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What to Do When Your Older Dog Can’t Walk: Helpful Tips for Pet Parents

As your dog gets older, you might notice that they’re having a harder time getting up or moving around like they used to. This could be the result of a number of factors, including age, health problems, or lost muscle mass.

Your elderly dog's quality of life shouldn't take a hit because they're having trouble walking. Even if they may become less active as they age, you should still strive to ensure their utmost comfort. A great deal of satisfaction will come to you both from assisting them in being comfortable and enjoying their golden years.

This blog post will discuss some of the signs that your dog is becoming older and may be experiencing problems walking, as well as offer advice on how to help them.

What Happens When a Dog Can’t Walk?

An ageing dog's inability to walk is associated with a number of behavioural and physiological abnormalities. Their activity level will drop and they may feel the need to sleep more frequently. Regrettably, this way of living might cause them to put on weight and lose muscular mass, especially in the legs.

Dogs can sometimes become so paralysed that they are unable to move, even when lying down. Pressure sores can develop on many regions of the body due to this immobility. To keep these sores at bay, make sure to assist your dog in getting up and moving around on a frequent basis.

Older dogs may experience sadness and lethargy due to a lack of exercise. Dogs are energetic creatures by nature; if they are unable to move about, they may become bored with their environment. Their emotional and mental well-being depend on your ability to keep them busy and involved.

Common Causes of Mobility Problems in Senior Dogs

Older dogs may experience trouble moving around due to a variety of health issues. The first step in giving your dog the care he needs is to educate yourself on these conditions.

1. Hip Dysplasia

A hereditary disorder that impacts the hip joint is known as hip dysplasia. Discomfort and restricted mobility result from the femur's improper fit into the hip socket. Large canine breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds, tend to have it more often. 

Arthritis, a debilitating condition that can manifest in varying degrees of severity, is a possible complication of hip dysplasia.

2. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Damage to the spinal discs, which act as cushions between the bones, causes IVDD. Because of the strain this puts on the nervous system and spinal cord, symptoms including pain and paralysis might develop. 

Any dog breed is susceptible to IVDD, although it is more common in those with a long body and short legs, such as Dachshunds. Trauma is a common cause of Type I IVDD, which manifests suddenly, while Type II develops slowly over time.

3. Cruciate Ligament Injuries

A dog may develop a limp and have trouble walking if it tears the anterior cruciate ligament in its knees. A human ACL rupture is comparable to this kind of injury. It may be difficult for your dog to walk, particularly while using its back legs, if it has a cruciate ligament injury.

4. Osteoarthritis

Older dogs are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. As time passes, the protective cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing bone on bone contact. The damaged joints may become painful, swollen, and stiff as a result of this. Older dogs often suffer from osteoarthritis, which can make walking very difficult for them.

What You Can Do to Help Your Older Dog Walk?

It breaks your heart to see your dog suffer, but there are things you can do at home to make their lives easier and more independent.

1. Prepare Non-Slip Areas Throughout the Home

As your dog's ability to walk declines, you should take steps to make your house more accommodating to their needs. Some dogs, particularly those with joint pain or weak muscles, find it difficult to walk on hardwood or tile floors because of the risk of slipping. 

Put down some non-slip mats or rugs to make things easier. Put them where your dog often goes, like by their bed, the kitchen, or the stairs. Rugs with a non-slip surface and a rubber backing can be useful in reducing the risk of falls.

2. Consider Using a Lifting Harness

The use of a lifting harness can alleviate your dog's difficulty standing or walking. A towel, when rolled up and placed over your dog's belly, can serve as a basic lifting tool. You can assist them in standing and walking by carefully removing them from the towel. 

There are some effective and specialised lifting harnesses that are suitable for usage around the home. You can more easily hold on to your dog as they move around thanks to the handles that come with these harnesses.

3. Get an Exam by Your Vet and Discuss Pain Management

Your dog must see a veterinarian immediately if he or she is experiencing mobility problems; this includes cases of arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other conditions. After examining your dog, a vet can recommend a course of treatment. 

Medications that alleviate pain and inflammation are part of the pain management toolbox. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two joint health supplements that your veterinarian may suggest. If you care about your dog's comfort and health, you must take him in for regular checkups.

4. Make Sure Everyone Has a Place to Relax

Older dogs need to sleep, but if they're not mobile, it could be tough for them to get comfortable. It is critical to provide your dog with a comfortable bed that will enable them to sleep without causing excessive strain on their joints. 

For canines of a certain age, it's best to explore orthopaedic beds. These beds are great for preventing pressure sores by uniformly distributing weight. If they have problems getting up from a standing position, you should make sure that their sleeping space is easily accessible.

5. Keep Them Engaged

Keeping your dog cognitively active is essential, even though their activity level may decline with age. To that purpose, you can provide them with puzzle toys or engage in low-impact activities with them. 

To keep their muscles engaged without overexerting them, try giving them gentle massages or going for brief walks (if you can). Finding mental activities to perform with your dog will help lift their mood even if they can't play as much as they once could.

Final Verdict

You can help your senior dog in numerous ways, but it's tough to watch them have trouble moving around. Even as they age, dogs can lead fulfilling lives with the right kind of care. You may make your home more comfortable for your dog as it ages by installing non-slip flooring, offering lifting aids, and discussing pain treatment options with your vet. 

Keeping your dog mentally and emotionally stimulated is as crucial to their physical health, so keep that in mind at all times. Your dog will have the best possible quality of life in their twilight years if you follow these guidelines.

 

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