In clinical practice, we have sophisticated tools for assessing joint health: force plate analysis, goniometry, validated pain scales. But most dog owners need something simpler, something they can do at home, regularly, to track their dog's joint function over time. That's why I developed what I call the Stair Test for my clients.
It's not a diagnostic tool. It doesn't replace professional assessment. But it's a remarkably sensitive way to detect gradual changes in your dog's mobility before they become obvious.
How the Stair Test Works
You need: a flight of stairs (3 to 5 steps is sufficient), your phone's video camera, and a treat.
The setup
Once a month, record your dog going up and then down a set of stairs. Use the same stairs each time, with the same lighting and camera angle (ideally from the side). Use a treat to motivate them at a natural pace, not rushing them.
What to observe and record
After filming, watch the video and note the following:
- Hesitation: Does your dog pause at the bottom or top of the stairs before starting? Hesitation before stairs is one of the earliest signs of joint discomfort.
- Gait pattern going up: Do they alternate legs normally (left, right, left, right), or do they "bunny hop" (both back legs together)? Bunny hopping up stairs is a classic hip pain compensation.
- Gait pattern going down: Going down stairs is harder on joints than going up. Watch for tentative steps, sideways movement, or leaning to one side.
- Speed: Is the pace consistent with previous months, or has it slowed?
- Body position: Is their spine level, or are they hunching? Is their head position normal?
- Post stair behavior: After the stairs, do they continue moving normally, or do they pause, stretch, or show signs of stiffness?
The Monthly Record
experts recommend my clients keep a simple log. Each month, record:
- Date
- Hesitation: none / mild / significant
- Gait going up: normal / slightly altered / bunny hopping
- Gait going down: normal / cautious / significantly altered
- Speed: normal / slightly slower / notably slower
- Any observations
Save the videos. Over months, they create a visual timeline that is incredibly valuable for detecting gradual changes and for showing a qualified professional exactly what you're seeing at home.
Why Stairs Are Such a Good Indicator
Stair climbing and descending require a specific combination of strength, range of motion, balance, and proprioception. They load joints at angles that flat ground walking does not. This makes stairs a sensitive test because they stress the musculoskeletal system just enough to reveal compromises that flat ground walking masks.
Many dogs who walk "normally" on flat surfaces will show their first signs of joint issues on stairs. Catching these changes early opens a window for intervention, whether that's weight management, exercise modification, supplementation, or professional evaluation, before the condition progresses.
What Changes Mean
A single month of slightly different stair behavior could mean nothing. Your dog might have had a particularly active day, or slept in an awkward position, or simply been distracted. What you're looking for is a trend over two to three consecutive months.
If you see a consistent change (increasing hesitation, evolving from normal gait to bunny hopping, progressive slowing), that's a signal to schedule a professional evaluation. Bring the videos. a qualified professional will appreciate the longitudinal data far more than a single in office observation.
Limitations
This test has important limitations:
- It cannot identify the specific cause of changes (arthritis vs. muscle weakness vs. neurological issues)
- It's most useful for hind limb issues; front limb pain may be less obvious on stairs
- Very small dogs and very large dogs may navigate stairs differently due to proportions rather than pathology
- Dogs who have always been cautious on stairs provide a less useful baseline
- It does not replace professional assessment
Think of it as a home monitoring tool, similar to how humans might track blood pressure at home between doctor visits. It provides data points that enrich the clinical picture, but it doesn't generate a diagnosis.
Beyond the Stairs
The same principle of regular, recorded functional assessment can be applied to other activities:
- Record your dog getting up from lying down once a month
- Record them walking toward you from 30 feet away
- Record them transitioning from walking to trotting
Each of these provides a different window into your dog's musculoskeletal function. Together with the stair test, they create a comprehensive at home monitoring system that empowers you to catch changes early and communicate effectively with your care team.
Key Takeaways
- Monthly video recording of your dog on stairs creates a valuable longitudinal record of joint function
- Watch for hesitation, gait pattern changes, speed reduction, and post stair stiffness
- Stairs are a sensitive indicator because they stress joints at angles that flat walking does not
- Look for consistent trends over two to three months rather than reacting to single observations
- Bring your video records to care appointments for more productive clinical discussions
- This is a monitoring tool that complements, but does not replace, professional professional assessment