Stiffness

[Dobified]

I guess Rudy has hit middle age ( 5 1/2 ). He is showing signs of stiffness when he gets up after laying down an a hard floor. He has a bed to sleep on but sometimes perfers the floor.

I am planning on adding Glucosamine and Chondroiton ( sp ) to his diet to see if that helps.

He has always been very hard on himself where the running and playing are concerned.

Here's the thing, Fritz, my last Dobe, never showed signs of stiffness, so why is Rudy ? Granted Rudy runs more then Fritz did and is harder on his joints. Fritz swam a lot and was less hard on his joints.

Any ideas ? I am going to call the vet and talk to him about it, but I value your opinions and your experiences so any thoughts and suggestionds would be appreciated.

Thanks, I hate to see a dog grow older, sucks.

[dobermom]

All I can really add is all dogs are different, like people things affect them differently.
Maybe your Vet will have some better insight. If only we could keep them young forever!

[sheplovr]

GEEE that is sure not old yet to be stiff.?? Why not put him on Joint Guard from www.springtimeinc.com/live it is a great product I put puppies on also. It promotes healthy joints etc. It has all the good stuff in also. If you could maybe put some heat on him where he is most stiff for 15-20 several times a week, it might take some of it out of him. I would sure try and get him to lay on a thick throw if not his pillow. Hard floors make anything stiff, lol. I would soak a couple big towels and hold on him nightly or mornings whenever he is worse and when they get cold your done. It just might loosen him up. I would also do a walk a day, not up hills, not up big steps, just a walk about the block to keep everything working. I think steps are hard on the big dogs, try and eliminate those for a while and see if he gets some better with some new adjustments. No running or playing on hard surfaces, keep him on the grass. Not awake fully to think of anything else I might do.

[mara]

I've spoken to several people who have had great success with Glucosamine and Chondroitin. I think I've heard it can take a few days to see the benifits.

[Dobified]

Thanks !

Shep it will be impossible for me to stop Rudy from running and playing. He is a high energy dog, he would be so depressed if I tried to rein him in. He does get lots of exercise a day, we live on 32 acres.

I will probably try the heat because winter is fast approaching and that may be part of his stiffness. I will also look at that supplement, I am just not sure I can get here, I will have to check.

Dobes average lifespan is 10-12 years old. Fritz had no really issues until he was 12, he had cardio myopathy and died within three weeks , he went from healthy to very sick so fast. Rudy is still young so I want to make sure he doesn't have arthritis.

Thanks again.

[sheplovr]

AWWw sorry about that. Good he gets exercise that is maybe also why later he is stiff, but impossible to stop them. Hope he gets better, truly the heat will help, a pain to do but just give it a try for few days and see. If you can help at all, it worth giving him some good years back. The supplements are great, they come to your door.

[Dax]

Dobified, I'm a firm believer in massage. Ariel loves to get a good massage every morning working her hips and shoulders. It's a great way to increase circulation in the area.

I think trying it a couple of evenings after he's finished a long run could not hurt. If you see improvement - continue with it. I'm sure Rudy will love the extra attention.

[Dobified]

Very good idea Dax, thank you. Rudy loves being rubbed and petted so he will LOVE getting massaged. I will have to do Jenna too so she doesn't feel left out.


Thx again!

[eXile]

Yes I have heard great things about glocoseamine pills on my other forum. I think its worth a shot. Best of luck.

[BabyElephant]

Our vet has recommended that Poppy goes on to Glucosamine when she gets to about 5 years of age to help with her joints - they say large breed dogs can start showing signs of joint problems then and the glucosamine really does make a difference. They also recommend that you give them the same as humans, they say that you don't need to get one that's specially made for dogs.

Talk to your vet and see what he says, but the massage idea from Dax will be good as well.