Need ideas re: Myndi

[Freedom]

Walk. Don't just take her outside and stand around waiting for 'it' to happen. Walk her.

Movement is needed to get things going and as we age - humans and canine alike - it takes some time to get the kinks out, become fully awake, and get our insides aware that we are now UP and time to move.

A walk in before bed will also help prevent overnight episodes. A 15 minute walk should do it. Let her sniff when you first go out, and then keep moving for the full time - unless she has to go, of course.

[pomtzu]

Thanks Sandie - I knew I could count on YOU for a suggestion.

Unfortunately with her legs failing more, then she doesn't go for a walk in the true sense of the meaning. She'll stroll around outside on her own and sniff and check out what she feels up to, but that's about the extent of it. Much more than that is just too uncomfortable for her, and then the back legs give out and I have to stand her back up. Yes - it's sad watching them age and have their lifestyle change.

[Karen]

If I get a chance, I will Ask the Vets about it this afternoon during the radio show. Aging is hard to deal with, in pets and people both.

[pomtzu]

Thanks Karen, I'd appreciate that.

[Freedom]

The last few months with Marlin, I'd walk him down the street and back, took us half an hour. The others, I did it in less than 3 minutes, down and back. So we do what they are able to do. It was really tough the last 10 days, as Sugar wasn't able to keep up with the other dogs but Marlin's pace was much too slow, so I had to make 3 separate walk trips, twice a day.

Have you asked the vet about Adequan shots for her back legs? Wait, first you need to know what the issue is. If it is arthritis, then ask about Adequan, that works wonders! Marlin was on it 4 years and now Willy is on it. There is a loading period, shots twice a week for 4 weeks, then you go to maintenance, one shot per month.

[pomtzu]

Sandie - there is so much that she can't take, and Adequan is one of them. Most of what would be able to help her she can't take because of her kidney issues, and also because of the previous GI bleed. She takes 1/4 of a 50mg Tramadol tablet twice each day, and she's really at the max on that since she only weighs a little over 9 lbs. She also takes gluco/chrond combo tablet, but I really don't know how much help that is at this stage of the game.

[Karen]

I am so sorry, I didn't get to ask them about Myndi, we ran out of time. How is her poop, when it happens? Would maybe adding some pumpkin help speed things up in that department?