Is my puppy slipping on marble floors causing health problems?

Slick floors won't contribute to angular limb deformities. It is hereditary. Injuries could contribute as well--an angular limb deformity could develop following a fracture. (if he breaks his leg) Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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.

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.

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.

Well Max is probably the cutest dog I have seen all day! He could be slipping for long nails or poor joints. He is young but if he has joint issues, he could have arthritis at a young age and a hard time getting his grip on slick floors. I would consider putting him on a joint supplement. I like either dasuquin or flexadin UC-II. Make sure his nails are cut to where they are just touch the floor / even with his paw pads. The vet will be able to help you with this. Finally, I would consider getting him some “Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips”. You can order these online. These work great to help give them traction. Also, I would confer taking him in for a thorough orthopedic exam. Your vet can even do X-rays to see the joints if there are any concerning problem areas. I hope this helps!

Congratulations on your new dog! It is possible that Coco is feeling too warm for her comfort level and therefore prefers to sleep on the cooler floor. Some dogs just have this preference. The only time it can be concerning is in larger breed heavy dogs they can develop what is called a hygroma of the elbow where they develop a fluid filled pocket due to the pressure on the thin skin near the elbow. You can look into getting a cot-type bed such as this style VIP - TM-_-58700003271149947&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos={adpos}&scid=scplp2647220&sc_intid=2647220&kwid=p26086767541&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI47K-ocjB2gIVwrjACh26sAmOEAYYASABEgKf2PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds which may be more attractive if she enjoys the floor versus a cushiony type bed. The humping behavior you describe shouldn't cause any issues with her legs/joints and can be common in young dogs. Sniffing or licking the floor after cleaning should not cause her issues but to be safe you can follow your cleanup with a wipe of a cloth in plain water to remove soapy residue. Best of luck with your new dog!

Hi there. It definitely sounds like Shia is in pain. Your veterinarian will likely recommend x rays to take a look and see if her back is ok, as well as checking her hips for any sign of dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, etc. they will likely also perform an orthopedic exam to check her for cranial cruciate tears or other injuries. Some injuries are indeed more noticeable when an animal goes from wood floors from carpet because they cannot grip with their nails like they used to, good observation! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best.