.

Do note that you should also see a vet if you are concerned that health problems may be the culprit, not your stairs.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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