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My senior dog fell down stairs. What should I watch for now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Male | unneutered | 12 years and 7 months old | 14 lbs

My dog was walking upstairs and slipped from the top of the stairs and fell all the way back down. I ran over and picked him up and he was shaken up at first. He had heavy breathing and fast heart rate but after a couple of min he seemed okay. I let him down and checked all over to make sure nothing was broken or painful. He is walking fine and doesn't seem to be hurt at all. I fed him and he ate well. He's a 12 yr old pomeranian and weighs 14 lbs. What should I do/watch for? I'm just worried.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about your dog! Luckily it sounds like he is ok for the moment. I would continue to monitor him for pain walking or getting up/laying down, or using stairs. Be sure he is able to eat and drink normally and is urinating normally. Look at his eyes and be sure both his pupils are the same size, and that there aren't any strange eye movements (i.e. pupils moving over and over toward the same side). Also check his mouth/teeth to be sure they weren't injured in the fall. If he develops any issues with these areas mentioned, or if he becomes increasingly lethargic or starts vomiting, then a visit to your vet is needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 21st, 2018
Monitor him for the next hours and if you notice anything abnormal take him to your veterinarian for a check up.
Monitoring should include:
- gait, in case any limp/lameness or lack of balance, wide based stance or abnormal posture (low head carriage) are present.
- mental status: if he is interacting with you, eating/drinking, peeing and pooing normally.
- signs of pain/discomfort and any external wound
- any evident neurological signs (like having seizures)
- anything else that is not normal like vomiting, having diarrhoea, being inappetent, lethargic and so on.

Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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