Senior German Shepard inactivity.
Please Give me some Advice.
My daughter often leaves her two German Shepards with us.
The oldest one, named Hexay, is less tolarant of short walks, choosing instead to lay down behind my husband's rocking chair. I put Hexay's age at 10 years, as there are no registered papers. They are both rescue dogs.
My daughter has to leave them in her house while she works, so, they do not receive the attention I would like them to have. When they are at my house, I bathe and brush them, take them for walks, baby the heck out of them in general.
Now, I notice a big change in Hexay in comparison to previous visits to Gramma's house. She does not perk up when I say, "Let's go for a Walk". However, she did take part in a game of "fetch" with the other dogs on Father's Day. And, she is inactive today. I think she has arthritis. A few years ago, I told my daughter to give her a suppliment for her joints, I bought it at Soldans Pet Store. I also told her what a Vet advised me to give one of my own dogs for joint pain. Chrondroitin Sulfate and /or Glucosamines . Taken for 4 weeks until improvement is noticed. Then, Adult Buffered Aspiren. I twice daily as needed.
I am going to make an appointment with a Vet for Hexay while she is here. I need someone elses expertise on the subject of "joint pain " in senior dogs. What to expect on the first visit, x-rays, blood work??? I just can't let that dog lay around all day long, but, I can't make her get up if I know she is in pain. she does walk to and from the feeding area, and, she does go outside to do her business. She has been cooped up in my daughter's house . You know the old saying, "If you rest, You rust." , Well, Hexay has some rusted areas to deal with.
I worry about Hip Dyplasia occuring , of course.
update of the visit to the Vet.
Hexay was taken to the Vet this afternoon. She was examined by a very nice Veterinarian while an assistant pet Hexay and gave her treats. :p
Hexay was weighed, wow, she weigh 104.3 pounds!!!! Man, no wonder my back hurts from bathing her, brushing her, & helping her get up in the morning.
We waited for the x-ray results, which disclosed mild dysplasia, but, no evidence of arthitis, except for a small area in her left leg, left foot.
We were advised to give her Synovi G3 Soft Chews. , combining Glucosamine, MSM, Creatine Monohydrate, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, Vitamins and Minerals. Initally giving her the required amount for her size and weight for the first 4-6 weeks, then, then, maintaining it with 2 each day there after.
Of course, no more table scraps, at all, not even a bite from our table. She will eat 2 cups per day.
Hexay is a very gentle and loving dog. she will occasionally beg by whining, and then yelping louder if I she doesn't get my attention. I have massaged her at these times , giving her a belly rub and hugs, lots of hugs.
She is doing better and better each day, and now that she has been seen by a Vet, I feel so much more at ease while caring for her.
I will add some other " items" to her diet, slowly. Like Salmon, skinless chicken, etc. :D
