I have two small dogs, and they always jump up on the furniture. In the last couple of days, my Papillon has acted really strange about getting down from the sofa or the bed (both are only about a foot off the ground). She jumps up just fine, but when she wants to get down she stands at the end of the couch and whines, but she won't jump. Not even for a treat!! (And believe me, that is ODD. She normally does anything for a treat.) She paws at the edge and acts like she wants to get down. She hasn't had any accidents while I've been around, like falling or anything like that. I can't figure out why this behaviour has started, and it really worries me because it is so atypical. She is usually very independent. What is going on? How should I handle this?

The best answer and treatment will come from your local vet. Does she show any other sign of having trouble moving? You might try some aspirin, buffered is best, and never acetophen or other of the newer stuff. The dose is 5 mg per pound of dog. May have to start with children's strength to get the dose small enough. An adult 325 mg tablet is just right for a 65 pound dog. I am slow to suggest medicating your own dog. I can practically count on my thumbs the times I would suggest it.