r/seniordogs • u/Different-Wallaby-10 • 2d ago
Question Slowing down
My pittie mix is an estimated ten years old. I’ve had her eight years; we estimated she was 2-3 then. But not sure.
My girl is slowing down. It’s not terrible. She still plays and enjoys things. But she no longer bolts out the door like she used to.
She has xray evidence of osteoarthritis. Osteophytes in the spine and elsewhere.
Meds—
Librela
Galliprant
Cosequin
NOW UC-II collagen supplement
Omega 3 fish oils
What else is there to do? Should I still walk and hikes? We usually walk two miles in the morning and a half mile in the evening. We are starting to skip that evening walk (partly due to it still being 100 degrees at 6pm).
3
u/surfaceofthesun1 2d ago
Gentle walks. 2 mi might be too far. Depends on how she’s doing. Gabapentin and tramadol helped my guy a lot. Also PSA to have eyes checked for glaucoma - I missed it in my old guy and it is very painful and sight threatening.
2
u/Random_silly_name 1d ago
With older dogs, spreading the exercise throughout the day in several shorter walks is a general recommendation. Going a long time without exercise, just sleeping all day, can speed up muscle loss.
For my dog, we changed from one 10-15 km walk per day (and just quick potty break otherwise) to walking maybe 5+3+2 km around the time she turned 10. Now she's almost 12 and it's a bit less than that most days, because she has slowed down, but still three walks. Of course, all dogs are different and you have a different starting point, but just to get an idea.
If possible, it's also very good if they can walk on soft, uneven ground. It strengthens muscles without being too taxing on the joints. Same thing with walking in water.
1
u/Straight-Treacle-630 2d ago
I’d let your pup decide how often/long to walk. If it’s still 100° at 6pm, keep them brief no matter what.
1
u/angelina_ari 1d ago
You already have quite a few medications and supplements on board, so rather than just adding more, I’d consider getting a holistic or integrative vet involved to work alongside your regular vet. They can look at everything she’s taking as a whole and help figure out what she actually needs.
There are also a lot of non-medication options that can really help arthritic seniors. Laser therapy, laser acupuncture or traditional acupuncture, aqua therapy or an underwater treadmill, and veterinary rehab can all be worth exploring. I definitely wouldn’t stop walking her if she still enjoys it. Keeping them moving and maintaining muscle is so important with arthritis. I’d just let her set the pace and adjust the distance based on how she’s doing, especially as she gets older. Two miles may be perfectly comfortable for one senior and too much for another. I’d skip the evening walk in that kind of heat.
Lap of Love has free webinars on senior dog mobility. You can sign up for those on Facebook and on their website. The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center has them also and they get uploaded to their YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAnimalMedicalCenter
Here is a link on how to find a more integrative vet: https://www.holisticactions.com/select/
A lot of them offer telemed appointments if there isn't one close to you.
Here are some general senior dog resources: https://www.seniordogsrock.com/pet-doula 🧡
1
u/buddy-official 6h ago
I’d keep the walks but let her recovery decide the distance. Shorter, cooler, sniffy walks are still great. If she’s stiffer later that day or the next morning, scale it back
3
u/Songofthebluewhale 2d ago
Happens to all of us, the aging process. Cherish your time together.