Ageing GSD

[Tilly2]

My GSD is now nearly eleven and is showing signs of slowing down a bit. She walks more carefully up the stairs and for the last three nights has had problems jumping on her bed. She gets her front legs on but then gives up and tries again later. She had managed to get on each time.

My previous GSD died of cancer at the age of eight so I have no experience of older GSD's. Is this the sort of age where we can expect things to be more difficult for her? Can we help her in any way? She has a cod liver oil tablet every night. Is there something else she might need? I will obviously take her to the vets if need be, but he may just say it's her age.

[divegirl]

Can you not lower her bed!

Also, cod liver oil is fine for a healthy coat but try giving her Omega 3,6 9 and also a Glucosamine with Chondroitin supplement!

Google arthritis in dogs....loads of help out there.

Lisa x

[divegirl]

Should add that I have also used Devils claw and rosehip with some success.

Lisa x

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Lisa. I'l try some of those suggestions.
Can't lower the bed unfortunately, as it's a double divan. (Nothing but the best for my dogs!)

[divegirl]

Lol I know that feeling, I use this site......

http://www.simplysupp...ilments/17/arthritis/

Human grade stuff and well priced....it's always BOGOF so great value.

Lisa x

[whiskeryron]

Excuse me breaking into your thread Tilly2 but I simply must ask Lisa. Because you are advertising the fact ''Take off you clothes Lisa - It's Dave lovin' time'' What time is that exactly ?

[riptide]

Think it is her age Tilly, I have a jack russell who is now 13 and I have noticed he is not so good at jumping up and I think his joints are stiffening a little bit. I give him Glucosamine every day. Only a suggestion but could you not put something alongside the bed that she could jump on and then jump onto the bed. Good luck.

[Psybbo]

If she lies on a quilt on the bed, why not try putting the quilt on the floor and see if she decides to lie on it?

[whiskeryron]

Tilly2, we bought one of these & our Doggie absolutely loves it

http://www.wolfybeds....Fleece_Luxury_Dog_Bed

Ron.

[Tilly2]

Thank you all. So is this the sort of age when you can expect problems for a GSD? She's always been so fit and active up until the last few days. She seems happy enough but that look on her face when she's trying to get on the bed is actually heartbreaking. She looks so upset with herself.

[paddywak]

Tilly, I'm sorry to say it's old age creeping up on your old girl. The average age for a GSD is about 12 years I lost my first one when he was 15 but Max who I lost on the 28th of March was about 10 and a half. I don't want to sound too down but when Max reached a similar stage he went down hill very fast. I hope you have your old girl for a long time, give her lots of loving and fuss and treat her gently like the grand old lady she is but please if the worst comes to the worst don't hesitate to let her go with quietly and with dignity

[Psybbo]

Excuse me tilly
Paddy how are you and trish coping, my heart goes out to you both

[Tilly2]

I would not dream of letting her suffer in any way. When it's time, she will tell me.

[paddywak]

We're ok most of the time sibton, but every now and then some silly little thing happens and it brings back a load of memories. You never forget them do you.

[Psybbo]

Agreed paddy, the vet had tears as well when we let our gorgeous long haired GSD go, and I have tears now 30 odd years later

[rsvp]

if you can't lower the bed, can't you higher the floor in any way - sounds as though the back legs are giving out a bit and she needs a little help - any sort of small ramp, padding - whatever - anything thing that will allow her up to her bed without straining her hip/leg joints. - if you can put a towel under her belly and help her up a bit, that will help. At the end of the day she's getting on abit and needs a few adjustments in her life - don't we all!

[lankeela]

One of my small dogs is now having trouble jumping on the bed so I have put an old suitcase down with a piece of vetbed on it and he uses it as a springboard. I also have to follow him upstairs as he doesn't always make it to the top in one go and I have to give him a shove up the backside! I keep thinking if he was a GSD he would be soon going off his legs. My GSDs have lives to 9, 13, 12 and 11. Something you could try is a Bioflow Collar, they do give them a bit of a boost particularly if they are still when getting up. The only downside to them is you don't see them gradually going downhill and one day they tend to go right off their legs. Its worth it to me though to relieve any pain. Denes Greenleaf tablets are also helpful.

[lankeela]

'Stiff' when getting up!

[Tilly2]

Thanks for all the tips and advice everyone. Would you believe it but last night she tootled upstairs and jumped on the bed with no problem.
Both dogs have just been out for their morning walk, romping through the very wet grass and now they are lying here drying off.