MikeLynn (10-01-2015)
Hello,
Thank you all for this informative site. Our black lab Sugar is ~11.5 years old, experiencing the ups and downs that old dogs do. I hope we can share some experiences that may help others care for these cherished family members. They really are minor angels.
Sugar was the runt of the litter, but only in physical terms. As we learned, her heart is monstrously large. She grew to an adult body weight of 70 lbs. optimal, is usually the smallest lab in a crowd, and submissive to most other larger dogs. She IS the definition of water dog. Persistent. Fearless. Scary fearless sometimes. She "chose" my wife, who sat on the floor in the middle of a litter trying to make "the choice". She visited my wife by smell first, then climbed into her lap and did not budge. Fell asleep as I recall. Choice made. In retrospect, another pup, a male yellow, did the same but being "first timers" we thought 2 might be too much. Probably a wise choice at the time, disappointing nonetheless. Sugar has been such a joy in our lives we often wonder what might have been. Next time we would not hesitate to raise two Labs together. Another lesson learned.
Sugar has always been a sturdy dog though her auto-immune system is flaky. Possibly a result of having come from a breeder that was not a true professional. Yet another lesson learned. This has manifested itself as skin allergies, and possibly a couple bouts of immune-mediated polyarthritis, though we only recently understood what IMPA was. We worked hard all her life to keep her off the "preds", with some success. High quality food, and fish oils for skin. Temaril-P was the go to drug when all else failed, luckily she only had bad bouts in the spring and fall and did not need the support year around. As she got older, and her joints began to wear, managing that pain and the allergies with NSAIDs and prednisone, and Clemastine, and Benedryl, etc. etc. became fairly convoluted. Recently we stopped all that. Now she takes Adequan for joints, and Apoquel for allergies and she seems to do quite well though the IMPA has weakened her muscles and she's somewhat unsteady especially on smooth surfaces. It's this end state of medications and weakness that brought me here. I hope to learn of anything that can help us comfort her and strengthen her in her twilight years.
Pics will follow as I see there is great demand for them here.
Hello to all...
MikeLynn (10-01-2015)
Hello and welcome to you and Sugar! No doubt you'll get some advice from others with older dogs. I haven't had to deal with those health issues so far so I am not much help there. Sugar sounds like a sweetheart.
I wouldn't be too sad about not getting 2 puppies together. While one puppy can be a handful, 2 puppies can be exponentially more challenging- if one has a naughty idea, both of them have to get in on the act! There are some good reasons not to try it. Our breeders have recommended 2 years or more between puppies so the first is well trained before the second comes along, demanding attention. Our first dogs were litter mate boxers who died within 2 weeks of each other. Two elderly dogs together can be another reason not to jump to litter mates. But then, for some folks willing and able to put in the work, it can be fun to have 2 rascals.
And yes, pictures are a must!
Sue
Chase 9/29/2006- 6/30/2017 Always in our hearts
Lark 12/25/2012- 2/2/22
Henry 7/14/18
Joey 5/14/2022
“Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”
― Mary Oliver, Hidden Content
charliebbarkin (10-01-2015)
Hello and welcome
Welcome! Ditto smartrock!
Charlie and Burton
Hello and Welcome Sugar and family!
We home older dogs and know what you are talking about. It's difficult when their body is giving out but they are still so aware and loving. Our Mardi is now 13 and her back end is not good at all, severe arthritis in one hip, a bum knee on the opposite side. The best we can do is keep her comfortable with a pain med. She gets 1000 mg of vitamin C a day and Cosequin DS. We have worked very hard to keep her weight down to ease the load on joints. Also, I have carpet runners all over the house. I bought them at Home Depot by the foot, rubber backed, easy to clean. It gives her footing and security. She also gets exercise, as much as she can tolerate. Some days that's only to the end of the driveway and back. She loves that time, it's not only physical exercise but mental exercise. I also do range of motion exercises daily. She's gotten used to "our time" when dinner is finished and dishes are done. With her laying on her side, I place my hand on her shoulder and move the leg forward and back, as much as is comfortable to her. Working down the leg, each joint is worked. Do the same with her back legs. It took a little time for her to get used to the routine and I only do what she will tolerate. At first, the movements were relatively small but have improved. On her bad days, I may only give her a rubdown. I love spending that special time with her.
Sending good thoughts to your sweet girl.
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Kissing Bandit
Welcome neighbor!!!!!!
Hi and welcome!
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Tammy
Maxx and Emma Jean
Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.
Welcome.
Welcome!
Julie & Jake, Bacon's Humans
Instagram: @mrbaconthelab
Born: 9/02/13
Gotcha: 11/08/13
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In memory of Lily 1/1995 - 2/2/2012
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