Caring for an older dog

[doorknob]

My Husky/Pitbull mix is about 13 1/2. He's pretty healthy although he has arthritis in his hips and has a hard time laying down, plus he seems to have trouble with balance. He also whines alot, and I often cannot figure out what he wants. I've been giving him aspirin, and I feed him dogfood that is more meat than filler and is fortified with glucosamine and antioxidants. I'm afraid that soon I'll have to build him a ramp to get up and down our porch. I'm wondering if anyone knows of anything that I could be doing for him, that I am not already doing. I have heard of a drug that is supposed to help with dementia, which I'm afraid his restlessness may be a symptom of. I know I can't turn back the clock, but I just want the rest of his time to be as comfortable for him as possible. He is my baby.

Doorknob

[MNGirlyGirl]

I'm sorry, but I don't have too much experience with the problems you furbutt is having. However, it does my heart good to know that you are trying to do whatever you can to make his remaining time comfortable. I had to put my poor Buster down when he was 6 years old (he is the one splashing in the tub in my avatar). I still have Clive his brother and am greatful for that. Hugs to your guy from me and mine.

Kathy & Clive

[janeeyre]

((Doorknob)), bless your heart for being so good to your dear dog. It sounds like you are doing a great deal for him, and he is a very lucky boy.

I used to have an arthritic dog, and when aspirin quit helping as much as it had, our vet prescribed Rimadyl--it cost more than the aspirin (about $30 per month) but seemed to make her more comfortable and content.

Has he been to the vet for a check-up recently? There could be any of a number of reasons for his restlessness--maybe a urinary tract infection, which becomes more common in older dogs. But your vet can do a thorough exam which might bring to light some condition that can be remedied.

Good luck with everything--
Jane

[my brother]

I know nothing about this so I can't offer you any advice, but I just wanted to pop in and say I also think what you are doing is great and lot's of kind thoughts to your doggie xxx

[Phinneas]

Hey, DK. Love to you and your boy. My oldest turned 12 in February and he is spunky and playful and full of vim and vigor. We are going in for some liver tests this week, though, 'cause his enzimes are elevated by 2000%.

Does he have an orthopedic-type bed to sleep on? That helps with aches and pains and joints. I know my boy likes to sleep on the softest places around - if he's on the bed, he like to be on a feather pillow.

Other than that, I suggest a Vet visit to see if there is a safe pain med he can take to be more comfortable.

I share your love of animals, DK, and know the pain of seeing them get older. Hugs to you both.

[doorknob]

Thank you all so much. I'm gonna schedule him for a check up soon.

DK

[daddysgirl29]

DK - thank you for caring so much to write in for an older "pup". Really. You're a good "parent!"

Going to the vet is the best thing, and please keep us posted on what he/she says. Lots of doggie lovers around here!!

Hugs to both of ya,
Auntie "DG"

[janeeyre]

So how's your pup today, Doorknob?

[janeeyre]

I noticed your new avatar--is that your dog? How is he doing?

[Time4Change]

Awww, this gets me teary-eyed, doorknob. God bless you for your loving kindness for your mature puppy. I hope he's doing well. How did the vet appointment go?

A week ago Saturday we lost our 14-1/2 year old Akita/Black Lab mix, Maggie. My husband had her since she was a puppy, and I've been her "mommy" for almost 8 years. Yesterday my husband picked up her ashes from the vet, and he cried all the way home (and this is a construction-manly-man man ... our pets become our family, and it can hurt just the same). I was moved by the beauty and elegance of the finely-crafted pine box her ashes are in, with a gold tag that has "Maggie" on it, and then our family name. I love woodworking, and this is an exquisite box, and the wood smells so good. What a keepsake. We have Maggie's picture on top of it now, but are wondering what to do with her ashes. She loved to swim and romp and play at a lake nearby, but we want her with us, too. It's a hard decision. We're thinking about a memory box with a picture of her, her collar and tag, and ashes, something like that. I dunno.

Anyway, Maggie had arthritis, too, and we gave her those chewable doggie vitamins, kept her active, provided her a comfy bed, and gave her lots of attention, but I noticed there were certain times of the day where she would sit with her face inches away from the wall. She did this a lot. I thought it was strange, so I did an Internet search on it, and came up with info that said she was probably in pain; that's why she was staring into the wall. That broke my heart! Her eyesight was going (cataracts) and her skin would often get hot and itchy. But what a trooper that girl was; a classy lady till the end. God bless you, My Maggie Girl. We Love You!

Sorry for taking your thread and running with it, doorknob. I just wanted to share my recent experience, and wanted to thank you again for being such a wonderful parent to your gorgeous pup! What a cutie! They bring such joy to our lives and ask so little in return. Will you keep us updated on your dog's progress? I'd really like to know how he's doing.

Love ya!

Kelly

[janeeyre]

Oh, Kelly--I'm sorry about Maggie. It sounds like she really had it good with you. What a beautiful, beautiful girl she is.