Assisting our 13 1/2 year old up and down the stairs.

S

sanemb

Forums Regular
Anybody have any suggestions for a harness or something to help our 13 1/2 year old Mandy go up and down 12 steps. We have her on pain medicine for arthritis, but some times her back legs will give out when she's going down the stairs. Other than that she's does pretty well. I just don't want her falling down the stairs.

Sandy
 
I was given a harness but it's a bit cumbersome. Best bet is to use a rolled up towel under the abdomen if it's a hip issue and under the chest if it's elbows. Let her rest into it rather than lifting her up with it. You might want to practice on flat ground first so you don't spook her on the stairs when you pop it underneath her.
 
I have used the ComfortLift Carrier on my 12 year old Chance when he hurt his back leg. I used it for going up and down stairs to go in and out to the bathroom... works great!

Good luck with Mandy. Hope she feels better soon.
 
I didn't use it for stairs but I had a Ruffwear harness for my bearded collie for her arthritis and loved it. I'd probably also baby gate the stairs for when you are not there so she doesn't try to do them if no one is around to help.
 
Ann said:
I've used this one for several of our dogs when they became infirm or were injured. It's inexpensive, easy to use and comfortable for the dog. And it's washable. I recommend it highly.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8082
Click to expand...

Can someone explain how this works? You use the handles to lift/support the dog? I'd be afraid of tugging too hard and hurting Fasb - especially his back.

I'm kinda interested in this. We're not quite there yet, but Fasb is 12 and does have arthritis. He's still quite energetic and generally moves around quite well. After 9 PM or so, he tends to get creaky. Sometimes limps a bit after he first gets up and has to do the "pumping" to run steps. Might not be long before he will require some assistance.
 
Fasb's Owner said:
Can someone explain how this works? You use the handles to lift/support the dog? I'd be afraid of tugging too hard and hurting Fasb - especially his back.

I'm kinda interested in this. We're not quite there yet, but Fasb is 12 and does have arthritis. He's still quite energetic and generally moves around quite well. After 9 PM or so, he tends to get creaky. Sometimes limps a bit after he first gets up and has to do the "pumping" to run steps. Might not be long before he will require some assistance.
Click to expand...

It's really easy and very adaptable to your dog's needs. It wraps underneath his stomach and you hold the two handles on either end. Then you can apply as much lift as he needs to either support him a little bit, or more if he needs lots of help. It's also washable and goes in the washer and dryer.
 
honestly if they are not collie sized I just carry them up and down. Tucker who had a FCE in july some nights is just too tired to make it up and down that last time out. He will generally try but some times its easier than the heart attack he gives me as he throws himself down my 10 stairs to just carry him...
 
I like the responses, and will keep them in mind. Lucky is 13 1/2 too but he still
makes the steps. He has other things going on.

Sad to watch them grow old but I know everyone on this board will travel the
journey the fur pals takes us on.
 
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