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Why is my dog scared of walking on wood floors? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

My dog is scared to walk on hard floor he walks on carpet and outside. Our whole house is of wood floor. What can I do ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2017

Hi, this is Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rudy! You didn't indicate how old Rudy is or if this is a new change. Some dogs always have a hard time on hard, shiny surfaces while others develops this as they get older. Either from fear of slipping, orthopedic pain or even poor eye sight. If this is a sudden change and Rudy is older having him checked by your Veterinarian for vision issues or arthritis may help him. Things to try at home: buy more rugs for the floor and make a trail of carpet runners. I know that you may not want to but it will make things easier. There are also booties you can buy to place on their feet. Just be careful to not keep them on all the time because they can get foot infections. Also some dogs are scared of the booties and walk worse with them on. I hope Rudy does ok!

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