This Husky Refused to Walk on Floors—Then His Mom Found a Breakthrough
Before he found a loving home, Levi, a rescue Husky, endured a horrifying ordeal—he was thrown out of a second-story window by someone intent on harming him. The trauma he suffered as a puppy left lasting physical and emotional scars, which may explain his unusual fear of walking on floors. (Watch the TikTok below)
For Levi’s parents, rescuing him was deeply rewarding but came with unique challenges. His unexplained floor phobia became a major hurdle. Despite their best efforts to uncover the cause and find solutions, Levi remained terrified of floors.
Recently, however, Levi’s parents shared a breakthrough on TikTok. While treating him for a skin issue, their vet prescribed Prednisone, and to their surprise, the medication seemed to help with his floor phobia. For the first time, Levi’s mom felt hopeful that her beloved doggo might overcome his fear.
@levithehuskyrescue we’re one step closer to making his world bigger 🥹 #husky #huskies #dogmom #huskymom ♬ original sound – Levi 🐺
A Fear That Seemed to Appear Out of Nowhere
In a detailed YouTube video, Levi’s mom explained how his fear of floors seemed to develop suddenly. She suspects dark-colored flooring triggered his fear, as it may have looked like a black abyss to him the first time he encountered it. His anxiety worsened when he began clawing at the floors for grip, slipping and hurting himself, which further reinforced his fear.
Levi’s mom tried everything to help him feel comfortable. She kept his paws shaved, nails trimmed, and even experimented with dog booties—all to no avail. A vet visit confirmed that his fear of floors was psychological, not physical. As a temporary fix, Levi’s family covered their house with carpets, creating the only surfaces where he felt safe walking.
“The dedication Levi’s parents showed, trying everything from paw care to carpet-covered floors, shows how love can fuel the determination to never give up,” said Rocky Kanaka, a pet rescue advocate. “It’s not just about solving the problem—it’s about understanding the emotional journey our pets go through and being there for them, even when the path is unclear.”
A Surprising Breakthrough
A turning point came when Levi was prescribed Prednisone for a separate issue. The medication’s side effects, including increased appetite, gave his mom a new strategy: she used his hunger to encourage him to walk on the floors to reach his food. Although the medication ended and his fear returned, it opened the door to further exploration.
Suspecting that pain might be contributing to his behavior, Levi’s vet prescribed a week of painkillers. To his family’s amazement, Levi started running on floors for the first time in a long while. His mom began training him daily, helping him build confidence and encouraging him to walk on the floors more frequently.
What Lies Ahead
It’s unclear whether the painkillers will permanently resolve Levi’s fear or if he’ll need ongoing treatment. Both his vet and parents believe a combination of pain and fear is at the root of his behavior.
Despite the uncertainty, Levi’s family remains committed to helping him overcome his fear and live a happier, more confident life. Their unwavering love and determination are a testament to the incredible bond between rescue dogs and their humans.
If your dog struggles with fears like Levi’s, remember that patience, creativity, and professional guidance can make all the difference.
Dogs Scared of Hardwood Floors or Slippery Floors: What to Do?
If your dog, like Levi, is also scared of hardwood floors or slippery and slick floors, then let’s try to understand the possible causes.
According to Dr. Julie Buzby, dogs’ paws are designed for natural terrain, not hardwood floors or smooth surfaces. When they try to grip these slippery surfaces with their nails, it can lead to slipping and sliding, panic, and fear. Here are the potential reasons behind your dog’s phobia of floors:
- Hard nails can’t grip hard floors
- Slipping resembles hydroplaning, causing terror
- Special needs and older dogs are especially prone to slipping
Solutions to Help Your Dog
- Provide Traction: Use non-slip mats, area rugs, or stickers to create secure footing while the dog walks on the floor.
- Trim Nails: Keep your dog’s nails trimmed short to improve traction.
- Gradual Exposure: Gradually introduce your dog to hardwood floors, starting from a comfortable distance.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise when they confidently walk on a slippery surface.
- Consider Assistive Devices: Use dog boots, paw pads, paw wax, socks, or harnesses with traction to help your dog feel more secure.
