Are stairs bad for a basset-beagle mix's back in a townhouse?

I'm not sure what your question is exactly, or what answers you've received since we can't see answers from others. That said, if the stairs aren't too steep, I don't see the issue. The problem with long-bodied dogs happens when they have to climb often, or hop from high places, as it can cause injury to the back and muscles surrounding. If the stairs are very tall (and must be hopped up or down) or very steep, then adding a ramp or alternate way to get up them can help protect the back.

It's a good idea to get ramps or puppy steps to help Bow on and off the furniture to help prevent jumping, as dogs with long backs such as dachshunds can easily injure their backs. Bow should be able to climb stairs without the use of a ramp, as that does not involve jumping, but if he is having difficulty then a ramp is a good idea. Making sure there is enough traction on the surface (such as using carpeting) is important to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In general, I'm not concerned about an otherwise healthy puppy doing stairs and small jumps. If the couch is particularly high, try to discourage this but otherwise I'm not terribly worried. That being said, I do occasionally see puppies who land too hard from a jump and are now limping with an apparent strain or sprain. Usually, a few days of rest and pain medication is all that is needed but it can still be scary. Of course, if there is an underlying problem, Coco would need to be more careful. Hope this sets your mind at ease. Best of luck to you and Coco!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can start doing this at anytime. It is all about not over doing it so perhaps keeps this limited to once daily. Also, I would consider relying more on walks (perhaps longer walks) than using the stairs at least until his bones are more developed (at least after 1 year of age). Good luck and have a nice day!

Small, long bodied dogs like Luna may be prone to more back and knee issues. Generally stairs are fine. Try to limit the jumping though. Try to train them to use doggie stairs to get on the furniture. Sometimes this is easier said than done :) Big things are to make sure they don't get heavy and to have them examined regularly for any signs of joint disease. Eventually they will likely go on a joint supplement as well to support good health. Hope this answers you question!

Winton is adorable! I have heard this recommendation about the stairs as well. That being said, I have not seen significant research backing up the recommendation. I think it is reasonable to limit stair use as it is practical for you. I feel it is more important to limit hard running while the bones and joints are developing. If your dog is going to be your running partner, it is best to wait to until 15-18 months before allowing running on concrete sidewalks. Keeping your puppy lean as he grows is very important in protecting the joints as well. It sounds like you and Winston are off to a great start!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Pippin is very cute, I am sorry he is having issues. Moving slowlying and trouble with stairs can be caused by arthritis, spinal disease (IVDD vs. degenerative myelopathy vs. other less common conditions), heart disease (weakness), and cancers. To figure out exactly what is going on with thim, I would suggest thinking about having a referral with either a neurologist or a surgeon, and an MRI would likely be recommended. A physical exam can make a lot of these diseases more or less likely, however only with imaging can you rule out a slipped disc (IVDD). I hope that gives you a direction to go to get an answer for Pippin. Best of luck with him, I hope he feels better soon!