If I can change one dog’s life by writing, I’ll have achieved a purpose.
I have a beautiful cocker spaniel staying with me. He’s semi-paralyzed. Only 10yrs old – about 65 in human years. He’s now a heavy set fellow with a sweet nature and face. But about 20 months ago he began to lose control over his back legs. He isn’t in pain, fortunately. But can no longer go for lovely walks.
It is my theory – and this is not based on a University medical study, but solely from my observation and joining the dots – that the reason so many of my lovely 4-legged friends are having to undergo deeply painful cruciate ligament surgery and pet owners are seeing an increase in hip dysplasia and other joint issues is the lack of floor traction for our beloved companions and friends.
For a dog to live with a shiny marble style or highly polished wood floor – is like putting an elephant onto a lake of ice. Once a dog develops any body weight, it has to hold those legs together. And that takes effort and wear and tear on hips, back, and knee joints. An adult dog can not safely run or play until it’s on carpet, matting or outside. What happens can be critically damaging if it tries to do anything but walk on a shiny surface.
I’m not advocating putting carpet throughout the areas your dog is allowed to go at home. I am asking dog owners to choose tiling or flooring with traction for their dogs. Or putting down an inexpensive non-slip matting pathway for them. Once you do, you’ll see your dog will use it all the time, proving my theory. To feel what they feel, step on to an ice rink without skates and try to run….splat!!