Mary Allen
When it comes to dogs and climbing stairs, opinions differ. As with so many other dog-related topics. Some warn against letting dogs run downstairs. The others find it completely relaxed when dogs go up and down stairs.
The threat of hip damage is quickly discussed. And not just with puppies. Just like poor muscle development.
Of course, nobody wants to do that to their dog. But where is the truth now? Are dogs allowed to climb stairs or not?
Are stairs bad for dogs?
Climbing stairs is completely normal for us humans. And nobody thinks that physical damage could result from this.
But on the contrary. Doctors even consider climbing stairs to be healthy. True to the motto “Our fitness studio is the stairwell”.
For the little ones, climbing the individual steps is even part of healthy development. So why should this movement be a problem for your dog?
Get a young dog from the breeder? Then he might advise you to carry your pet up the stairs for the first few months. This only becomes difficult with large breeds. Exactly those who weigh more than 10 kilograms as a puppy.
However, this recommendation is rarely questioned. And so every dog owner picks up her dog as soon as a step is in the way.
What influence does bone growth have?
Bone growth in dogs is crucial. Dogs experience the greatest growth spurt in bone length between the fourth and seventh months of life. The exact timing depends on breed and diet. As well as exercise and hormones.
With the onset of sexual maturity, the bones stop growing in length. The epiphyseal plates ossify. This is followed by growth in thickness.
In large breeds, the growth of the bones is usually only complete after around one and a half to two years. Small dog breeds mature much faster.
When are dogs allowed to walk upstairs?
Climbing stairs is said to cause serious damage to your dog’s skeleton. Especially during growth. So a large breed would have to avoid stairs until the age of two. This is very unrealistic.
Does your dog move up and down steps? There is no scientific evidence that your pet’s musculoskeletal system will suffer.
But on the contrary. Veterinarians believe that dogs can learn to climb stairs. And should. Just like little kids do.
Stress on the joints is crucial
We, humans, put a lot of strain on the knee and hip joints when climbing stairs. In the dog, on the other hand, it is not so much the hips but the ankle that is the joint that is significantly involved.
Although we shouldn’t make the mistake of comparing the human anatomy with that of a dog. The differences between two- and four-legged friends are just too big.
Any dog uses its mobility to gain enough momentum to climb stairs. Climbing stairs is therefore no problem for the animal hip.
The best way to do this is to look at the impact load on the joints. Every everyday movement of your dog has a much stronger effect on the hip joint than climbing stairs.
Your dog’s joints can absorb unusual surges of force. You will not suffer any damage either.
When are puppies allowed to walk upstairs?
So your dog is allowed to climb stairs. Do you have a puppy? Then you should introduce him to this movement slowly. Your darling should have the opportunity to learn this without fear.
So you don’t endanger your puppy’s health. But the danger is that your dog gets afraid of the stairs.
Is your dog afraid of stairs? Then he tends to jump down the last few steps. This is exactly what is harmful to your dog’s skeleton because the stress on the joints can become too high. In this case, his elbow joint has to cushion the load of his jump. In the worst case, bones can splinter.
Critics point out that there is no scientific research on stair climbing in dogs. So far, it has simply not been investigated whether the strain on a staircase can harm the dog later in life.
In most cases, the risk is comparatively low. It would be much more important for four-legged friends to ensure that the stairs have a non-slip surface.
Tips for training puppies
So the right approach begins with the young dog. Begin slowly introducing your puppy to the stairs.
Don’t be alarmed if your four-legged friend wants to climb the stairs on their own. And let your dog do it. Also, don’t pick him up abruptly. That would scare the little one. And he might become anxious.
Watch out for non-slip stairs. A fall would be bad for your dog. He can hurt himself badly. And he will react very uncertainly in the future.
Let your pup learn to climb the stairs playfully. Help him by staying calm. And by always praising him.
Which dogs shouldn’t climb stairs?
Some dog breeds are better off not climbing stairs. An unfavorable ratio of the length of the back to the length of the legs is decisive. This applies, for example, to breeds such as:
- Basset (Basset Hound)
- Bulldog
- Dachshund
- Pug
- Pekingese
That is why dogs with long backs should avoid climbing stairs. These include, for example, the Dachshund or the Bassett. These four-legged friends put too much strain on the spine by climbing up and down the stairs. You’re crushing them with it.
Of course, it is allowed to carry small dog breeds. In some cases it even makes sense. Because many of the little ones simply can’t get up the stairs.
Or they have big problems climbing down. For example, they would have to literally jump. Which can cause damage to the spine over time. This in turn promotes spondylosis, i.e. excessive wear and tear of the vertebral joints.
Conclusion: Which dogs are allowed to walk upstairs?
Dogs are allowed to climb stairs at any age. As soon as you do this yourself, you can support your darling. Practice with him from time to time.
But don’t overdo it. Climbing stairs poses no health risk to your dog unless you overdo it. Proceed with measure and purpose. Then you don’t have to worry about whether climbing stairs will harm your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How harmful is climbing stairs for dogs?
Stairs are bad for dogs, they put a strain on their bones and lead to all sorts of musculoskeletal diseases. Puppies are not allowed to walk up and down stairs at all.
When are dogs allowed to walk upstairs?
Due to the facts about the influence on bone and muscle growth, dogs can climb stairs without any problems in the sensitive period between 4 and 7 months of life, with the support of the owner and with a sense of proportion.
Which dogs are good at walking stairs?
The Bernese have a harmonious building and walking up a flight of stairs shouldn’t kill them. They are also smaller and lighter than Leonbergers or other giant breeds. There are some Bernese who also run in dog sports. It’s not about the dog going to the 8th day 3 times a day.
Which dogs have no problem with stairs?
Therefore, dogs with long backs should avoid climbing stairs. These include, for example, the Dachshund or the Bassett.
How many stairs can a dog climb?
It’s also no drama when a puppy runs up and down a few steps. In a healthy, adult dog, healthy mediocrity is crucial for me. I don’t think it makes sense to have to walk up and down the 5th floor 3 times a day.
How long can a Labrador not climb stairs?
Simple answer: A Labrador puppy is not allowed to walk up and down stairs until its master or mistress can no longer carry it. The later this is the case, the better for the little Labrador’s joints and hips.
How long can a 6-month-old dog run?
So that it doesn’t get that far in the first place, a young dog should be actively “moved” for 5 minutes per month in its first year of life. For example, walking a 6-month-old dog can take around 30 minutes, and walking a 9-month-old dog around 45 minutes.
How long can a 5-month-old dog run?
Rule of thumb: Five minutes per month of life.
Therefore, a puppy should walk a maximum of five minutes per month of life at a time. When going for a walk, less is sometimes more. Better do a few obedience exercises or a little game in between.
