Dogs with long bodies and short legs are not suitable for going up and down stairs?
To ensure dogs get enough exercise, even if some owners live in buildings without elevators, they still take their dogs up and down stairs daily before going for a walk. However, frequent stair climbing can pose certain health risks to dogs, especially those with long bodies and short legs, causing harm to their spine.
Dogs like Corgis and Dachshunds, which have long bodies and short legs, need special attention to their spines. Because their bodies are long, stair climbing and jumping pose a greater risk of spinal injury. Therefore, if you have these dogs at home, you should be extra careful when they go up and down stairs. If the owner is still strong and healthy, it is recommended to carry the dog up and down stairs. If the owner is older, then stair climbing should not be too frequent.
Another point to note is that some owners like to carry their dogs upright like carrying a baby. This method also puts pressure on the dog’s spine, so it is suggested to keep the dog’s body straight when carrying, not upright.
Dachshunds are more prone to this type of problem, so besides stair climbing, exercise should also be handled carefully. Dachshunds actually require a fairly high amount of exercise. Some owners, seeing their small size, don’t let them exercise much, leading many Dachshunds to have obesity issues. The same applies to Corgis; they also have high exercise needs.
Besides appropriate exercise, diet must also be watched. Avoid feeding too many snacks and foods with high calories to prevent obesity. Once obesity develops, it not only harms the body but also increases stress on the bones.
Overall, regardless of whether dogs have long bodies and short legs, they should not climb stairs too frequently. To avoid excessive pressure on their spine and bones, controlling the dog’s weight is also necessary. Owners need to pay attention to diet and exercise regularly. (Source: PetsZone)