ArcaMax

I am writing about the dog who suddenly wouldn't use the steps to get onto the bed. We had a similar problem with our eight-year-old Bichon Frise. My husband had the brilliant thought that our dog had lost traction while trying to use the stair and got freaked out.

So, we put a small rug under the stair that extended out a few feet, which solved the problem. It could also be that the dog's eyesight has diminished, and just making sure the area is well-lit when the dog wants to get on the bed might help.

— Trish, Tucson, Arizona

Dear Trish,

As we age, stairs are more challenging for humans and dogs alike. Making accommodations, like picking up a dog and placing him on and off the bed, keeping the space illuminated so they can see the stair or stairs, providing a carpet under a stair for traction (good thinking on your husband’s part), and switching a stair out for a ramp — are all easy things to try when this happens to our canine friends.

Thanks for sharing your tips.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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