our aging sheeps

Patch is 9 years old, I do not know her exact birthday so she could be closer to 10. She is about 12 pounds overweight - she sleeps all day with intermittent trips to the dog park and our pet therapy visits, so her activity is limited - she does not enjoy walks at all. But, I have noticed a siginificant decline in her physically - she is not dangerously declining, but it seems she has aged quite a bit in the last 6 months. I am taking her to the vet next week for some preventative vacs so will ask about my concern. I'm sure forum members have found their dogs declining at different ages, but 9 seems a bit young.
Respond to this topic here on forum.oes.org  
It varies with the dog. I've had them old at nine and currently a 12 year old who is finally maturing. If it wasn't for her arthritic paw, she'd still be a live wire.

Going to the vet is good. Have blood tests especially thyroid. My old lady is borderline low and needs to be tested every 3-6 months. Glacier was low, put on the purple pill and lost 12 pounds and several years. (I hear her barking right now.........) Also bring in a urine sample and poop sample. She might have picked up a nasty. The vet will also check her teeth......tooth problems can slow them down.

Also think about any lameness you may have seen, possible hearing loss, eyesight issues, finicky with food, new lumps and bumps, etc. Write them down and mention to the vet.
Have your vet also check renal function. My older dog started slowing down over a month and it turned out to be renal disease.
With Pearl being 14 I am always worried about her.

I have a geriatric blood panel done on her at least once a year, along with a thyroid test. I have never thought of a renal test, though..good suggestion.

Taking the weight off her, IMO, will help her alot! Pearl has always been thin and she has no joint issues that I am aware of at this moment. I do attibute this to her being thin(ner).


I can't say that Pearl has slowed down...or maybe it has been so gradual, it was not noticable, which is probably the case... :roll:

She does sleep alot, but there are times when she is very fiesty,considering her age. She will still play with Heart..on my hardwood floors, which makes me crazy!!! If she slides or falls wrong.... :cry: :cry: :cry:

....But she is happy and has a great appitite and is loving life!!!!! :clappurple: :clappurple:

Good Luck with that sweet girl~~~and keep us posted!!!
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
Counter

[Home] [Get A Sheepdog] [Community] [Memories]
[OES Links] [OES Photos] [Grooming] [Merchandise] [Search]

Identifying Ticks info Greenies Info Interceptor info Glucosamine Info
Rimadyl info Heartgard info ProHeart Info Frontline info
Revolution Info Dog Allergies info Heartworm info Dog Wormer info
Pet Insurance info Dog Supplements info Vitamins Info Bach's Rescue Remedy
Dog Bite info Dog Aggression info Boarding Kennel info Pet Sitting Info
Dog Smells Pet Smells Get Rid of Fleas Hip Displasia info
Diarrhea Info Diarrhea Rice Water AIHA Info
Sheepdog Grooming Grooming-Supplies Oster A5 info Slicker Brush info
Dog Listener Dog's Mind Dog Whisperer

Please contact our Webmaster with questions or comments.
  Please read our PRIVACY statement and Terms of Use

 

Copyright 2000 - 2012 by OES.org. All rights reserved.