The Sheepie Aging process - Arthritis
I took him to the vet this afternoon, and the verdict is that he has the beginnings of arthritis in his right back hip. He doesn't seem to be in pain, more just inconvenienced. She recommended 1500mgs of Glucosamine/Condroitin per day. She also recommend that he lose some weight - he's at 112 lbs, no where near as big as he used to be, but bigger than he should be at this age and reduced activity level. She recommended a second short walk each day just to keep him flexible. She did give me some anti-inflammatories to use if he has a really stiff day, but just as needed. It's hard to believe that my "puppy" is becoming an old dog! The time has flown by. Thank goodness we moved to a single story house last year - at least we have no stairs to worry about. Now I have to buy a few more throw rugs to cover up the wood floors, which are no longer Bailey friendly. |
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| Hi Sue, I just had Brick at the vet for almost the same reasons you describe. He's 8 2/3 years old. The vet put him on Dasuquin. See this thread for details. viewtopic.php?f=9&t=39355 PS: If you want to take some weight off of him, feed him a weight management formula dog food. And only give him 1.5 cups twice daily (for a total of 3 cups per day). |
| Hello,our Fred was the same,Sweep to,forget with Shep. They seem to get to around 8 and then age starts to tell. I think the years are going quicker nowadays!!!x |
They stay puppy-like for years and seems like overnight their age catches up with them. Make sure to smother them with hugs and kisses!  |
| You can not over hug or kiss a sheepie!!!!!!x. |
| hi sue!! have you tried the food that has glucosamine in it? i know nutro make one, we had panda on it. give big bailey a kiss from me...xo |
| Also Vit. E and we also give salmon oil....expensive stuff, but it worked wonders on MO's skin problems. Of course her kisses are curious. Yes, get that weight off him, he doesn't need near the food he has been getting and does need more, but shorter walks. Also consider finding a doggie acupuncturist.....it helps most dogs. Swimming is great for the arthritic dog too. In time you'll need pain meds, but hopefully not for awhile. |
| Hi sue been a long time. When using the additive "Glucosamine" for bailey, make sure it also is blended with "Chondroitin" as well. Fish oil capsules as well, again get the human stuff, all good to assist bailey!! Now not the pet shop stuff as way expensive, go to a health food shop (Pharmacy) for humans and get the human stuff all the same and does the same job. Hard when our babies age, love to you and Bailey and hugs from us all here in upside down land. |
| Thanks all! After a week on Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM Bailey is definitely more mobile, and doesn't seem to mind that we've reduced the amount of kibble in his meals. Now my issue is Tim... I actually caught him feeding Bailey little pieces of steak under the table! 8 years of iron discipline - No people food! No feeding the dog at the dinner table! And now Tim figures - Bailey's getting old, what the heck. I have a rebellion on my hands! |
| Older bodies don't tolerate food changes as easily. Guess who gets to clean up when the body rebels from the enriched diet Daddy is feeding him?? |
Chicken feet! I just got a 12 lb bag from a local farmer for $10. They get one every morning and extra one for grooming  They lllllllllllllooooove them! |
| Hi Sue! I hope you're doing well. I've been offline for quite a while as well. sorry I don't have much to add. Our "original" crew is starting to get older and show their age. Wish they were young forever! |
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