Will Jumping Off High Bed Increase Patella Issues?

[goldcountryrose]

My boy, seems perfectly healthy, but I just got a new bed that is really high. Toby just jumps on and off the bed at will. He is not crated, he sleeps on my bed at night.

The first time I watched him jump off the bed, I got worried. Of course he lands on his front legs, from a height of about 36 inches. Is it possible that this could cause injury to his front legs?

[JeanKC]

falling rather than jumping off the bed can cause problems.

We have a high bed also, and Beau would jump off if we didn't steps for him. Not sure Elvis was ever a 'jumper'...but for sure not now!




KC

[Cathy Moon]

My boy, seems perfectly healthy, but I just got a new bed that is really high. Toby just jumps on and off the bed at will. He is not crated, he sleeps on my bed at night.

The first time I watched him jump off the bed, I got worried. Of course he lands on his front legs, from a height of about 36 inches. Is it possible that this could cause injury to his front legs?

This is just my opinion, that seems high! I would make or buy steps or a ramp for Toby.

[Bruce H]

Wow, and I thought our bed was high at 30"!

We were concerned about this also and have a footstool at the foot of the bed. This was not based on anything factual, just a gut feeling. The dogs make the jump down to the padded footstool, then to the floor.

[Charleen]

I have a high bed too, so what I do is keep two big fluffy dog pillows on the side of the bed that they jump on/off the bed. The pillows easily fit under the bed, when I don't need them. But when I am in the room with the dogs, that is always the first thing I pull out.

My breeder said that if the dog can jump up onto the surface, then it should be able to jump down off the surface safely. However, I just feel better padding the jump for them and protecting their little limbs. I have hardwood floors too, so I want to cushion their landing.

[goldcountryrose]

Thanks everyone. I will fix up some kind of steps, but now the Q is, how do you make him use them? So far, he never jumps off at the same place.

He is such a rascal, I can just see him jumping over the steps.

[JeanKC]

Once they make the association, they'll use the steps (or footstool or whatever). I had to 'walk' ours up several times before they got it.

KC

[*Pauline*]

I've been told that you shouldn't let your dogs jump until they are a year old and their bones are stronger. I'm going to "try" to keep my puppy off the furniture till then just in case.

[Cathy Moon]

Sometimes I forget to ask "what age is your dog?"!!

Yes, that is true - puppies should not be jumping off furniture! And all of the joints should be protected from stress - shoulders, elbows, hips, knees...

[Kingofthehouse86]

When King jumps off of the bed he kinda slides down the side of the bed...the bed is only bout 30" high...but I guess he feels safe sliding rather then jumping...I would prob look into the pet stairs/ramp