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My dog struggles to walk, stand, or climb. What can help her?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed

My dog has trouble walking, she can't go up stairs, jump on a bed, she can barely stand her self up. She doesn't whine or whimper for an injury.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Katie S

Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 21st, 2016

Sounds like your dog is having quite a few mobility issues. I'm not sure your how old your dog is, but with these symptoms I would suspect an older dog. There are things you can do to help (to a point) like adding a ramp or pet stairs to make going up and down easier, a good memory foam bed to soothe achy bones, glucosamine will help lubricate her joints so she moves a little easier, your vet may be able to offer some pain meds for the bad days but these are all temporary solutions. If she is an older pet this is where considering quality of life becomes important. She may be an older pet where these conditions get worse until she can't get outside to the bathroom and get to the food bowl. Simply getting to the necessities becomes a chore, that is not a life. It would be best to let her have her dignity and let her go if that is the case. Enjoy the time you have left together.

9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 22nd, 2018
Hello, I am very sorry to hear about your dog.

Lethargy and weakness can be signs of many different underlying conditions. It is possible that she has significant arthritis in her joints that is very painful and leads to reluctance to walk. It is also possible that there could be something more serious going on. As pet's age they can be more prone to kidney and liver disease; pneumonia is also possible in an older dog.

I would recommend having her seen by your veterinarian so that they can examine her and discuss performing additional diagnostics such as systemic bloodwork or chest x-rays. If her signs are secondary to significant arthritis they can help come up with a pain management plan for her.

Hope this helps, good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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