Dog people: We have a logistical 911!

[EFerrari]

We've moved to a unit up a 14 step stairway. My poor Princess Buttercup, aka "Buddy" is 13 and arthritic.

Two problems: She can't go down the stairs well -- her poor back legs slap against the concrete steps. Going up, we can help her. Going down, help!

The other problem: There are nice new hardwood and tile floors here. But not nice for my girl. She can't stand up! I can get area rugs tomorrow to help her but what I really want to do is make shoes for her back feet. I mean, what happens when she runs out of rug?




Help me. Please. Need help.

[Kingshakabobo]

1. Try something like this.

It sounds like she only needs a little help.

http://www.doggon.com/products/slings.html

[EFerrari]

2. Yeah! There's the stairway solution!

Thank you. I'm mostly a catlady and the dog part of my brain wouldn't give me an answer.

:)

[Blue Diadem]

3. Wish I had known about those when I had my old guy

I had to fashion one out of a large cloth bag but it tended to slip around alot. That looks more secure.

[EFerrari]

4. This is a GREAT site for older dogs. They have a spray

for paws that is supposed to help with slipping. I'm not sure that that will solve the flooring problem. Their products are not cheap but they are wonderful.

(Once, when I was fostering sick kittens, I made a "baby carrier" from fabric and velcro. That way they could have Mom contact and I could be hands free. I looked recently and saw it's now on the market -- for $60.)

[flvegan]

17. And if you don't want to buy one, you can use a large towel

Big soft one, looped under the back end, hold both ends in one hand.

[Kingshakabobo]

18. I was thinking you could fashion something similar from canvas

and leather if you are handy that way.

[SoCalDem]

5. How about a narrow piece of plywood with carpeting (on the stairs)

just wide enough for her to use as a ramp...and someone DOES make "rainboots" for dogs.. You could buy some and put rubber strips on them for traction...

There used to be corduroy Baby bootie things that were actually dog-foot shaped. they had a drawstring tie and they even had grippy stuff on the bottom.. Try target :)

[EFerrari]

8. There are doggie shoes, really?!

I have Moving Dementia so all cylinders are not operational.

Thanks, SoCalDem. Now I can go fish. :hi:

[Blue Diadem]

6. Here's a link with dog booties that are good for wood floors

http://www.seniorpetproducts.com/dogshs.html

I see they also carry a similar sling device for helping elder dogs walk. It's the bottoms up leash.

Good luck. Our lab had a rough time his last few years between surgeries and arthritis, so I understand what you're going through.

[EFerrari]

10. She's the best dog in the WORLD in this apartment.

When barely a year old, she navigated a whole party of toddlers without knocking ONE over.

One of my nieces was afraid of her because Buddy was twice the kid's size. So, I taught Ella a few commands, and Angel Buddy obeyed her perfectly.

Never had her teeth on anyone. Helped me foster cats -- suckled a couple of kittens.

I could go on and on and on. Before I got married, she was my SO. Now, she's SO to both of us. :)

[Blue Diadem]

12. I can tell how much she means to you

Amazing how they become so close. I know I always felt that after all the years of devotion our Rocky gave us, helping him maneuver easier through his senior years was the least we could do. I'm glad to see there are products more easily available to help our dear friends.

[EFerrari]

14. You do understand.

And it is great, isn't it, that these products are in place?

What a relief.

And once again, thank you, DU. :loveya:

[SoCalDem]

7. Found: Mush Booties for sled dogs

http://www.frontcountry.com/site/granite_gear_mush_dog_booties.html

Granite Gear Mush Dog Booties


These boots are designed for traction on snow. They utilize the same ergonomic design and materials as our Endurance Dog Boot with the exception of the sole which is built with the same fabric used in climbing skins for backcountry skiing. They mimic the natural directional texture of a dogs paw. Run a finger across the pad from front to back and the pad feels smooth, run your finger from back to front and you can feel the grip, just like climbing skins!

Quantity:
Size: Small Medium Large XL Price: $16.98


Specifications

Small 2.25" wide x 2.75" long
Medium 2.5" wide x 3" long
Large 2.75" wide x 3.5" long
X-large 3.25" wide x 4" long Dog Boot Sizing: Our dog boots are ergonomically designed to fit the shape and curves of your dog’s foot. For proper fit measure the width of your dogs front paw at the widest point. Front paws are usually larger than rear paws. Then measure the length from the tip of the toe nails to the back of the rear pad.

[EFerrari]

9. LOL!

I can only bow down.:yourock: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[SoCalDem]

11. They are actually much cheaper than i thought they would be

and very stylish too :)

[EFerrari]

13. The low cost let me get expedited shipping!

She will love them.

We have a game we play, "Buddy's Hat". She lets me put hats on her and gets lub and treats. Now, she's just in it for the hats.

My poor dog. Putting up with living with people.

:rofl:


MANY THANKS.

[Kingshakabobo]

15. Those are great. They should make them with the Caterpillar or...

Timberland logo. That would be really cute. LOL.

I bought some for my beastie to help with here cracked paws in the winter. We live in the city so the salt can really cause irritation.

Those dog slings and wheel-chairs are great. In the old days people put their dogs to sleep when their hips went out but, now, I see happy dogs cruising around the parks in their little wheel-chairs with little effort.

[EFerrari]

16. I talked briefly about putting her down and Doug and I decided

the vet would have to do all three of us.

Thanks for your help!