Trouble with the stairs

Question
I have a 7-8 yr old Chowsky (husky chow). During the last few months I have noticed her being nervous about climbing the stairs to the bedroom (13 steps straight up)when it is dark. Numerous times I have given her light if it was late at night and she'd go right up. Today, however, she doesn't even want to attempt them. No matter how much light, she just does not want to go anywhere near the steps.

Could this be a vision thing? Or a hip thing? Perhaps she lost her footing one day while home alone?

She does not appear to be in any kind of pain and her personally is rather normal...except you ask about going upstairs. Then she just looks at them and gets a sad expression on her face and walks away.

Suggestions?
Thanks
Regi

Answer
Hi Regi,

It's totally possible that there was an incident involving the staircase when your dog was home alone.
If she slipped, her problem might be a loss of vision, or she may have hurt her back, and is unwilling to attempt the stairs again. Dogs are pretty stoic about showing pain, just because you think she's not in pain, doesn't mean that she isn't.

It's also totally possible that she's having a vision problem.
You should have your dog examined by your veterinarian, as many eye problems, including Glaucoma, are treatable.

In the meantime, make your dog comfortable on the first floor of your home, or carry her up the stairs if that's where you want her to be.

Best of luck,
Patti