My Old Guy

[lylol]

Just wanting to sigh with folks who would understand... my 12 year old is really struggling with stairs now... I can tell it is painful for him to come down on his front shoulders and at the end of the flight of stairs yesterday he sat down and couldnt get his back end under him. I guess its time to make him sleep downstairs now but then how do I hear him when he needs to go out (which he does more)... and it will stress him so NOT to be with us. Thinking about trying some of the Springtime supplements. He is also having more trouble controlling when he poops. He is a very proud and loyal old "man" and it brings a little tear. Thanks for listening to me vent.

[codmaster]

It is so sad when they do age, isn't it. No advice but be sure that we sympathize!

[onyx'girl]

A pic of Magnus would be great! We love to gush over the seniors. I would definately check out the springtime supplements, you may be astounded in the difference it could make.
A higher protein diet helps seniors as well, not sure what you are feeding him, but check out his nutrition, too...Hugs to you and Magnus!

[boeselager]

Please try some sea mussel from www.vitacost.com it is for humane use, but I give it to my 12 yr old girl Cierra, and it has done her wonders!!!! She is no longer whining in pain when she lays down or gets up. I get the sea mussel plus for her. If you go on their site, just go to their search box and type in sea mussel. It is awesome!!!!! Nothing else worked for her, until I tried this.

[Bridget]

I give Heidi Glycoflex supplement, which I believe has glucosamine and sea mussel and so far it has worked wonder for her. Also, an aspirin if she is having trouble now and then. Good luck. It is very sad.

[GSD10]

Yup we get it. It is really hard to see them physically deteriorate, just plain heart breaking at times. In addition to the supplements people have suggested try gentle massage and a maybe a harness to help him up and down the stairs.

[Trina]

Totally understand.

Our dogs were a big reason why we decided on a single level home. And same thing for us. My husband and I didn't want to be dealing with stairs as we age either.

I know that doesn't help you or your guy much right now. Like others here, I advise checking out some supplements, especially glucosamine. I know it made a world of difference for our Akita, who was already 8 or 9 when we started him on it.

[abby]

I sympathize my old boy has DM and its hard to watch him and remember how active he was. He gets very frustrated with the two young hooligans but still manages to play at times. sounds awful but i carry his back end up the stairs like a wheelbarrow!! please dont judge me! I have my boy on cosequin ds and previcoxx from the vets which helps a bit.

[Sigurd's Mom]

Originally Posted by boeselager

Please try some sea mussel from www.vitacost.com it is for humane use, but I give it to my 12 yr old girl Cierra, and it has done her wonders!!!! She is no longer whining in pain when she lays down or gets up. I get the sea mussel plus for her. If you go on their site, just go to their search box and type in sea mussel. It is awesome!!!!! Nothing else worked for her, until I tried this.

How many MGs do you usually give? My parents have an old Rhodesian ridge-back who is a bit over weight (she must be close to 100 lbs) and has pretty bad HD, and I was thinking this might help her, I just have no clue how much to give. She's on Rimadyl, but it's not helping and is really expensive (about $40 a week).

[Gib Laut]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

A higher protein diet helps seniors as well, not sure what you are feeding him, but check out his nutrition, too..

I also urge you to consider diet.....my previous boy was diagnosed with cancer at 12 (this was my reason for diving into canine nutrition)....he was placed on a high protein, low carb home-made diet with lots of supplements of fish oil (and others)....prior to his diagnosis he had a lot of difficulty with stairs and he was very cold sensitive....after the diet change, he had energy like I had never seen and his arthritis practically went away.....I wished I had the sense to do it much earlier in his life!....just wanted to throw it out there.....