How do you deal with a aging Pet?

[Pops1967GTX]

My Dog whiskey, a Black Lab just turned 10 years old the other day. He's been going through a rough spam lately. He loves running. We noticed that he started to have shaking legs (trembling)...We brought him in to the veterinary. Diagnose is "just getting older." They also found a few tumors & a film covering his eyes. The First sign of possible blindness.....

Past history, he has cut the webbing of his back paw requiring surgery.Someone left a broken bottle in the park.... It took a few months & he was back to normal... Again playing with my other lab he rip the tendon on his rear paw(Knee)....Labs are know to have problems with there hips.....Vet gave me a few options, Put him to sleep(NO).....Leave as is, with pain medication & he will limp for the rest of his life with pain. Or surgery with only a small change he could walk again...We chose surgery.... Today he's finally walking with all four's......"He's a good old Dog" It is not easy when your pets starts aging......

"My wallet is always empty, But my heart is always full"!!!

 

[D575]

Labs usually only live 12 years, I've had many. I have a 10 month old now. after losing 2 within 6 months of each other,:sad10: about 10 years ago, We decided it was time to get another dog. It's really hard watching your old friend get old. I'm glad you chose surgery for him. I didn't have that option. Give him a hug for me.

 

[Lowhound]

Its a shame our pets dont live as long as we do. But Iv found as they get older to try & just let them grow old as gracefully as possible. Ive been lucky so far with my bassett hounds but I lost 1 a couple years ago. He was 13 &1/2 and starting to going blind & having joint trouble. But he seemed to be inspired at times by watching my other 2 hounds(his son & grandson)play in the yard. But 1 morning he didnt look rite & would not stand up. I took him to the vet & was told his kidneys had shut down. It was hard but i had to have him put down. But I feel he lived just about a good as a life as possible.

 

[Budnicks]

Good old labs

My Dog whiskey, a Black Lab just turned 10 years old the other day. He's been going through a rough spam lately. He loves running. We noticed that he started to have shaking legs (trembling)...We brought him in to the veterinary. Diagnose is "just getting older." They also found a few tumors & a film covering his eyes. The First sign of possible blindness.....

Past history, he has cut the webbing of his back paw requiring surgery.Someone left a broken bottle in the park.... It took a few months & he was back to normal... Again playing with my other lab he rip the tendon on his rear paw(Knee)....Labs are know to have problems with there hips.....Vet gave me a few options, Put him to sleep(NO).....Leave as is, with pain medication & he will limp for the rest of his life with pain. Or surgery with only a small change he could walk again...Today he's finally walking with all four's......"He's a good old Dog" It is not easy when your pets start aging......

Great looken' Labs you got there Pops... You got to love the labs, mine "Lord Budnicks" will be 15 in May, coincidental was he was born the same day my last 14 y/o lab "Duke" was put down for Cancer, my old girlfriend at the time, got him for me 6 weeks after the passing of Duke... Anyway, for his joints & mobility, I buy some stuff made for horses actually, but is totally safe for dogs too, from Tractor Supply DuMar Liquid Flex $30 or so for 32oz bottle, high in 2500mg glucosamine levels, methylsulfonylmethane 500mg {MSM} are the 2 main chemicals to help ailing joints, it kind of smells sweat, sort of... But it was like a damn "wonder drug cure" for his stiff old joints, he could barely walk up the stairs or get off the floor late at night, at age 11 or so, he use to do allot of swimming & running, constantly jumping in the pond lake or pool... He's had a few minor injuries over his life, the worst was the diamond back rattlesnake bit a while back in the summer...LOL... He's not like a puppy now, but he gets around much, much better... You can also give them a low dose aspirin too, like in the morning with a treat, it helps for any minor swelling or sore muscle issues... My sister Lori is a DVM, but she lives 400+ miles away, but she said it's fine/good for the dog, you can actually even "supper dose" them {double the dosages if necessary} & it will not hurt them at all, humans can even consume it... I put/use 3/4 of an ounce of the DuMor liquid mixed in his water with a little over a gallon of water, about 1-1/2 or every other day or so, when ever his water bowl is low/empty... Feed them any quality senior adult dog food, lots of protein, lamb, fish chicken, beef, rice filler, it helps with digestion or sensitive stomachs, they get when getting old, also don't over feed them, keep them kind of lean, they will live longer 7 be more mobile... It's hard, I know, my dog could always eat when ever he wanted to, he was free fed for 12 years, he started to get too heavy/fat, food leads their lives... Now I have to ration him with a treat & meds in the morning, a cup of food in the mid day & a cup of food when we eat dinner, then a treat at about 8:30pm... Foods with no corn additive ever... The cysts or lumps aren't any big deal as long as they aren't cancerous growths/tumors... I feel for ya' Pops, I love my old dog, he's like my son, he's been with me almost every day of his life, right by my side, even if I go to the damn bathroom, he follows me, I've had a few labs now, he's my 3rd personal dog & 8th with all the family dogs growing up, great smart & loyal animals, there's nothen' like em'....

 

[Moparsmitty]

You have my genuine sympathy, Pops. It's sad to have a good pal like Whiskey get old and near the end of his time but I'm hoping that he has a few more good years in him. I know that you are giving him the best care possible and I'll bet that he knows it too. Let us know how he is doing.

 

[2059]

When we moved here in Oct. 2011 we spent extra time looking for the right vet. one that Schmooks liked and were comfortable with. One of the "must haves" was they would come to the house when it was time to put him down. never easy dealing with aging whether us or a pet. When I go, I want to be at home with family, i feel we owe the same to our protectors/companions. prayer with you and you family.

 

[D575]

Great looken' Labs you got there Pops... You got to love the labs, mine "Lord Budnicks" will be 15 in May, coincidental was he was born the same day my last 14 y/o lab "Duke" was put down for Cancer, my old girlfriend at the time, got him for me 6 weeks after the passing of Duke... Anyway, for his joints & mobility, I buy some stuff made for horses actually, but is totally safe for dogs too, from Tractor Supply DuMar Liquid Flex $30 or so for 32oz bottle, high in 2500mg glucosamine levels, methylsulfonylmethane 500mg {MSM} are the 2 main chemicals to help ailing joints, it kind of smells sweat, sort of... But it was like a damn "wonder drug cure" for his stiff old joints, he could barely walk up the stairs or get off the floor late at night, at age 11 or so, he use to do allot of swimming & running, constantly jumping in the pond lake or pool... He's had a few minor injuries over his life, the worst was the diamond back rattlesnake bit a while back in the summer...LOL... He's not like a puppy now, but he gets around much, much better... You can also give them a low dose aspirin too, like in the morning with a treat, it helps for any minor swelling or sore muscle issues... My sister Lori is a DVM, but she lives 400+ miles away, but she said it's fine/good for the dog, you can actually even "supper dose" them {double the dosages if necessary} & it will not hurt them at all, humans can even consume it... I put/use 3/4 of an ounce of the DuMor liquid mixed in his water with a little over a gallon of water, about 1-1/2 or every other day or so, when ever his water bowl is low/empty... Feed them any quality senior adult dog food, lots of protein, lamb, fish chicken, beef, rice filler, it helps with digestion or sensitive stomachs, they get when getting old, also don't over feed them, keep them kind of lean, they will live longer 7 be more mobile... It's hard, I know, my dog could always eat when ever he wanted to, he was free fed for 12 years, he started to get too heavy/fat, food leads their lives... Now I have to ration him with a treat & meds in the morning, a cup of food in the mid day & a cup of food when we eat dinner, then a treat at about 8:30pm... Foods with no corn additive ever... The cysts or lumps aren't any big deal as long as they aren't cancerous growths/tumors... I feel for ya' Pops, I love my old dog, he's like my son, he's been with me almost every day of his life, right by my side, even if I go to the damn bathroom, he follows me, I've had a few labs now, he's my 3rd personal dog & 8th with all the family dogs growing up, great smart & loyal animals, there's nothen' like em'....

15 !! wow , I'm impressed. At first I thought, you must live in some clean Midwestern state. What's your secret ? or is it just good dog genetics ? Sonora isn't that far from me. Beautiful area.

 

[Budnicks]

15 !! wow , I'm impressed. At first I thought, you must live in some clean Midwestern state. What's your secret ? or is it just good dog genetics ? Sonora isn't that far from me. Beautiful area.

Maybe it's good genetics, or lucky picks, nope not the Midwest, Calif. born & raised, lived in the Delta & Concord mostly, a few years in Alaska & East of Sacramento in Rancho Murieta 10 years, now Sonora... but IMHFO it's spoiling the crap out of them, good high quality food, allot of exercise, fun full life, keep them active, keep their brains active, treat them like family or better...LOL..., not just stuck on a chain somewhere, or ignored, there whole life, allot of love, I treat them better than many people sometimes, allot of car rides, allot of tennis balls chased, stuffed animals & other misc. toys, then especially a good/great Vet/DVM that actually care about the animals, instead of just another patient to get/make money off of, some people & some Vets are just too often, way too quick to put an animal down, take the easy way out, educate yourself, get more than one opinion, I self diagnose allot, when it's something simple that's wrong, the internet is a great source of medical information... I have a couple of family members that are all dog & animal people too...

 

[red 69 runner]

Man I feel for you,the Mrs and i never had any children but we always had a Lab,our first was a chocolate named Murphy he made it 13 years we had surgery on his lyrnx to correct a breathing problem he had and that gave him a few last good years,Max was black and he was born on our kitchen floor from a litter my father in laws dogs had,thought he was having the usual hip problems these dogs get last year and turned out he had a large tumor that was inoperable so we had to put him down to relieve his pain he was 11,not an easy thing to do but thinking of the pain they are in and Labs are so loyal that they will keep on going and going ,its just their nature.both of ours had a private cremation and their ashes are in very nice wooden boxes.We have a yellow now AJ and he will be 4 years old this August,he misses Max but he is a very good dog,hoping to have him with us for a very long time.Just recently switched his food to the all natural kind and the differance is amazing,its true that the commercial brands have alot of fillers and who knows what else that can really affect a dogs health.Hope the surgery goes well for him and he is with you a long time.Mike

 

[SUPERSTOCKRACER]

cosequine for the joints 3 tablets a day will help alot for older dogs. your dog is starting to get arthritis. it helped mine for the last 4 years.

 

[Budnicks]

Man I feel for you,the Mrs and i never had any children but we always had a Lab,our first was a chocolate named Murphy he made it 13 years we had surgery on his lyrnx to correct a breathing problem he had and that gave him a few last good years,Max was black and he was born on our kitchen floor from a litter my father in laws dogs had,thought he was having the usual hip problems these dogs get last year and turned out he had a large tumor that was inoperable so we had to put him down to relieve his pain he was 11,not an easy thing to do but thinking of the pain they are in and Labs are so loyal that they will keep on going and going ,its just their nature.both of ours had a private cremation and their ashes are in very nice wooden boxes.We have a yellow now AJ and he will be 4 years old this August,he misses Max but he is a very good dog,hoping to have him with us for a very long time.Just recently switched his food to the all natural kind and the differance is amazing,its true that the commercial brands have alot of fillers and who knows what else that can really affect a dogs health.Hope the surgery goes well for him and he is with you a long time.MikeView attachment 108517View attachment 108518

Great looken dogs, sorry to hear about your trusted old friends/dogs Max & Murphy.. it looks like AJ is a youngster, great looken guy... I think my next lab will be a yellow lab also, start the cycle all over again...LOL... good luck

 

[quicknick]

I agree with everyone above. Our Great Dane is 12 as well. He gets 2 1000 mg. glucosamine w/ MSM each day, along with a 1/4 mile walk every evening. Bringing in a new puppy also keeps the old man active. Our new guy is 18 mo. old and because he's a ball of fire, keeps the old guy active and moving.

 

[RustyRatRod]

We've never had to put a cat down........well.........I take that back. Not professionally, anyway. I had to once. several years ago, my son fired up the tractor to cut some grass. It's a 49 model Ford 8N. No live PTO. The bushog was on the back. Our old mama cat, Pizzaz, was asleep under the bushog. No need in gettin graphic, but "I" had to do what I had to do. She never would have made it to the vet and was in total agony. I will always live with the "what if" if I had not done it, but I tell myself that she was too far gone......and she was. It broke my heart, but I had to do it. She was one of our favorite cats and I could not watch her suffer after all the joy she had brought to us while there was something I could do about it. Of course, my son was devestated, but I finally convinced him that it was not his fault. I think when your pet finds it painful to get around....and I mean doing everything, we all have pains, but when they cannot even lay down in their bed without pain, then it's time.

- - - Updated - - -

I bet it looks like people crap in your yard.

I agree with everyone above. Our Great Dane is 12 as well. He gets 2 1000 mg. glucosamine w/ MSM each day, along with a 1/4 mile walk every evening. Bringing in a new puppy also keeps the old man active. Our new guy is 18 mo. old and because he's a ball of fire, keeps the old guy active and moving.View attachment 108520View attachment 108521

 

[Al K]

As I've stated before,I've got cats,but also love dogs. All you guys have some fine hounds there. Give them tons of love;they truly do understand and appreciate it. I've got one cat that's 20 years old,is partially blind,but will still chase a laser dot around like a kitten. She led a rough life before I got her,and am truly going to miss her when she finally passes. All we can do is give them the best life we can.

 

[SUPERSTOCKRACER]

when the quality of life deteriotes to the point where its cruel for the animal.its time to make the decision to let them go and put them down. remember the good time with your pet not the bad time

 

[wahya]

A few years ago, we lost one of our dogs due to Chinese dogfood. We buried her in the back yard and her lifelong buddy spent many hours laying next to her grave. They are both buried there now. Both 14 years old when they died. I don't want another dog right now, maybe some day.

 

[chooch]

my lab is 16 & was still going like a pup until about a year ago. i'm finally going through the same thing with her between the hips & some arthritis then her eyes hazing over I know it's her time & i'd love to wake up someday to find her passed in her sleep, i just don't have the heart or chalupas to do the deed yet since she's still very alert/attentive & still gets around on her own for the most part except for steps

 

[Nick2317]

Im going through the same thing rite now with my dog Max ....hes 12 or 13 and has arthritis pretty bad ...had 2 meds he takes twice a day .....hes the last part of the family I had with my dad ....and It scares the hell out of me every day to think of him dying soon

 

[rrowdy]

Pops,

I really feel what you're going through as I've also been there many times myself.
Dogs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and when you lose one
It's like losing a lifelong friend.
I've always felt closer to my animals than most people I've met and it hurts like hell when it's time to say goodby.
I used to have working Dogs for hunting and also cattle Dogs and it always amazed
me watching them work.
Unfortunately, they don't live long enough especially the working Dogs. I have Five Heelers now and they don't work anymore but neither do I.
As they leave me, I'm having them cremated and their ashes will be mixed with mine.

Best wishes to you Pop!

 

[ws27]

Pops, the big thing to remember is whether he is happy. Animals don't know how to feel sorry for themselves that's a stupid human thing. If he is still happy and not in any severe pain, pretend like there is nothing wrong.

Animals can sense your feelings.