Easing Stiffness

[piperspal]

I have a rotty x who is getting on for 9 this year, he weighs about 50kgs at the moment at his fitest. He gets a walk every day with some leash free time, so plenty of exercise and doesn't have any stairs to negotiate anywhere. I have noticed that when we get back from the walk he seems tired, he tends to drag behind the other dogs, and in the mornings he doesn't want to get out of his bed or out of the way when we walk along. I tried a search on here for natural therapies, and noticed that fish oil is quite common as a remedy, but how much do you give a big dog like him? I would also like to give it to the others , who are younger and not as heavy, one is 7 this year and about 25 kgs, the other is 5 and about 5kgs. Is there a limit to the amount you can give them, can you poison them with fish oil? They have seen the vet, who stated exercise was the key, they don't ever want to miss their walks.....

[Kelly_Louise]

I would consider using something like Joint Guard, or Sasha's Blend powder. It can help with creaky joints, and I don't think you could overdose them - however the instructions for different dogs are on the packaging (or websites). On maintenance dosage, I give Chloe about 1 teaspoon sprinkled on her food (she weighs about 25kg).

Personally, I use Sasha's Blend - and find it to be more palatable for them - but have also used Joint Guard and quite like it.

Also, if he gets too stiff - you could consider a course of Cartrophen injections (not very expensive) that could probably last him a full year, or at least get him through the colder months more bareably.

I would also tone down any higher impact exercise, rough play etc. Slower/shorter/more frequents walks - Chloe also gets tired after a while, so we've shortened her walks and give her plenty of rest breaks during them if she needs. Also, try to avoid walking him on harder surfaces.

I imagine he's just starting to show signs of his age, happens to the best of them sadly... but if he's still eager to walk and exercise then that's a good sign

[Bullmastiff Addict]

Another sasha's blend reccomendation here.

I have my nearly 7 yr old dane and my 5 yr old dane on it,

[piperspal]

Thanks guys, shall head off and see if I can find it at the pet shop, or maybe the produce store... now will have to start feeding him in the mornings, I have a chook feeder on the wall full all the time with dry food, so they just eat when they are hungry.... he's gonna love being special...lol

[luvsdogs]

My dogs both previous & present have had the cartrophin injections & I didn't find they made much difference. April had 3 courses & so far Sooty has only had the one. I have also used Sashas Blend, unfortunately I bought it at the vets & it cost me about $20 more than at a pet warehouse. Minimal effect & I had to hold my breath to use it.

I have also gotten glucosamine & condroiton tablets. For the 1st 4 weeks you give twice the dosage & then 1/2 for maintainance. Minimal effect. I have also given them fish oil capsules from the health store.

With all of these things they need to be given continuously, except cartrophin, & you won't see a difference until about a month.

Something else is to make sure he has a soft bed off the ground, like a trampoline bed. I've also heard that acupuncture & physio can help.

Edited January 28, 2010 by luvsdogs

[Kelly_Louise]

Oh really - Cartrophen injections work fantastically for Chloe, can see the effects straight away. However, I have heard they don't work for all dogs. Being inexpensive, it's always worth a shot though, that's if he really starts to stiffen up.

With the supplements, they aren't going to fix your boy up erinb - they are just meant to help a little. Chloe's specialist says that it's more beneficial for the owner to feel that they are doing something, and that they haven't been proven to do anything much. However, even if it helps a little, it's worth it. And yes, if you aren't going to give it everyday it probably won't have much effect.

Agree with the suggestion of a nice soft bed and making sure he is stays warm and has a warm spot to retreat to.