As your dog ages, you may notice a decline in their mobility, making it challenging for them to stand up and move around. Factors such as old age, muscle loss, and specific health conditions contribute to these difficulties.
The diminishing ability of your senior dog to walk doesn’t have to equate to a diminished quality of life. While their pace may slow with age, your focus should be on enhancing their ease and comfort. Ensuring their life is as effortless and comfortable as possible becomes a priority. Witnessing your furry companion navigate their golden years comfortably brings immense joy.
This blog discusses why your dog is struggling to walk and offers valuable tips on supporting them in navigating their senior years comfortably.
What Happens When a Dog Can’t Walk?
If your old dog is having trouble walking, you can expect significant physical and mental changes in them. For instance, dogs with difficulty walking will likely want to rest more often. This lifestyle makes them prone to weight gain and atrophy in their hind legs.
Some canines become fully immobilized and cannot reposition themselves even when lying down. Staying in one position can cause pressure sores to form on their legs, hips, and throughout the body, especially if they are not shifted and moved regularly.
Moreover, lack of exercise and activity can lead to canine depression and lethargy. After all, your pet spends most of its time resting instead of playing with other dogs. Having an active lifestyle promotes movement, motivation, and engagement.
Common Causes of Mobility Problems in Senior Dogs
Hip Dysplasia
Your dog’s hip health and strength are crucial for movement. However, their hips are susceptible to developmental issues like hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition wherein the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. The abnormal development of the hip joint results in the femur’s head not fitting properly into its socket.
This painful and crippling disease is more common in large and giant breeds, such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. It can be mild and slightly disabling or severe and cause crippling arthritis in your canine companion.
Osteoarthritis
Another reason why your old dog is having trouble walking is osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease is characterized by the progressive deterioration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, eventually leading to bone friction and severe discomfort. Chronic pain and mobility issues are more common in senior canines but can affect dogs of any age.
Healthy joints have cartilage that provides a smooth and lubricated surface, allowing frictionless movement between bones. However, dogs with osteoarthritis experience inflammation and stiffness in the affected joint. If the condition is left untreated, the bones may form osteophytes (bone spurs) and thickening of the joint capsule, which further contributes to pain and reduced mobility.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
This condition affects the intervertebral discs, the soft, cushion-life structures between the spine’s vertebrae. These discs are shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine, allowing normal movement and mobility.
With IVDD, there is pressure that herniates beneath or adjacent to the spinal cord, resulting in compression of the cord or nerve roots, pain, neurological deficits, and potentially paralysis.
There are two main types of IVDD in dogs:
- Type I IVDD (Hansen Type I Disc Disease): This commonly affects chondrodystrophic breeds or dogs with short legs and long backs, such as Dachshunds, Beagles, and French Bulldogs. It is characterized by sudden and acute herniation that is often triggered by minor trauma or normal activity.
- Type II IVDD (Hansen Type II Disc Disease): This condition is more common in non-chondrodystrophic breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Boxers. It involves a more gradual degeneration of the intervertebral disc over time.
Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Your dog has two cruciate ligaments in the knee: the cranial cruciate and the caudal cruciate ligament. These provide stability to the joint and prevent excessive forward or backward movement of the tibia relative to the femur.
The most common type of cruciate ligament injury in dogs is a partial or complete cranial cruciate ligament tear. It is analogous to the anterior cruciate ligament tear in humans. While the damage isn’t always permanent, discomfort is felt, and the range of motion is limited during the healing process, which can explain why your dog is having trouble walking.
What to Do When Your Old Dog Can’t Walk?
Seek Veterinary Care
It’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s immobility. They will conduct diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or blood work, to diagnose the condition and accurately develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Manage Weight
Obesity can worsen joint pain and mobility issues in dogs. After all, it puts excess weight on their legs, making it more difficult for them to stand and move around.
Besides diagnosing your pet’s condition, your veterinarian can provide exercise routines tailored to your dog’s needs. However, getting your senior dog to exercise can be tricky since you don’t want to push them too hard and risk injury. Remember to take it slow and easy. We recommend moderate walks instead of high-intensity exercises, as they help maintain endurance.
Another way to manage your dog’s weight is by providing a balanced diet and controlling the portions you give. Less active pups need less food as they don’t exercise and have fewer caloric needs. Additionally, senior dogs may need more or different kinds of nutrients to address their health concerns. You can also consult your veterinarian for supplements you can give.
Modify Your Home
Dogs will try to grip their toes on slippery surfaces, like tiles and marble flooring, which can cause them to slip and fall. We recommend providing slip-resistant flooring, such as carpeting, rugs with rubber backing, and non-skid mats, to help your dog maintain stability and prevent slips and falls. Otherwise, you can put paw grip socks or toe grips on their paws.
You may also install ramps or steps to help your canine companions access elevated surfaces, such as beds, sofas, and vehicles. Adjustable or portable ramps can fit various heights and spaces within your living space.
Since your pet prefers to spend a lot of time resting, provide comfortable areas that are easily accessible, preferably on the ground floor of your home. Soft cushions, padded blankets, and orthopedic beds can offer support and relief for their joints.
Moreover, keep pathways clear of clutter, obstacles, and hazards that impede your dog’s movement. Ensure rugs are in place and remove electrical cords and other tripping hazards that make it difficult for your dog to navigate your home.
Help Senior Dogs Navigate Mobility Challenges
Understand common mobility problems senior dogs face and take the necessary steps to help your furry friend enjoy their golden years to the fullest. After all, your love and care can make a huge difference in their quality of life.
Remember that just because a senior dog can run as far or as fast as they used to doesn’t mean they should be trapped inside all day. There are many ways to treat common mobility problems and live an active lifestyle with freedom of movement.
Learn more about your dog’s health by visiting the TPLO Info blog.
