Is it normal for an older dog to slow down on the stairs?

It is common, but common is not the same as harmless. Reluctance on stairs is one of the subtle ways dogs show joint pain, so it is worth mentioning to your vet rather than putting it down to age.

Could my dog just be lazy?

Possibly, but you can't tell from the outside. Dogs are good at hiding pain, and a dog that is sore often looks like a dog that can't be bothered. Let the vet rule out a physical cause before you decide it is attitude.

Should I carry my small dog up and down the stairs?

For many small dogs carrying is a reasonable short-term fix. Support both the chest and the back end so the spine stays level. If your dog has a known back problem, ask your vet how to lift them.

Why Is My Senior Dog Hesitating on the Stairs?

Pain, fear or just not in the mood? From the outside they look the same. Here is what can be behind it, what to watch for at home and when to call the vet.

Frank, my seven-year-old Shih-Poo, sometimes hesitates before the stairs. Not every time, and not dramatically. He just stops for a moment. I honestly can't tell whether he is being lazy, whether he is a bit scared, or whether something hurts.

That uncertainty is the whole problem. From the outside, those three look almost exactly the same. This article goes through what can be behind it, what you can note at home, and when it is time to let a vet take a look.

Why stairs show problems first

Stairs ask more of a dog than walking on flat ground. Going up puts most of the work on the back legs. Going down, and especially jumping down, puts the impact on the front legs and the back.

That is why stairs are often where a problem shows up before you notice anything on a normal walk. Veterinary sources point out that a reduced willingness to climb stairs or jump into the car can be a sign of discomfort, even in a dog that doesn't limp or yelp. Dogs are very good at hiding pain.

Possible reasons a dog hesitates

None of these can be told apart by looking. They are the things a vet will think about.

Pain in the joints. Arthritis is common in older dogs, and taking stairs slowly or avoiding them is one of the typical early signs.

Other physical causes. Injuries, back problems, a kneecap that slips out of place, and balance problems can all make stairs harder. Something as simple as a sore paw pad can do it too.

Eyesight. Aging senses can make a dog react differently to its surroundings. Steps that are hard to see, for example in dim light or on a patterned carpet, can make a dog cautious.

A slippery or scary surface. Smooth wooden steps, open stairs where the dog can see through, or a single bad slip can be enough to make some dogs careful.

Not wanting to. It happens. But it is the last explanation to settle on, not the first.

What to note at home

Before a vet visit, a few days of watching gives you something concrete to describe. Look at:

Up or down. Is it going up, going down, or both?
Time of day. Is it worse first thing in the morning or after a long nap? Stiffness after rest is a sign worth mentioning.
Which stairs. All of them, or only certain ones, such as smooth, steep or poorly lit steps?
Other jumps. Has your dog also become slower to get onto the sofa, the bed or into the car?
Walks. Shorter, slower or more stops than before?

A short video on your phone of your dog on the stairs is often more useful to a vet than a description.

When to see the vet

Any change in how your dog moves is a reason to book a visit. Vets are clear that you shouldn't assume a senior dog's trouble with stairs is just age, or just arthritis, without a proper check.

Call sooner rather than later if your dog:

limps or won't put weight on a leg for more than a day
yelps or cries on the stairs or when picked up
suddenly can't manage stairs it handled fine last week
seems wobbly, off balance or confused

For senior dogs, many vets recommend a check-up every six months anyway, which is a good moment to bring this up.

Things that help in the meantime

Keep the essentials on one floor. Food, water and a bed on the level where your dog spends most of the day mean fewer trips on the stairs.
Make the steps easier to grip. Non-slip stair treads help on smooth wood.
Add light. A small night light near the stairs helps if eyesight is part of the problem.
Use a gate. If your dog shouldn't take the stairs alone, block them when you are not around.
Help with furniture too. If your dog also jumps on and off the bed or sofa, read our comparison of dog stairs and ramps.
Keep weight in check. Extra weight puts more strain on joints. Your vet can tell you if your dog is at a healthy weight.

The short version

Hesitating on the stairs can be pain, fear or habit, and you can't tell which from the outside.
Watch when and where it happens, and film it if you can.
Don't put it down to age. Let your vet take a look.

If you are not sure whether your dog counts as a senior yet, see when a small dog is considered a senior.