slippery wooden floors

[nikkibrisbou]

My poor 6 year old labrador has recently slipped on our wooden flooring and has become a shadow of his former self. He stays on his mat in the kitchen and I am literally having to drag him out for a walk. I have tried putting mats down for him to walk on, but he won't budge - as much as I have tried. Its not like we've just had the floor down, as its been laid for 2 and a half years. Any advice would be so welcome, I so feel for him.

[lankeela]

Sounds like he may have put something out. You could try taking him to a Reiki therapist, or some other sort of 'dog putter righter' - think you may be able to find one by googling, unless you know anyone with greyhounds who usually know someone. If you're reallly lucky your vet may know someone or be able to do it, but some vets don't believe in all that hokus pokus stuff. I had a dog run into by one of the others, he was slam dunked right into his side and his back was almost like a banana and one session with the healer and he was right as rain.

[RATTER15]

Was it laminate flooring? I hate the stuff for many reasons, it should be banned when there are dogs in the house as it is simply too dangerous for them, I have seen a few close shaves with it, horrible cheap crappy stuff.

[nikkibrisbou]

Thanks Lankeeler
He seems in the best of health other than his problem of being scared, so I don't think it's a medical problem as he is perfectly fine once he's out on his lead and does all the things he's always done. He just has a problem with moving around on the floors as he's obviously scared himself badly.
I will keep looking for solutions, but thanks again

[lindapinda]

Maybe try and associate the floor with something nice for him? Give him a wee treat,everytime he manages to be brave enough to step onto the floor,and keep giving a treat as he takes further steps.

[Noweia]

I would first take your dog to the vet to check he hasn't hurt himself! At the very least they will be able to give him some painkillers - if they work then you know it is pain that is preventing your dog from being up and about.

[scubadiver]

You can get small tubs (similar to old fashioned shoe polish type tubs) of waxy stuff designed for rubbing into dogs' pads to stop them slipping on smooth floors. Bought some a few years ago, but never got round to trying it out, so don't know how good it is.

[smiffy65]

why not just buy doggie shoes

[EDLEE]

If he gets on well outside, I would guess that he is apprehensive of the flooring. Rest assured, he will venture out of his "comfort zone" given time and incentive (food, affection, curiosity). I wouldn't be concerned unless he exibits problems outside the house also.

[gelda]

I aggree with Ratter on this one, I've known of 2 dogs who have been injured on this type of flooring, in fact one of the owners has had to get rid of it and have carpet put down because the dog was so frightened it wouldn't come into the house. Gelda