Just adopted a 9 yr old OES...need some advice ;)
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| Hi Karen:
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. Regarding the dog's food: it would be good to get him on a high quality food as soon as possible. However, to limit the stress on the dog (and to limit the possible diarrhea), mix the old food with the new and gradually move him over to the new food over a week or two. Some possibilties for high quality food include Wellness, California Natural, Nutro, & Canidae. You can find many discussions about food in this forum. Probably the easiast way is to use the "search" function at the top of the page. Also, there are several things that a veterinarian can prescribe for arthritis. I take my 13 year old American Eskimo for chiropractic sessions once a month and it seems to help him. Good luck - I am looking forward to hearing more about your sheepie. |
| Congratulations on your new addition! You will soon be a Sheepie lover as they are impossible to fall for. What is your new additions name?
I would suggest taking him to your own vet to have him checked out. They will be able to recommend some type of food for older dogs and also give you some insight into what you believe to be arthritis. I am sure that others here will have better suggestions. I just know that the first place Pud and I visited after I received him was the vet, you can never be too careful. You may want to talk to the vet that was treating him before, as he will be the most familiar with the history of the dog. |
| Congratulations on your new addition!
9 is senior for a large breed and most do have a touch of arthritis, my vet had Shaggy my very old Sheepie on Glucosamine (not sure if I've spelt it correctly) This is available at any pharmacy. The last six months of her life she was switched to Medicam which is a perscription med, which is a bit stronger. This ole girl lived until 15 and 1/2, but was very small for a Sheepie. I applaud you for taking on this boy at his age and not all are willing to take a big dog into their homes. Good for you!!! PS You'd be suprised as not all are that big underneath all that hair. I think you'll have pure joy experiencing what it's like to be a Sheepie owner and this old guy is lucky to have you willing to open up your home. Marianne |
| I appreciate everyone's response to my taking in "Spud". His age is a big concern for me and I just want to make sure he gets everything he needs. I'm keeping his hair short since it has been so hot (even though he stays inside most of the day). I can already say that in just two days he's won us over(me, my husband, and two daughters). Even though he is HUGE, he's just like a big teddy bear. I have never seen a sweeter dog. It's no wonder this forum is so big. I can see why this breed is so popular if all sheepdogs are like Spud. He has a vet appt in two weeks. Hopefully, I'll get him squared away. Thanks again for all your help. I really appreciate it |
| Spud Love
You'll find sheepies can bestow an incredible amount of LOVE. Shower him with love and affection and watch what happens. Nine is getting up there, but I'm so happy you have come forth to give this guy a wonderful second life. The shortest time I've had a dog move in was 7 months before he died........and I cried as if he had been here 17 years. Good idea on keeping him in short hair. That does't mean you can't give him lots of body rubs and perhaps a brushing with a very soft brush to remove dead skin cells. Let him tell you initially how much he will tolerate. If he's like one of my dogs.........8 hours would be fine, LOL. There's much that can be done for the arthritic dog including some stuff vets PoohPooh but are working great for me. |
Congrats on your new addition...They will DEFINITELY will put a smile on your face 
Nutro makes a great food for Senior dogs. I don't remember exactly what it is called, put if you go to your local pet store (petsmart/petco carries this brand) you'll find the one for large breed senior dogs. It has the glucosymine (sp?) plus less protein since seniors are less active. Good luck with your new wigglebutt! Cindy & The Monsters |
| Don't worry about his age too much. I've read a lot of sheepdog books that say they can live to 15. I have an 11 year old sheepdog who is in excellent shape still. The major things that I have noticed is that he would sometimes rather bark at than run around with the other dogs, his hair is a little thinner, he doesn't tug ropes quite as much because his teeth are a little softer and it takes him a little longer to get up some days. Our vet did put him on glucosamine for his stiffness and it helps. Some dogs can be a little sensitive to it so you may want to ask your vet for the side effects as well if they suggest it for your guy.
Norman is still very much bright eyed and I would say bushy tailed if he had one. He runs after rabbits and the puppy and plays like crazy. He is only slightly cranky in his old age and I think that is more his elder statesmen, "I've earned it" thing. Older dogs can be great. They are still a ton of fun but not nearly as demanding as those young whippersnappers. You should have many years to enjoy him! |
| I wouldn't worry too much about his age. I was at the NEOESR picnic in June and there was a 17 year old sheepie there. Although Spud may not live that long, he will still give you plenty of love. |
| Congrats on your addition and THANK YOU for adopting an elder!
There are some things you can do to postpone the typical health issues an older sheepie may have. First of all, be sure to provide Spud with plenty of exercise - keep the muscles and bones working! Also - keep down his weight - overweight dogs tend to have a worse problem with arthritis, etc. You may want to start him on Glucosamine/Chondroitin (1500 mg / day) - as well as Ester C and Vitamin E (check with your Vet of course!). Keep him active - that's so important! Good Luck! May Spud live a long and happy, healthy life with your family! Kristen |
That is so awesome! We just adopted an 8 year old sheepie, back in May. He's such a good boy, or should I say "old man". He still has a lot of puppy in him, even though he's got pretty severe arthritis. He was hit by a car as a puppy and was never taken to the vet.  But he still jumps around, especially when it's time to eat! We feed him Science Diet, the senior kind. He loves it!! Our other two sheepies have welcomed him into our family!
Congratulations to you adopting an old guy, without knowing much about the breed! And it is the most wonderful breed! Consider yourself hooked! Sheepiehugs! |
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