HELP - Tiny senior dog slipping on floors

E
Emelmina Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I've joined this forum in the hope of getting some advice :/

I have three little Yorkies, including one who is 15 and a half. He’s my absolute world, my baby—I’ve had him since the day he was born, so I’m really hoping for some help. Thank you.

For a few weeks now, I'd noticed him slipping on the laminate flooring. He’s getting on a bit and my other little female dog is a bit boisterous, so I decided to keep them separate when I go to work.

A few days ago, I came home and found him on the floor—he'd obviously slipped and couldn't get back up... when I helped him up, his legs just wouldn't hold him...

I took him to the vet that same evening. She did some blood tests and diagnosed him with kidney failure. She just told me to change his diet and keep him walking because of the muscle wastage. He also has those luxating patella issues that are so common in Yorkies.

I’ve been doing all of that...

But for the last few days, I’ve been coming home from work and the poor old boy has been stuck on the floor for I don’t even know how long... I’ve put rugs down near his bed and his bowls, but when he tries to go any further, he slips...

It broke my heart, but I tried putting him in the bathroom, covering the entire floor with fabrics (rugs, towels). It worked for the first half-day, but I think he paws at the towels, exposing the floor underneath, and then he slips again...

On top of that, I’d put non-slip socks on him, but it didn’t make a difference. Today, he’d managed to get one off, pawed the towel away, and was back on the floor :/

I’m at my wits' end. I’ve ordered two different types of socks. I’m thinking about buying a carpet offcut and covering the whole hallway so he can stay in there...

It’s heartbreaking because I have a job where I can finish late, and when he slips, he can’t reach his food or water. He barks—I think he’s calling for me... it’s not great for the neighbours, but that’s the least of my worries...

Anyway, sorry for the long post...

I’m willing to try anything. I’m just feeling lost with all the options and it feels so urgent given his age: when I take him into the garden and he only takes three steps before falling over, it makes me want to cry.

Thanks in advance :)

Translated from French
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15 answers
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  • E
    Emelmina Icon representing the flag French
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    Having someone pop in to see him is a lovely idea, but unfortunately it’s going to be tricky. Either people are at work or they live too far away :/

    I've ordered the socks online now as I've found them really hard to come by in the pet shops.

    Thanks so much. It really is so hard seeing him get older... there's nothing I dread more than the day I lose him :(

    Translated from French
    Emla
    Emla Icon representing the flag French
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    I used to have a poorly dog who, because of the medication he was on, just couldn't hold it in anymore. I bought a large roll of budget vinyl flooring to protect my floors without making life difficult for my dog. It meant my decor looked a bit "unique" for a few months, but never mind! Maybe you could also try setting up a fairly large carpeted area for him, blocked off with furniture so he stays in his own little space. As for non-slip socks, it's worth adding a few extra dots with a glue gun. It won't stop him from pulling them off, of course... but it might be a way to encourage him to walk when you’re at home.
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    B
    Bangdji Icon representing the flag French
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    Carpeting is a good idea. In the meantime, it’s worth persevering with non-slip socks—try to find some that stay on better and have a bit more grip.

    Is there anyone you know who could pop in and check on him during the day? Just to make sure he hasn’t had a fall, for instance.

    Or they could even look after him while you're at work. Someone who could help him get back on his feet and check he’s eating and drinking okay. Do you have any friends or family living nearby?

    I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s so hard seeing them grow old... Sending lots of love to you and the little guy!

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    E
    Emelmina Icon representing the flag French
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    I was going to suggest the carpet ;)

    Thanks :)

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    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    I was going to suggest the carpet ;)

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