Why is my 4-year-old dog slipping and having trouble walking?

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. There are MANY different things that can be done to help him get around better - namely medications that your vet can prescribe. I think it would be the least you can do to help him. Remember, just because a dog is not crying or complaining doesn't mean he is not in pain. Animals do not manifest pain the same way we do. They just carry on and do the best they can like they would do in the wild. Please take him to a vet for an exam and to get him started on some NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication). Don't let him continue to be in pain. You will be surprised at how much the medications help. You could also get him nail grips or special boots/socks for him to wear the have grips on them to help him not slide around on the floor: ( https://toegrips.com ) ( https://www.amazon.com/DOK-TigerToes-Premium-Non-Slip-Hardwood/dp/B0BHKN1G9C/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. I would recommend getting rubber bottomed booties for him, which can be found online quite easily. Another great product is called toe grips. Toe grips has a website you can order directly from. I would also make sure you are giving joint supplementation such as Dasuquin. If you are not giving pain medications to reduce inflammation I would recommend you discuss putting him on something with your vet. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Your dog could have arthritis which makes him unstable. He could also suffer from hip dysplasia (which can lead to arthritis) or have some compression of the spinal cord which can affect the hind leg movement. A vet exam is recommended to check for these issues. Some may improve with anti-inflammatory medication available from your vet. In the meantime, using small throw rugs on the floor (that have grip on the back so they don't move) may help your pup get around on the floor.

I'm so sorry to hear that Max is having a hard time walking. I would be worried that Max may have some arthritis pain at his age. I am attaching a handout below with more information about pain control options for arthritis. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=587 I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Max and determine what is going on with Max's rear legs and best way to treat him. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and you can figure out how to help Max feel better. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Thanks for using PetCoach. If she is slipping on floors, ToeGrips are sometimes more helpful than booties. https://toegrips.com/ If it is pain or weakness sometimes acupuncture can make a world of difference for senior dogs. Please be sure that you find a veterinarian that does acupuncture in conjunction with her current medications. If it has not been done X-rays to try to localized the cause of her problem can sometimes help determine the best therapy. (Ie back or hips or knees or all?) Best of luck I hope this helps.

Dogs can become scared of walking on slippery floors if they have slipped or injured themselves on it. This is more common in older dogs or ones with orthopedic problems who are not as steady on their feet. I recommend Dr Busby's ToeGrips to provide traction on slippery floors. These are little rubber circles that go on the nails so the toenails grip the floor when walking. Most dogs are no longer afraid when they have good traction. You can purchase these online. Otherwise I'd place a track of rugs or runners so she has a safe path through the house. Chihuahuas are prone to luxating patellas and back problems so you don't want Bella Blue to get injured, or be scared to go where she wants. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella Blue.

Oh no, it's not good that Duke's legs have suddenly given out. He could have been injured, suffering from severe hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease, or he could have even have a spinal tumor causing disruption to the nerves in his back legs. He does need to see a vet for a lameness exam, possibly a neurological exam, and x-rays first thing in the morning to diagnose the cause of this sudden behavior. Once a cause is found, the vet can discuss treatment options. Tonight, rest him as much as possible.