Senior German Shepard inactivity.

[Sudilar]

I always put my GSDs on human grade Cosamin DS (Cosequin DS..is the dog drug). This contains Glucosamine and Condroitin. With this breed, you see a lot of hip problems as they age, so I start them when they are younger. Thor is 4 or 5 and he is already on it. One pill a day. Dear departed Shiloh would take Meloxicam on days when she had leg pain (not often). A trip to the vet will help in a diagnosis, then you can proceed to medicate as necessary. Good luck!! Keep us updated!

[Dorothy39]

Thank-You Sudilar, for your expertise on this subject

the tablets that I bought at Soldan's Pet Store are labeled as such:

Arthramine--for Healthy Joints and bones.--Advanced (Large Dogs)


Glucosamine HCI-----500mg
Vitamin C------------120 mg

Manganese---------- 20 mg

Omega 3 Fatty Acids--20 mg

No mentioning of Condrotin in the listed ingredients.

I will be taking Hexay to the Vet on Monday, June 26th, (My Wedding Anniversary) --So, I pray that means good luck for Hexay. I am so anxious from the last few visits to the Vet. I will request blood work, x-rays, temperature check, lung check, all the important procedures.

My husband was at odds with my decision to take Hexay to the Vet again. But i am not capable of deciding "what the diagnosis is" , I told him.Why give Hexay Buffered Asprin, when she can't talk to us and tell us if she even feels better. I don't like playing Vet, I told him. It's too risky!!!! He knows me all too well when it comes to sick and lame dogs. I have spent lots of money on Hexay before when she had patches of hair missing just about her tail, flea control another time, etc. I won't allow Hexay to go back home with my daughter until she (Hexay) is doing much better, then, only if my daughter will maintain the prescribed caregiving. If it comes to Hexay living with me, OKay!!!!!



Come on, you can see a marked change with Hexay. And he reasoned with the logic. $$$$$$$$$$--Oh well, I'd rather spend money on a dog that needs it.

I have to admit that I am scared, after loosing Foxy Jean . Our Vet bill was over $500.00 then. I am afraid the Vet will give me bad news.

I'm going in, just the same. Keeping my chin up.


I have brushed Hexay again, trimmed the hair from around her privates (so they can take a temp and not become disgusted), now I need to trim her toe nails, give her a bath, and LOVE her !!!!!!I think my daughter knew that I would take Hexay to a Vet all along. I am a push over for animals.

Hexay's mobility is better on carpeted floors, as I've taken her to my in-laws next door and she walks so much better there. We have pine wood floors with area rugs, not her cup of tea.

Wish me luck Sudilar!!!!! As I am thinking of your Shiloh.

[Dorothy39]

Sudilar, What do you feed Thor?

among many areas that I plan on addressing with Hexay, is, her diet.

I have since bathed her, trimmed the hair on her feet, cut her toe nails, but, her diet is something that I really have to address. I will certainly ask the Vet about Eukanuba for Senior dogs. I dislike the dog foods that are sold in grocery stores. My daughter left a 20 lb bag of Beneful, Healthy Weight. Hexay no longer comes out to our dining room to eat it. But, she sure welcomes table scraps If I bring her dish of Beneful, she will eat it, eagerly. I can't figure her out. I hate waiting for her Vet appointment, darn!!! I massage Hexay 3 times or more a day. She loves it. she will roll over onto her back and allow me to gently massage her!!! I have since looked up the proper care for German Shepards. Hexay is a wolf mix. Very bushy hair that is soft, and of course, the double coat that is common with this breed. I wish I could add a picture of her along with this reply

[Sudilar]

Sudilar, What do you feed Thor?

Thor eats Salmon A La Veg by the Fromm Family. I also add some canned wild Salmon to the kibble. He LOVES it.

How did Hexay's vet visit go?

[Dorothy39]

Thank-You for sharing Thor's diet. I've thought about giving Hexay salmon.

she does get around better since I clipped her toe nails She has since walked into our bedroom to make me get out of bed the last two mornings, just like she used to. The massages are helping too!!

Her Vet appointment isn't till Monday afternoon. I will keep you posted on how it turns out.

[Dorothy39]

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.

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.

[Sudilar]

Glad to hear that Hexay's vet visit went well. I hope she continues to feel better and better each day!!!