My dog fell on stairs and now won't use them. How can I help her?

Question

My german shepard got over excited about 3 days ago and missed a step coming back up them. As of last night, she seems afraid to go up them... she still flying leaps off them and isn't acting hurt or any differently behavior wise other than not going up the steps like she used to. This is the only way out of the house so I can't avoid them. What should I do? Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 6 years and 9 months old | 63 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach this morning! You may try starting at the bottom of the stairs with her and coaxing her up step by step with a treat she really really likes. Warmed up small pieces of hot dog work wonders. Give the treat and lots of praise when she takes a step up. Really reward her when she makes it all the way up the stairs. It may be that her misstep on the stairs frightened her a bit. If you try this a few times and she is still having hesitation, you may want to have her veterinarian take a look at her just to make sure she has not sustained any injury. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

My dog fell on stairs and now won't use them. How can I help her?

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