Thread: Not hunting dogs, these are my children.

I throw myself at the mercy of the crazy dog people for advice.

I/ we have a great dane/ black lab cross and a border collie/ black lab cross.

The great dane cross is 12 nearly 13
The border collie is 14 nearly 15.

Both dogs have serious back wheel problems.

The border collie cross still has energy when taken for a walk but can see it hurts him to move.

The great dane appears fine but looses all control of his back wheels with any exercise.

Both will stumble and trip repeatedly on a walk round the block which is about 600m.

the wife took them to the vet a few days ago and got given some special food and meds.

This is the food at 170 dollars plus the meds at a hundred odd.



I understand any dietary change will take a while to take effect and they do seem to be improving slightly but not much .


Where to from here?

I am preparing myself for the worst.

Have at me dog geeks.


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Id stop taking them for walks, just let them off around the section. Once I saw them in pain around the section I'd be off to the vets. They have both lived long lives, especially the Great Dane.

Yep that's a good run. I think you've got your moneys worth. Monthly steroid shot and inside on the couch for both

Its a bloody hard thing mate. I am the same as you, my dog can do my duck hunting, but for the rest of the year he is a great comforting family dog. My 15.5 yr old Lab was the same. The reality is that they have to go at some point. You need to weigh up having them around in pain for your comfort, or letting them go. I remember the day my old lab couldnt walk across the wooden floor at home or get out of his basket properly. When their quality of life is heading down, let them go.
In the mean time i would give this food/meds a go. Let them be lazy dogs together and enjoy their own and your company. If they cant do the walk anymore dont push it, it will just be stressing them out and making you upset.

Unfortunately it's getting near the time where you are going to have to say Good Bye to a couple of old mates.

It's a bloody hard decision but you will know when it's time to make it.

Do what you can for as long as you can but don't let them suffer.

Cheers
Pete

Originally Posted by stug

Id stop taking them for walks, just let them off around the section. Once I saw them in pain around the section I'd be off to the vets. They have both lived long lives, especially the Great Dane.

Unfortunaly that is the first walk they have had in months....my god they were keen to get out of the back section.

The food and meds have made them able to do about half a walk around the block IMHO before they start to struggle.

Otherwise they have free rein of about 20mx4m.

I doubt they will survive another winter outside......I have already caved from pressure of her indoors to let them sleep inside even tho I am a staunch dogs outside man

Im weeping just typing this and especially when the big softy Zac is nuzzling me for a pat.


I know what is coming....I just dont know when is the best time for them.

I'm a staunch outside dog man too but you can let the old timers in, they've earned it

As for knowing when is best, you will know. Good luck mate and our thoughts are with you

When the time is right you will know.

Life sucks sometimes, especially when some of our best mates can't live the same length of time as us humans. Been there, know what you are going through. I can't offer any advice other than enjoy the time now.

Not saying this will work as it is a bit late but fish oil works really well on dogs as well.
I will try and remember the product my mate who is a vet recommended. I reckon it was a huge reason my dog made it to 16.

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Originally Posted by R93

Not saying this will work as it is a bit late but fish oil works really well on dogs as well.
I will try and remember the product my mate who is a vet recommended. I reckon it was a huge reason my dog made it to 16.

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Cheers Dave , they have already been getting fish oil on their tucker for about 2 years.

@veitnamcam, your Great Dane's longevity is testament to his care...they are noted as having a life expectancy of six to eight years...you have done him proud and will continue to do so until you know the time has come...

No matter how or when, it is going to be hard on you and your family...we will all be with you on that one...

Originally Posted by EeeBees

@veitnamcam, your Great Dane's longevity is testament to his care...they are noted as having a life expectancy of six to eight years...you have done him proud and will continue to do so until you know the time has come...

No matter how or when, it is going to be hard on you and your family...we will all be with you on that one...

Thanks Eeebs.

Veitnamcam sorry to hear!

Thinking of you guys Cam. It is bloody hard for sure.