my 2 yr old lab

Question
i stay on the 7th floor in an apartment complex. i rarely use the elevator and prefer using the stairs. recently my neighbor advised me not to walk my labrador up/down the stairs as it is bad for the back. is this true?

Answer
Well I am thinking it might be more a problem for his hips in the long run. It is more difficult for a dog to walk down stairs then up them and after a lot of this it might not be a good thing. I am not sure any studies have been done on this but long term usage of any part of the body in a manner that is not usual can certainly cause injury. Look at RMI injuries that people get.

I would have to agree with your neighbor on this one only for the sake of his hips. You on the other hand, are much healthier for using the stairs.

So it's a call you will have to make. Your best bet is to ask your own vet the next time you take your dog in for his vaccinations and check up.