Question by Adrienne: dog won’t go outside?
So we had an ice storm last night and my dog is old and has arthritis. He doesn’t like to go down steps because he thinks he’ll fall. He knows the deck is slippery and I can’t get him to go down the inside steps to go out the front door. I’ve tried food, ringing the doorbell etc. He hasn’t gone to the bathroom since 7p.m. last night and it is now 10 a.m. Will he be alright if he waits until the ice melts?
He weighs close to 100 pounds.
he’s on medication for his arthritis, I think he’s just scared. I’m going to try putting a few long rugs on the porch so he can walk on it without slipping.

Best answer:

Answer by Teacup Irish Doodlehound
Try getting him some puppy pads so he won’t have to go outside (you could put them in the garage if you don’t want him using them in the house).

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Question by MARILYN S: Why is my 11 year old dog suddenly afraid to be outside?
My dog acts afraid to go outside-her tail goes down and her ears go back and she wants me to pick her up. Sometimes she acts like she is afraid of people she has known for years. Or is she in pain due to do arthritis?

Best answer:

Answer by Canine luver
Does your dog actually have arthritis?

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Question by grinch: my outside dog’s arthritis has gotten so bad in the last 2 days that he can’t stand to go to the bathroom?
he does not want to be touched,he’s not eating,or drinking.I have taken him to the vet,they gave him pills.if he’s not eating,i don’t know how to help him.
He is a 10 year old malmute.When i took him to the vet he was still eating and somewhat able to get up.this all changed over night. i’ve placed a heated towel on his back side two hrs ago.he’s still not moving around

Best answer:

Answer by Miss-Mojo-Risin
anytime a dog stops eating, it is serious. take him back to the vet or at least call your vet back and explain what is going on. They are not doing enough if u ask me.

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Question by DeltaJuliet: When to put dog that eats, recognizes, and goes outside to sleep?
Our 13 year old Golden Retriever has weak hind legs (hip dysplasia) and sometimes barks when he’s lying in the kitchen which has hardwood flooring. Our family is under a lot of stress lately and this issue just adds to the pile. My mom thinks it’s close to that time, but I think otherwise. Our dog hasn’t peed/pooped inside in years and holds it for hours when we’re gone. He also still wags his tail when someone comes home and still eats his food. I’m just wondering if other people put their pets down when they are like this.
Finally people who agree with me! I’ve been told I’m kind of in denial, but I know it’s just not right to put him down now. I couldn’t imagine living after knowing he was put down while still in a decent condition. Thanks for everyone’s input.
We’ve been caring for him his whole life. He has been taking Rimadyl and glucosamine chondroitin for the last year or so. We also have had carpet runners on the floor so that he won’t slip around. We’ve even built him a wheelchair ramp to go outside. I think my mom was just freaking out like she usually does. Thanks for all the replies though. Now I don’t feel like an idiot.

Best answer:

Answer by LifeIsPeachy
Why would you put down a dog that is not suffering or sick?

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