I am happy to have stumbled onto this site, I hope I will be able to find some information and support from other extra special pet owners out there!
Weebles is a black lab, born to a long line of guide dogs, but as he was born with a severely deformed right front leg, he was released to my care at 6 weeks of age… he turned 11 in April. Weebs has had a really full and fun life, he had an older sister until last year, who he loved wrestling with and chasing, he knows a few tricks including “High-Five”- the tripod version of shake! He loves being outdoors in the sun, walks with me off-leash, and loves going to the river to swim and fetch sticks.
I started this blog, and joined this site, hoping to find some support and advice on our ever-increasing hurdles. Earlier this year, Weebles had some trouble getting back out of the river at high tide and needed help. I started him on a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement. He has more and more trouble getting in and out of the car lately. A month or so ago, he started hesitating to jump onto my bed at night… although sometimes I’d find him already up when I got home late, so I wondered if it was a little bit more laziness than anything. Tonight, he fell while trying to come up the stairs! I have always treated him as a normal dog, and tried not to feel sorry for him or limit him based on his leg, but this was a sad and scary moment for us. My stairs are open, ladder-style, and quite narrow. He seemed nervous to make another attempt up, and spent about an hour at the bottom, putting his one good front paw on the step, then the second step, panting a bit and then stepping off. He lied down and whined a bit, then repeated the process. I tried to coax him verbally, stood to the side of the steps so I could support him if he needed it, and gave him a few encouraging pats, telling him “Bedtime, bud!” in my usual, happy-it’s-time-to-snuggle voice… no luck. I don’t want to enable him, but I couldn’t stand how pathetic he was down there moping! I managed to get behind him and sort of lift-push-assist him up the stairs. This would not make a reasonable long-term solution, it was too clumsy and he is too big and heavy. Also, I’m broke and do not own my home so even if there were room for a new, larger staircase, I could not have one built. I hate to think of my baby being unable to come up to sleep in my bedroom with me, I guess I always knew there was a pretty good chance of him one day being unable to get around, but it still comes as a blow to us tonight.
Welcome! Have you taken Weebles to the vet to see if it’s arthritis? Did the glucosamine seem to help at all? I haven’t had experience with a senior dog (yet), but I can tell you that the Ruffwear harness really helped us with Max after his amputation. It’s got a great handle on it that could assist you in helping Weebles around. Also, I know there are some videos on the website showing physical therapy for dogs. Maybe Weebles needs to strengthen his hindquarters a bit? I don’t know how handy you are, but we actually made a ramp so Max could get on the bed without having to jump. Maybe some DIY would benefit him? Definitely my first suggestion would be to check with a vet though.
Again, welcome, and I hope Weebles gets to feeling a bit better! Keep updating! Please post some photos of Weebles when you get a chance!
Hey Weebles and family, we’re so glad you found us too. It’s not often we meet a pup who’s been a Tripawd for over a decade, so we can learn a lot from your wisdom.
I agree with Max. It’s time to check with your vet to see where he’s at in life. Senior dogs require visits 2x yearly, just to make sure everything is OK. It does sound like old age catching up with him, but fear not, there are LOTS of things you can do to help him at home that don’t cost much. Search our blogs for “Rehab Therapy” and you’ll find lots of information.
As dogs grow old, it’s hard to believe they are no longer puppies and need special accommodations. But that’s just how nature operates, we will all be there some day.
Hugs to you both. Please continue to post in our forums, we’re here to help.
Welcome. It sounds like Weebles found a wonderful family in you. Have you tried a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement that contains MSM? When I switched from glucosamine to one that contained MSM I saw a HUGE difference in Magnum’s freedom of movement. I also had her on fish oil for her arthritis.
I’d also suggest a harness. My Magnum wa 35kg and I was able to lift her in and out of the car with ease and help her up and down stairs (admittedly not open stairs but maye you could manage it).
Good luck and please keep us posted. A photo of a high five would be awesome!
Thanks for all the comments! I had trouble getting on the site yesterday, but I wanted to respond.
He is taking a glucosamine/chondroitin with msm, I cant say I’ve noticed a difference, but it cant hurt. We made an appointment with the vet and will see what she says next week, though I’m starting to think maybe she doesn’t have a lot of experience with special needs pups like mine, I may start looking for a second opinion. The good news is, Weebles was brave enough to attempt the stairs again last night, with me spotting him, and did beautifully! I’ve been leaving a baby gate at the bottom when I’m not home so he doesn’t go up alone just in case. I am looking into harnesses, also. Not sure how much one woulod help on our particular staircase but would definitely help with the car!
Thanks again, guys!