My dog is a portugueese water dog. She is i think 8 going on 9 yea thats right. I go for runs with her almost every day. About 2,3,4 miles. she is slowing down, sleeping more, things like that. Is it old age? Is there any way i can prolong her life??
2007-06-03 13:01:44 · 10 answers · asked by help please 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Honey, shes not that old! I have a 16 year old dog that still plays like a pup. If your dog is slowing down let her enjoy retirement...sit with her and just let her relax...she deserves it! Maybe you should take her for a nice walk in the park as opposed to a vigorous run. HOpe this helps!
2007-06-03 13:05:17 · answer #1 · answered by Cash--Rescue, Foster, Adopt! 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
She's barely getting to be a senior citizen! Have the vet give her a complete check-up (along with blood work).
As far as the runs go, I have a shih tzu who is 17. She'd like to think that she's still a pup. At this point it's up to you to let your girl know that 4 miles might be TOO far. Don't change her schedule or cut out the runs altogether, just slow it down some. My little one would run until she dropped just because she wants to spend time with me. Find something a little less high impact for the two of you to enjoy together.
Don't wonder how long she has left. She's not that old. Instead, enjoy the life left in the dog!
2007-06-03 13:41:47 · answer #2 · answered by 5gr8k9s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's not old yet, but she is aging. YOu might want to run her less, do some walking (on softer surfaces at least part of the time). I wouldn't change her food to any seniors' food either because with an active dog like yours, she won't get the calories she needs.
The most important thing you can do for her is take her for check-ups at least once a year and get your vet to do a geriatric blood panel on her. That way any problems are detected before they become serious - like kidney problems for example, can be caught and treated before it's too late. The other thing is to make sure you look after her teeth well because dental problems can also lead to things like heart problems or kidney or liver problems.
The healthiest dog I every knew was an afghan hound, who at 23, though mostly blind and deaf, still went for his walk every day!
2007-06-03 13:10:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
she is definetly get up there in age.. according to what I found they live an average of 12 years (some have been known to live 14-16 years)
I don't think it's time to switch to a SR food yet, unless your seeing weight gain..
possibly add in some doggy vitimans or some glucosimine supplements.
I would definetly get your vet to look at her, make sure there isn't some other problem causing her to slow down and sleep more.
You might want to back down on the running.. at least don't push her to run the full 4 miles cut it down to 2 or 3 but only if she is up to it.. if she starts pulling back.. I wouldn't push her because you want to run another mile..
2007-06-03 13:10:31 · answer #4 · answered by t_jay_59 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First yo might mot want to run her that much. Second I would hav her checked by the vet she is getting up there in age. Sleeping more is possilbey and probably old age but could be a sign of somethign else have her checked if you are truly concerned i say better safe than sorry.
Only the vet can tell yo for sure. Teh vet may also be able to tell you about a diet that would be best for her as she is getting older.
Good luck
2007-06-03 13:07:58 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1.Keep her active.
2. Feed her high quality dog food (Royal Canin is highly recommended...slightly $$ but a guy I know feeds his dog that and it's a german shepherd/lab mix who is now 19 yrs old!!)
3. Regular teeth cleanings by a vet.
4.If she's slowing down, sleeping tons, or walking funny get her hips and thyroid checked.
My dog has hip displaysia and a thyroid condition (she's a lab mix) and she's almost 11 and still has a few years left on her according to my vet.
2007-06-03 13:13:25 · answer #6 · answered by *EmmaSurella* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do not notice any visible signs (not eating, urinating, or vomiting) and she has had a recent vet check up, and the vet said she was healthy, I'd say she's just getting older. I read somewhere, that dog years are actually 12X ours, so if she is 9, that means she has the body of a 108 year old! I'd say she is just settling in her years. Feed her food for adults or "mature"dogs as some put it,take her for regular vet checks, maintain her shots, keep her healthy and active and she will live out her life as long as she possibly can.
2007-06-03 13:06:12 · answer #7 · answered by The Warden 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
make the running a little shorter. if your dog is 9 in dog years, that means that their 63 in human years. i dont think a 63 years old could run 4 miles straight. Do you?
2007-06-03 13:18:09 · answer #8 · answered by katiejonesswimmer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My oldest canines, is an incredible Dane he's nineteen. he's very very previous. He likes to place around now a days, and merely walk down and than lots of the time he merely cuddles with me. He looks very sensible however. His eyes appears like they tell a narrative.
2016-12-30 16:32:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tone the running down a bit
2007-06-03 13:04:12 · answer #10 · answered by bella 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋