One day you notice it. Your dog walks up to the couch, looks at it, and waits. Or they stand by the car instead of hopping in. Jumping that used to be effortless now takes a moment of planning, and sometimes it doesn't go well.
It's one of the most common changes in older dogs, and the good news is it's easy to help. Here's how to give your old soul their favorite spots back without the leap.
Signs your dog is ready for some help
- They hesitate or "wind up" before jumping onto furniture.
- They wait to be lifted, or ask with a look or a whine.
- They scramble, slip or land hard on the way down.
- They've stopped sleeping in a spot they used to love.
- They hang back by the car instead of jumping in.
Jumping down is often harder on aging joints than jumping up, so even a dog who still makes the leap may appreciate an easier way.
Stairs or a ramp?
Both work. The right choice depends on your dog and your space.
- Pet stairs take up less floor space and suit small and medium dogs who are still fairly steady on their feet. Look for wide, shallow steps and a grippy surface. Our 4-Step Foam Dog Stairs are soft underfoot and hold dogs up to 132 lb.
- Ramps are easier for larger dogs, dogs with stiff hips, and dogs who are nervous about steps, because there's no lifting of the legs at all. The gentler the slope, the easier the climb. A couch ramp with adjustable heights fits most sofas and beds.
- For the car, a folding ramp saves your back as much as your dog's. Our Folding Ramp for Beds, Couches & Cars reaches SUV height and folds flat for the trunk.
How to get them using it
Most dogs need a few days to trust something new. Go slow and make it fun.
- Set it up and leave it. Let your dog sniff it for a day before asking anything of them.
- Use treats as stepping stones. Put a treat on the first step or the bottom of the ramp. Then the next. Then the top.
- Guide, don't push. A leash or a hand on their side is fine. Lifting them onto it usually backfires.
- Keep sessions short. Two or three tries, lots of praise, then stop while it's still fun.
- Block the old route. Once they're comfortable, move a cushion so the ramp or stairs are the easiest way up.
A few other things that help
- Grip on the floor. Hardwood and tile are slippery for older paws. A runner rug from the couch to the stairs gives them traction where they need it most.
- Short nails. Long nails make it harder to grip. Keep them trimmed.
- A helping hand. For dogs who need more support on stairs or getting into the car, a full-body lift harness lets you give them a boost without grabbing at sore spots.
When to call your vet
A gradual slowdown is normal with age. A sudden change is not. If your dog suddenly can't jump, cries when moving, or starts limping, check in with your vet before anything else.
Every old dog deserves to keep their favorite spot. A little help getting there goes a long way.