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Watching a senior dog lose traction on tile, laminate, or hardwood can feel like it came out of nowhere. One day they are trotting to the kitchen, the next they hesitate, splay their legs, or slide when they try to turn. Sometimes it is “just” slick flooring and aging paws. Other times, slipping is an early clue that pain, weakness, or a neurologic problem is developing.
This article walks through what slipping can mean, how to spot red flags, what you can do at home right now, and what your veterinarian may check for. Any new or worsening mobility issue deserves a call to your dog’s veterinarian, especially if your dog is falling, crying out, or acting unlike themselves.
What slipping can mean in a senior dog
“Slipping” is a symptom, not a diagnosis. In older dogs it usually comes from one (or a mix) of these buckets:
Pain and arthritis
Osteoarthritis is common and often under-recognized. Dogs may not “limp” at first. Instead they shorten their stride, avoid slick areas, or walk stiffly because pushing off hurts. In a clinic population of dogs over 8 years old evaluated with radiographs, osteoarthritis was found frequently in major joints, though the exact prevalence depends heavily on which dogs are studied and why they were presented.
Pain can change how a dog loads their feet. If they do not trust a limb, they may place it down cautiously or too quickly, which makes slipping more likely on smooth floors. The 2022 AAHA pain management guidelines emphasize proactive recognition of pain and multimodal management rather than waiting for severe disability.
Muscle loss and general weakness
Senior dogs often lose muscle mass, especially in the hind end. Even if joints are not the main issue, weaker muscles reduce stability when the dog pivots, stands up, or tries to catch themselves mid-slip.
Nail length, paw hair, and paw pad changes
Long nails can prevent the paw pads from fully contacting the floor. Think of it like trying to walk in shoes with a curved sole. Excess hair between the pads can act like a little brush on smooth surfaces. Paw pads may also become drier or less grippy with age.
Neurologic or balance problems
Some dogs slip because their brain and spinal cord are not coordinating movement the way they used to. Examples include:
- Vestibular disease, which affects balance and can cause a head tilt, staggering, and falls.
- Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease that can start with hind-end wobbliness, knuckling, and loss of coordination. The underlying cause is not fully understood and there is no cure, but supportive care and physical therapy may help some dogs.
Neurologic conditions are one reason “slipping” should not automatically be assumed to be “just arthritis.”
Medication effects or new treatments
Sedating medications, medication interactions, and some disease treatments can affect coordination. If your dog started slipping soon after a new medication, note the timing and call your veterinarian. For example, the FDA issued a “Dear Veterinarian” letter about adverse events reported in dogs treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection) for osteoarthritis pain.
This does not mean a medication is never appropriate. It means changes after starting a new drug should be taken seriously and discussed promptly with your vet.
Clues that help you narrow down the cause at home
You do not need to diagnose your dog, but a few observations can make your vet visit far more efficient.
Watch for patterns
- Is slipping worse on one type of surface only (tile/hardwood) or everywhere, including carpet and grass?
- Is it mainly when standing up, turning, or climbing?
- Is it only the back end, only the front end, or all four legs?
- Is it worse in the morning, after exercise, or late in the day?
Look for pain signs
Dogs often show pain quietly:
- reluctance to jump or use stairs
- licking a joint
- stiff gait, “bunny hopping,” or shortened steps
- irritability when touched in certain areas
AAHA’s guidance highlights that owners frequently miss subtle pain, which is why structured assessment matters.
Check paws and nails
- Nails touching the floor when your dog stands naturally can reduce traction.
- Fur between paw pads can make paws slide on smooth flooring.
- Cracked pads may be tender, making your dog hesitant to fully weight-bear.
Screen for neurologic red flags
Call your veterinarian urgently if you notice:
- head tilt, rapid eye movements, sudden severe balance loss (possible vestibular episode)
- knuckling, dragging toes, sudden weakness, or collapse
- new urinary accidents or inability to rise
- acute pain, yelping, or a “tucked” abdomen stance
If your dog is falling repeatedly, treat it like a safety issue, because it is.
What to do right now to prevent falls and rebuild confidence
Your first goal is simple: make the environment safer while you and your vet figure out the “why.”
Add traction where your dog actually walks
- Put down runner rugs, yoga mats, or interlocking foam mats in the common “routes” (bed to water bowl, bed to door, bed to favorite human).
- Focus on turns and transitions, like hallway corners and the spot where your dog stands up.
Falls can set off a chain reaction. One scary slip can make a dog hesitant, and that hesitation can lead to more slipping. Creating predictable traction often improves confidence quickly.
Maintain nails and paw pads
- Keep nails trimmed so pads can contact the floor.
- Consider trimming fur between pads (your vet or groomer can help if your dog resists).
- If pads are dry or cracking, ask your veterinarian what product is safe for your dog. Avoid using random household moisturizers without guidance.
Consider traction aids, but be realistic about evidence
You will see socks, booties, nail grips, toe wraps, and adhesive pads marketed for “instant traction.”
Here is the honest take: there is limited high-quality published research comparing these products head-to-head in older pet dogs living on household floors. Much of what exists is owner experience, product testing done by manufacturers, and clinician anecdotes. That does not mean they cannot help. It means you should treat them like a trial.
If you try them:
- Choose products that fit well and do not twist.
- Check paws daily for rubbing, swelling, or moisture buildup.
- Stop if your dog looks more unstable or stressed.
Use support for standing and stairs
- A rear-support harness or sling can help dogs who slip mainly in the hind end.
- Block off slippery stairs if your dog rushes them.
- Use ramps for couches, beds, and car entry when possible.
Adjust routines to reduce strain
- Shorter, more frequent walks can be better than one long outing.
- Warm-up time matters. Many arthritic dogs move more stiffly after rest.
- Keep your dog lean. Extra weight increases joint load and can worsen instability.
When you should see the veterinarian sooner rather than later
Make the appointment promptly if:
- slipping has increased over days to weeks
- your dog avoids standing, squats oddly, or cries out
- you see lameness, stiffness, or “bunny hopping”
- your dog is falling, especially on flat ground
Seek urgent care the same day if:
- there is sudden inability to stand or walk
- your dog collapses, drags limbs, or has severe wobbliness
- you notice head tilt with rapid eye movements, vomiting, or severe balance loss
- there is uncontrolled pain
What your veterinarian may evaluate
Your vet will usually combine history, physical exam, and sometimes diagnostics.
Orthopedic and pain assessment
They may check:
- joint range of motion and pain response
- muscle symmetry and loss
- gait changes and limb loading
If osteoarthritis is suspected, your vet may recommend a pain management plan aligned with modern multimodal guidance (environmental changes, weight management, physical therapy, medications when appropriate).
Neurologic exam
This can include:
- paw placement and proprioception testing
- reflexes
- evaluation for knuckling, scuffing, or weakness patterns
If degenerative myelopathy or other spinal disease is a concern, your vet may discuss additional testing and supportive options. DM is progressive and the cause is still not fully defined, which is why management often focuses on safety, mobility support, and quality of life.
Imaging and lab work
Depending on the story, your vet may recommend:
- x-rays for joints and spine
- bloodwork before starting certain medications
- referral imaging (CT/MRI) for neurologic cases
Treatment options your vet might discuss
This varies based on the cause, but common categories include:
Pain control and inflammation management
Options may include NSAIDs, adjunct pain medications, joint injections, or other therapies, chosen based on your dog’s health profile. Pain plans are typically individualized, and guidelines emphasize proactive, multimodal care.
If your dog is on a newer osteoarthritis therapy and you notice new neurologic signs, weakness, or coordination changes, contact your veterinarian right away. The FDA has specifically communicated about adverse event reports for Librela, and your vet can help weigh risks, benefits, and alternatives for your individual dog.
Rehabilitation and strengthening
Veterinary rehab can be extremely helpful for:
- rebuilding muscle
- improving balance and confidence
- teaching safer movement patterns
Home modifications as “real treatment”
For many seniors, traction changes and mobility supports are not just convenience items. They are part of the medical plan, because preventing falls prevents secondary injuries and reduces fear-based movement avoidance.
A practical checklist you can start today
- Put traction runners down on your dog’s main paths.
- Trim nails, tidy paw hair, check pads.
- Add a nightlight if your dog slips more in low light.
- Use a harness or sling for standing up and stairs.
- Track: when it happens, which limbs slip, and any new meds or changes.
- Book a vet visit if it is new, worsening, or paired with weakness.
And most importantly: do not force your dog to “push through it.” Slipping is your dog telling you something about pain, weakness, balance, or confidence.
Sources
- 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. (AAHA)
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine: Dear Veterinarian letter on adverse events reported in dogs treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection), content current as of 12/16/2024. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
- AVMA news coverage summarizing FDA communication on Librela; notes approval date (May 5, 2023) and post-market adverse event evaluation. (AVMA)
- Retrospective radiographic study on osteoarthritis prevalence in dogs older than 8 years presented largely for orthopedic complaints (ScienceDirect, 2024). (ScienceDirect)
- Prospective observational study on radiographic osteoarthritis prevalence in medium to large dogs undergoing dental prophylaxis (JAVMA, 2025). (AVMA Journals)
- AKC overview: vestibular disease signs and presentation. (American Kennel Club)
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: degenerative myelopathy overview and management notes. (Cornell Vet School)
Medical note: This article is educational and cannot diagnose your dog. Always check with your dog’s veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or mobility aid.