My dog is getting old and she has arthiridis in her foot and can't run if I throw the ball for her cause it hurts too much for her and plz help me. I want the last few years of my dog to be a good last few years.
2007-07-13 06:48:37 · 14 answers · asked by Brittany 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Don't throw the ball in the air. Roll it along the ground on a soft surface for her. If she enjoys playing ball, don't stop your game -- adapt your game. Only roll it a couple of times and leave it at that.
Is she on any joint supplements for her arthritis? try starting her on a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement.
2007-07-13 06:55:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear that your dog's arthritis is slowing her down. =(
But there are still fun things you can do with her.
As another poster already suggested, swimming is an excellent form of fun and exercise for dogs- especially those suffering from arthritis because it's a good workout without putting alot of pressure on the joints. If you don't have a pool of your own or have any friends or family with a pool, you could do a search online to see if there are any dog pools in your area (we have one about 30 miles from me) Some rehabilitation places for dogs have pools, and also, alot of city public pools open the pools for dogs on the last day of the season.
Do you know of any other older dogs or dogs suffering from arthritis? You could arrange weekly or monthly doggy playdates together. I'm sure your dog, despite her arthritis, would still enjoy the company of other dogs, and choosing other dogs who have arthritis or who are just older and slower will lower the chances of any of the dogs getting injured from playing too roughly.
What about obedience classes or something? You could search for trainers in your area that do obedience or CGC training classes in your area. It's training that isn't highly active so it wouldn't be too hard on your dog. It would allow your dog to socialize with other dogs in the class and also would be something you and your dog could do together.
You could also play games at home still, but just change the way you do them. Someone already suggested a different/easier way for your dog to play fetch. You could teach your dog hide and seek. You can hide treats or toys around the house or yard and have your dog find them. You could also work on teaching your dog tricks- as that's always good for bonding because it's one-on-one time that you two would have together.
You could also try to take your dog with you on your errands. I always bring my dog with me when I have my "quick" errands to run- such as when I have to go to the dog store (my dog can accompany me into the store) and when I have to go to the bank and other places that are quick trips where I don't need to leave the car much or if I do, it's for under five minutes.
Does your dog like water? Sometimes a baby pool that your dog can just sit in or a sprinkler can be alot of fun.
Did your vet recommend any activities that the two of you could do together for fun. I imagine you can still do alot of the things you used to do together, you may just need to change the parameters of the activitiy so that it's not so hard on your dog physically.
Good luck to you and your dog!
2007-07-13 14:26:38 · answer #2 · answered by LE!SA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just take her for a nice slow walk and if she needs to stop, stop with her and give her attention such as a belly rub.
my dog has the same problem and we go for a walk daily and she looks like she is getting a little better.
i hope this helps!
2007-07-13 13:56:57 · answer #3 · answered by perfect-sound. 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could try letting her play in baby pool. Or the pool in your backyard. A lake may be a little to harsh on her foot.
2007-07-13 13:55:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just because she isnt active, she still wants to be with you. While you are watching t.v. or reading a book sit on the floor and just pet her and talk to her.
Give her eye contact and talk to her and pet her. Thats what I did when my dog got older. She loved the one on one time with me.
I had to have her put down about 8 months ago....I truly treasure the times when we just hung out and spent time with her.
God I miss her....treasure your time.......
2007-07-13 13:59:34 · answer #5 · answered by Aero-Smith 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give her lots of love and affection and if she has doggy bones sit her down and let her chew on the bone. She will be most likely to be in a sleepy or lazy mode because of her age but still it's important to give her LOTS OF LOVE AND AFFECTION.
2007-07-13 13:57:36 · answer #6 · answered by .:Yafi:. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aren't you nice.
How about swimming? Good exercise and takes the pressure off her sore foot.
2007-07-13 14:11:55 · answer #7 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, i guess it depends to her likes and dislikes... try to do stuff with her that you know for sure that she'll enjoy. if she loves to just cuddle with you then do that and maybe go for a slow walk in the sand or something so that her feet won't hurt that much.
2007-07-13 14:15:55 · answer #8 · answered by curious_panda 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just go for a walk or play tugawar my dog loves just a little extra attention
2007-07-13 14:23:41 · answer #9 · answered by Receepc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
play tug a war or just run around SLOWLY or just you go around her and start rubbing her then give her a treat that always works
2007-07-17 13:17:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋