My dear Beagle is 16.5 years old and her quality of life is GOOD even though she has a heart murmur, low thyroid function, rotten teeth, arthritis in back legs, curved back, luxating patellas, cloudy eyes, near total deafness and some cognitive issues. She's still a great companion and pretty girl though.
Does anyone have suggestions or concerns with taking care of such an old dog? I help her outside and have given her soft places to sleep and rimadyl, thorozine and glucosamine daily. Are there any other ways to make her more comfortable?
2006-10-12 21:18:52 · 7 answers · asked by mrbadmood 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
There are great heated pet beds, to keep her bones warm at night, as winter approaches..Here are some> http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C12&from=R10&satitle=heated+pet+bed&sacat=1281%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=
And here> http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2001+113255
Or click on pic for website, here> http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2006-18,GGGL:en&q=heated%20dog%20beds&sa=N&tab=wi
Also, to help her outside, you can wrap a bath towel around her belly, to uuse as a sling..It gives you something to hold on to, and takes weight and pressure off of her..You can also Make her such a sling, with real handles..It will sure make it easier on your back..
this supplement is a really good one, and a great company> http://springtimeinc.com/product/121/2
Real testimonials> http://springtimeinc.com/t_longevity_dogs
I have actually telephoned some of these people...
Edit: this item may be very helpful> http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2006-18,GGGL:en&q=bottoms%20up%20leash&sa=N&tab=wi
2006-10-12 21:25:14 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As others commented, you seem to have it covered. I would also suggest a heated pet bed or a heating pad ... I have an electric throw that my 16 year old chihuahua snuggles under. As pets age, they can have a harder time keeping warm.
Also, just the constant love an affection, to let her know that she has done her job well. She may be concerned she cant "care for you" as well as she used to, so your assurance will be helpful.
Thanks for being such a caring person to your dear friend!!
2006-10-16 17:44:38 · answer #2 · answered by Pichi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for being such a good decent person who takes such good care of their pet, and for loving her as much as you do. In South Africa we have a product that contains green lipped mussle and shark fin extract which we use in conjunction with Rimadyl for our Great Dane's hip problems.
Also remember to have the Vet check her kidney function every couple of months, since she is on meds. Good luck and remember she'll let you know when its time to let her go.
2006-10-13 00:01:19 · answer #3 · answered by moya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No suggestions because you seem to be doing all the right things. You are my hero for taking such good care of your friend. If she begins to suffer, you know what you have to do, for her sake. Its the hardest thing you will ever have to do, but you will know when it is time and so will she. PS. Let her eat anything she wants to within reason. Candy makes it all better.
2006-10-12 21:29:55 · answer #4 · answered by nesmith52 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Give her lots and lots of love. This is the time when she wants to feel secure in your love for her. You are such a wonderful friend to her! She is very fortunate to have you.
2006-10-12 21:23:34 · answer #5 · answered by ginger13 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think your doing it all,maybe a heating pad when its cold.doc
2006-10-12 21:29:43 · answer #6 · answered by reseda1420 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put her to sleep and spend the money for starving children
2006-10-12 21:27:08 · answer #7 · answered by center of the universe 4 · 0⤊ 5⤋