Getting Old

[MiniN]

Our family dog is getting older, she is now 10/11 years old.

she sometimes finds it difficult jumping up on the sofa and things like that but can still run around and almost keep up with our 1yr old pup when they run at lightening speed.

i find it upsetting to see her struggle sometimes. is there anything we can do to make her life a bit easier/improve her quality of life?

[Rtaxron]

Don't be to upset MiniN, it happens to us all in time.

I cant keep up with my kids like I used to do, I get stiff, cant jump about or run like I used to do, so don't expect him to keep up with your 1 yr old dog.

Its old age and we cant do anything about it, but I bet your dog is still happy, so just let him live his life ambling about.

[MiniN]

yes she is a happy thing. she keeps the pup in check too! she really rules the roost.

i know we all get older and suffer from the aches and pains but i still wish i could do more for her. I love her more than some of my relatives (god, that sounds awful doesnt it!?)

[LoftyLottie]

She sounds just like me (except I can't run at lightening speed!). Try adding a teaspoon of cod liver oil on her food once a day to help her poor old joints.

Other than that, keep an eye on her as she ages to pick up any problems that might need attention, regularly check her for new lumps and bumps and inspect her mouth for loose teeth.

Also, be aware that she probably needs more sleep and she shouldn't be taking hugely long walks. She should probably have two small meals a day rather than just one large one - although some people feed their dogs of any age twice a day.

[MiniN]

she's also done this thing in the last few months when she is walking/standing in the house and just fall on to her side. she looks fine and is not in pain at all and acts like nothing is the matter and can get up again no problem.

this has happened three times. i'm not sure if she is just dropping to the floor in a really lazy way or its something more sinister. this has only happened 3 times and as i said she is not in pain or discomfort.

anyone got any ideas why shes doing this?

[LoftyLottie]

Oh and I definitely love my dogs and cat more than some of my relatives.................. ;o)

[LoftyLottie]

Might be a good idea to check the falling over with a vet. It may be nothing to worry about, but I would certainly get in checked out. Does she appear to faint and briefly lose consciousness when she falls?

[MiniN]

no, not at all. she's wide awake and totally with it when she drops. shes got the usually lumps and bumps dogs get as they get older, but nothing is causing her pain.

we try not to take her to the vet unless its something serious. she finds the vets extremely stressful. she gets in such a tizz she trys to bite the vet. she can event wriggle out of the tightest muzzle. shes a loving dog, but has a phobia of vets for some reason.

[LoftyLottie]

Sounds as if she's just fine then.

[LoftyLottie]

One of mine is a total wimp when it comes to vets as well. She gets in a terrible state as soon as we turn into the car. The vet even thought she had a heart murmer, but decided it was just pure stress. She even screams when she has her nails trimmed and it's not from pain!!

[MiniN]

ours can't have her nails cut.

the last time we took her it took 3 of us to hold her still, her snout wrapped shut in a bandage, coz she got the muzzle off, while the poor vet had to try and clip her nails - it was a trauma for all of us!

[niecsey]

Hi have you tried some vitamin supplements for older dogs? The kind for arthiritis? It might help :) good luck x

[garner]

Hi MiniN I have two oldies and we have a little wooden ramp from floor to settee, this makes it alot easier for our dogs [thats if the cats don't get on first] then its a battle for positions lol.g.My husband made it, when not in use just goes behind the settee

[blackcat77]

I give my oldest dog glucosamine treats which he thinks is quuite fun and seems to help with his joints - you can get them in pet shops. You can also get ramps to help the dog get into the back of the car if she has difficulties. It's lovely that she can still race around with the young dog and that'll help her stay younger mentally.

[ruthann58]

hi have you tried giving her glucosamin our old gsd had an adult human dose every day recommended by our vet also i bought her a bioflow magnetic collar she lived till she was nearly 14 .know what you mean about the relatives

[Sammc]

Hi Mini
Im no expert but I woulnt worry to much about him falling to the floor. My Boyfriends alisation cross is about 12 and has done this for years. Its just his way of lieing down!
The only thing I would suggest is not to let the pup mither him to much.
It is v sad to see them get older but at least you know you are giving him a happy life
(PS I deff agree with the relative thing!)

[LoftyLottie]

Garner, that is so sweet (the little wooden ramp). Of course dogs shouldn't be allowed on the settee!! (as if!! ;o) )

[gelda]

A couple of years ago my friend had the same problem with her gsd, he kept falling about and had very stiff joints, the vet put him on Vivitonin and he's a different dog now he's 12 yrs old and acting like a puppy again. You will have to get it from the vet though. I've just googled it but don't know how to post a link! When you google it look under the Petmeds site that will give you all the information. HTH