10 year old Lab

Question
My yellow lab has recently exhibited odd behavior on our wood floors and climbing the stairs.  She has been eating her food in our kitchen since we got her and suddenly she is afraid to enter the kitchen to eat. She is a little bit better when I put down a small rug on the wood floors, even though it doesn't cover the whole area.  I've also noticed her pacing and anxious on the landing of the staircase - making it up the first flight of steps and then becomes terribly fearful of the second flight.  She paces the area that she reaches, wimpers and then almost "freezes" as she attempts to come up the second flight of stairs.  (The stairs are carpeted)  Any thoughts?  

Answer
Sounds like some hip or otherwise joint pain, I'd get her xrayed by the vets and see what can be done to make her remaining years as comfatrable as possible. Also try avoiding making her go up and down stairs lift her up and down them if you need her to go up or down them... I know a labrador reteriver isnt a small dog but a 70-85 pound lab isnt that hard toplift and carry for a short distance if you've got a good back :). Place a large rug or several smaller ones in the areas with slipery floors when shes around and walking about...make sure the carpets have the rubber backing on them so they don't slide around. My friend had a labrador retriever when he was much younger and around the age of your dog his had really bad hips one replaced once the other repalced twice...toawards he had to hold the dogs back legs up and have the dog walk up the stairs (from the basement where the dog liked to come hangout) on its front legs only.... his dog never died of old age or joint problems he died of a in head tumar that just couldnt be removed. Also try placing her food in an easier to get to place as well as her water so she doesnt have to travel around as much and be sure to get her for her xrays as soon as possible which should be within a few days.