![]() ![]() Any activity that includes intensive jumping or rigorous running or stair climbing is usually discouraged for puppies until they reach full maturation. This is why trainers discourage agility training for dogs under a year old, to give them time to fully develop strong muscle tone and bones. Be sure to see my post about how chiropractic care can help prevent some of this damage. This can turn into osteoarthritis as they age, which can lead to an unsteady gait, pain, weakness, and limping. Puppies are still developing their muscles and bones and undue stress at an early age can cause some joint damage. ![]() Dogs don’t always let us know when they have been hurt, but a fall could cause a broken limb or an internal injury we cannot see. If your puppy or young dog does try the stairs on his own and falls, be sure to take him to a vet immediately if you think he has been injured. Inclement weather such as rain, ice, or snow produces even greater challenges. Therefore, the risk of injury can be higher on outdoor stairs. Even more dangerous are outside stairs that may be wider apart and made of stone, cement, or metal. Hardwood stairs with no carpet or any type of traction can be very slippery and challenging for your pup to get a foothold. The most obvious danger when puppies try to navigate stairs for the first time is that they may fall. Additionally, puppies are still learning how to balance and coordinate their growing body and legs and can be a little clumsy in the beginning. Larger dogs mature faster than smaller dogs. Young pups are still developing muscles, bones, and cartilage until they are about a year old. Most young pups are usually a little frightened of stairs and rightly so! Just think about how daunting it would be for us to run down a flight of stairs head first! Why Climbing Up and Down Stairs Can Be Hard on Young Puppies These pups at the top of the stairs think it is a long way down!Ĭlimbing stairs for a young pup can be very hazardous due to injury or physical developmental risks. Let’s take a closer look at why some people’s opinions differ around the appropriate age for stair climbing and how to ensure your puppy’s safety. They should not be allowed to jump or bound up and down stairs in a way that could be hard on their joints. And some dogs who are prone to hip dysplasia should use the stairs as little as possible. However, puppies should be supervised for several weeks to ensure their safety. So, this can present a dilemma for owners of larger dogs.įortunately, most veterinarians agree that the majority of puppies can begin climbing stairs when they are 3 months old. But with larger dogs, it simply isn’t feasible. For small dogs, carrying a puppy up and down the stairs may work for several months. But you may not have thought about the stairs in your house and how soon your puppy can safely begin to climb those stairs.ĭepending upon who you talk to, a puppy should not go up and down stairs from the age of 3 months to a full year. You most likely guard him against bolting out the front door and running toward traffic in the street. You have probably ensured that he won’t hurt himself by chewing on cords or other dangerous stuff like plants or sharp knives. If you have just adopted a puppy, you have probably done a lot of things to make your house safe for your new pooch. ![]()
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