Traction is everything
A new article crossed my laptop the other day that I skimmed through quickly having already researched the topic extensively and agreeing with the contents. The article was on the detriment of slippery surfaces to new puppies. I am highly aware of surfaces and dogs; much has to do with puppies but includes adults as well.
Hip dysplasia is a very sad infliction for any dog. A couple of years ago I wrote a blog on the subject. It contained information of the importance of traction for puppies as soon as they are moving about. So I won’t go over puppies and slippery surfaces again but I will discuss adults.
I have several canine related Facebook pages where people often post videos of their dogs playing. When I see either a video or photos of dogs playing on slippery surfaces, I cringe. All I see in the image or video is an accident waiting to happen. I’ve blown out my own knees in accidents and it’s not fun. It is worse for dogs because we can’t explain what has happened to them. We cannot tell them why they can no longer go out and play. Why they have to stay in their crate and rest while they heal.
Since Elsa’s stroke, we have carpet runners everywhere. Any spot where she risks slipping is covered. Heck, we actually carpeted our bedroom recently even though I hate carpet, just for Elsa and Riggs’ sake. I love wood and stone floors but they do not love our dogs. Of course there are some that aren’t as slippery, like some of the rough stone.; but most wood, tile, concrete, travertine and granite are very slippery. These flooring types are very popular now and sadly dogs are being injured because of it.
Don’t get me wrong, I love all of these types of hard flooring but they are brutal on dogs. Dogs should NEVER be allowed to run and/or play on any of them. If you want to play with your dog, take them outside on the grass, patio (if it does not have a shiny sealer) or carpet area. If you have opted for a slippery surface floor, purchase carpet runners. I got a bunch recently at Costco for only 9.99 each and they are working great for Miss Elsa.
Keeping your dog well muscled is also helpful with slipping. The more muscle your dog has around their joints, ligaments and tendons, the better. A strong dog is much less likely to pull something because their muscle is much more adapt to protect joints. It is the same reason for us to have more muscle.
Another thing you can do to help slipping even when walking or turning on these floor types is to keep your dog’s nails short and the bottom of their feet hair free. Depending on what breed or mix of breeds you have; you may or may not need to shave feet. Some dogs have naturally hairless feet, hairy feet, hair only on top of their feet; while others have it on top, bottom and in between toes. So have a look and make sure they don’t have added fluff to slip around on.
Give your home a good survey, do you need to go runner shopping?