Crawford Dogs Posted October 30, 2015 Report Share Posted October 30, 2015 Rose, my white BC from a shelter, turned 8 yrs old this spring but acts like she's 10 +. She slowed down quite a bit as she went mostly blind (autoimmune disease) and even more after pinched spinal nerves (IVDD suspected) last year. She plays infrequently and only plays for short periods of time when Loki or I get her into the mood. She rarely runs but when she does it's only for brief spurts with a bad pace (yes, she is on a joint supplement). She has become sound sensitive and has escalated her CCD behaviors- finally got her e-collar off after another round of self mutilation has healed up. She's such a wild child when really excited but of course, I wonder how much more she will slow down and if others have dogs that have slowed down at such a young age? What experiences have you had with your dogs? Bethany, Rose, and Loki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraV Posted October 31, 2015 Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 I haven't heard of someone having a dog slow down that young. You may want to ask your vet if something else may be going on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted October 31, 2015 Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 Definitely have your dog checked by a vet. Eight is much too young to be slowing down that much. My Jester is turning 15 some time in the next few months, if he is not already (I do not know his birthday), and he is still as keen to play and fetch and go places as he ever was. He's a bit deaf, doesn't see all that well, and cannot play for as long as he used to, but the enthusiasm has not changed one bit, and I am the one who has to make him stop before he wears himself out too much. My Kit is turning 14 in December and is the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crawford Dogs Posted October 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 Well, she's coming due for bloodwork again next month so maybe that'll answer some questions. Her veterinary chiropractor says she just wasn't build well and has a lot of health issues. She also says she's lucky to be alive. I guess we'll see? Bethany Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denice Posted October 31, 2015 Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 I also would have a good vet examine her and manipulate limbs ect, she is rather young. 8 is usually close to prime health. I do give my border collies a supplement called Platinum Performance CJ. It has tons of good stuff in it plus extra goodies to keep their joints in good shape. My old boy is approaching 16 and still runs and plays a bit. Good food is a must as well. I recently switched my old boy to a smaller kibble and am soaking for him, he is eating more so must be working. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurelin Posted October 31, 2015 Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 My younger papillon has slowed downa lot and she's only 6 1/2 but she has some health problems. My older dog slowed down around 11, started really losing stamina. She's still crazy though and runs and moves like a much younger dog. She just doesn't have the stamina for sustained activity that she used to. I'd think a dog of most breeds slowing down at 8 would be a sign of health issues. Sounds like your girl also has a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraV Posted October 31, 2015 Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 The blood work may show what's going on. I hope everything goes well with Rose! Keep us updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emilyfalk Posted November 1, 2015 Report Share Posted November 1, 2015 Test thyroid! When Rae was 10 she began to exhibit what I thought were the beginning signs of "being old." She would stop on her outrun, mix up her flanks, and even had trouble balancing sheep (as in, she couldn't find balance). After an acute episode of severe weakness and even neuro signs, I worked up everything I could...and the only problem was low thyroid. She was immediately better after starting meds, and she went back to her former ways working-wise. Rae went on to compete in Open until 11.5 (at which time I retired her after tying for first on a 100 degree July day). Glad to hear about the chiro. That's another thing that has really helped now that she's pushing 15. And don't forget tick borne diseases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.