.
what's his body condition?
Any extra weight will definitely worsen joint pain, so if he's not lean, i'd reduce his calorie intake slightly, & also add a little endurance - slightly longer walks, maybe add 1/4 more distance to his usual, or go UP more gentle inclines, if U can find any.
His ribs should be easily palpable; if he's smooth-coated, the last rib or maybe 2 should be just visible when he's standing. [His spinal prominences should NOT be seen, unless he's a sighthound; then just a few show in the loin, where rear joins waist.]
With the dog standing, & U standing behind him, his neck should visibly taper to his skull; his waist should be easily seen; his shoulders should be the widest point on his body. // From the side, looking level at the dog as he stands, his shoulder layback should be visible & not blurred with fat; his abdomen should have a distinct tuck, rising from his last rib until the line is cut-off by his rear leg on the near side.
When U walk him, as U suspect joint pain, I'd try to stay off paved surfaces & on grass or even earth or gravel, rather than concrete or asphalt. When coming downhill, to ease the joint impact, U can ZIG-ZAG across the path's or road's width from side to side, vs descend straight ahead - any angle from 60' to 90' will help.
As noted by others, hydrotherapy is wonderful for joints; so is swimming or wading, if there's a heated pool that can be used, U can walk along the coping with 2 leashes, one clipped to his buckle AKA tag-collar, & one clipped to the WITHERS of a sturdy, well-fitted nylon harness; if he overtires & his head sinks, U can lift him from the water by using both hands, one on each leash, & first lifting him sideways onto the pool coping in front of U, then sliding him on his side toward U as U back-up, with his legs & feet extended toward the pool.
If he does overtire, don't let him get up right away; by rolling him onto his back using his legs as handles, lay 2 towels under his side, & lay his legs down. Then lay one towel over him; the towels under him catch water as it drains from his coat; the towel over him protects him from chilling. // Squeeze the towel lying over him lightly, to get the water out of his coat, & into the towel - then replace all 3 soggy towels for dry ones, & repeat. // By the time the 2nd set of 3 towels is soggy, he should be able to stand, altho he might need a little help to get up, & he may wobble a little; often the rear is worse.
Don't let overtiring worry U - just make the next session shorter, & build him up.
New Zealand-sourced Green-lipped Mussel is an excellent supplement for joint issues; it is sometimes packaged with Glucosamine chondroitin in the same capsule. Both are safe, & even if his aging joints are fine, they will do no harm.
- terry
.
Thanks Terry for the info! Yes, he does have a few surplus pounds to lose, he’s 27kg & ideally should be 23 so I will address his food consumption straight away. He a proper scavenger & will happily raid the fridge when we are out unless I lock it up!.
what's his body condition?
Any extra weight will definitely worsen joint pain, so if he's not lean, i'd reduce his calorie intake slightly, & also add a little endurance - slightly longer walks, maybe add 1/4 more distance to his usual, or go UP more gentle inclines, if U can find any.
His ribs should be easily palpable; if he's smooth-coated, the last rib or maybe 2 should be just visible when he's standing. [His spinal prominences should NOT be seen, unless he's a sighthound; then just a few show in the loin, where rear joins waist.]
With the dog standing, & U standing behind him, his neck should visibly taper to his skull; his waist should be easily seen; his shoulders should be the widest point on his body. // From the side, looking level at the dog as he stands, his shoulder layback should be visible & not blurred with fat; his abdomen should have a distinct tuck, rising from his last rib until the line is cut-off by his rear leg on the near side.
When U walk him, as U suspect joint pain, I'd try to stay off paved surfaces & on grass or even earth or gravel, rather than concrete or asphalt. When coming downhill, to ease the joint impact, U can ZIG-ZAG across the path's or road's width from side to side, vs descend straight ahead - any angle from 60' to 90' will help.
As noted by others, hydrotherapy is wonderful for joints; so is swimming or wading, if there's a heated pool that can be used, U can walk along the coping with 2 leashes, one clipped to his buckle AKA tag-collar, & one clipped to the WITHERS of a sturdy, well-fitted nylon harness; if he overtires & his head sinks, U can lift him from the water by using both hands, one on each leash, & first lifting him sideways onto the pool coping in front of U, then sliding him on his side toward U as U back-up, with his legs & feet extended toward the pool.
If he does overtire, don't let him get up right away; by rolling him onto his back using his legs as handles, lay 2 towels under his side, & lay his legs down. Then lay one towel over him; the towels under him catch water as it drains from his coat; the towel over him protects him from chilling. // Squeeze the towel lying over him lightly, to get the water out of his coat, & into the towel - then replace all 3 soggy towels for dry ones, & repeat. // By the time the 2nd set of 3 towels is soggy, he should be able to stand, altho he might need a little help to get up, & he may wobble a little; often the rear is worse.
Don't let overtiring worry U - just make the next session shorter, & build him up.
New Zealand-sourced Green-lipped Mussel is an excellent supplement for joint issues; it is sometimes packaged with Glucosamine chondroitin in the same capsule. Both are safe, & even if his aging joints are fine, they will do no harm.
- terry
.
Great! I’ll look into those now, thanks again Terry!
Actually after reading the report I think I could use some of this too! Might just soothe my aching shoulder, great advice thanks!
Senior food doesn't really hold added benefit. If you are looking at targeting joint health this is something you need to target separately. A good balanced and varied diet is great for seniors and if you are noticing stiff joints then you could add in a supplement. Riaflex have a really good range and also IME offer great customer service and advice.
.
Its the North Sea so very cold. Yes I wouldn't expect her to swim in it, paddling where I'm from means just splashing with your feet. Not doggy paddling as in making her swim. Will have a look at the bath thing. I think I'd have to fill it full to have enough water to support her, she's quite big for a sheltie.
