Dolly Has A Hard Time Getting Up On The Couch And Bed

[CJHere]

Our 6 year old Flashy Fawn Dolly has in the last two week been hesitant to jump up on the bed or couch. She has been checked out by the vet, except for xrays. She seems active outside and in the house chasing things etc.
The vet gave her some medicine and she seemed ok. Her chest seems larger than I remember but that could be me.
Also she seems to have aged with gray hair around her mouth. Do you think she is in old age? Thanks in advance for any replys ! CJHere & Dolly

DOLLY
FLASHY FAWN
NUETERED
BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN 53045

 

[Aimee]

I would have Dolly x-rayed for hip dysplasia. Our 7 year old female, Lexi, was diagnosed at 6 years old with hip dysplasia. She could run around the yard like a mad woman but couldn't jump on the bed or couch. We have Lexi on a joint supplement (non prescription) and she gets acupuncture (we are on maintenance now so she only goes every 4-6 months for an acupuncture treatment). Lexi does fantastic. She now jumps on the bed and the couch. Every so often she gets a little stiff during rainy or cold weather but we bump up her supplement or take her in for a quick acupuncture treatment and she is back to normal in no time.

You can read about our experience here

I hope this helps!

Aimee

 

[Lava Linda]

Here's a traditional approach that worked for me. About a year ago, I noticed Gilroy having trouble jumping onto the bed, and standing from a sit. He was still very active and had good muscle tone, could run, etc, it was just certain movements that seemed difficult. I didn't go through a diagnostic process, my vet suggested Rimadyl as a first step, and he was like a new dog in just one day. (So presumably the problem was osteoarthritis.)
It comes in tasty chewables that I give once each morning so it's easy to deal with, although it's not cheap for a 90lb dog. It really turned his life around.
Recently he's had trouble jumping on the bed again, but he has other health issues so it's hard to tell if the drug has become less effective or if he's gotten weaker overall.
My two started graying on the muzzle at about 6 years, but Purdy is spry as can be at 9 years old so I wouldn't worry that it's premature aging.
Best of luck to you with your sweet Dolly!