My boy so stiff he can't walk?

[MiOzzyBoy]

Last week....I took Ozzy for some small walks 3 days in a row. On the fourth day, he was so stiff and sore he could barely stand. It was obvious this was the case. His paws were very sore too. He kept tripping and could barely bend down to eat his food. He even fell off the porch while walking into the house and I caught him before he hit the cement :( Hes only 5 years old, so this shocked me. Granted, he is 10 pounds over weight. He has lost about 2. But....I mean, these walks were not that long at all. 2 hours with lots of breaks and water, just mild walking. He loves to walk, and I take him alot...but this just recently happens now? Do you think there might be a different problem? Or maybe I just shouldnt walk him everyday?

****MiOzzyBoy****

 

[GDOGS1]

I would have him checked out by your vet before you take him on any more walks,but mind you this is just my opinion.in any case sending i'm sending him some of those good ol' boxer healing (((((vibes)))))keep us posted



MoM & DaD of GDOGS 8/18/05 Brindle,Docked,Floppy and full of Zest

 

[pennysmom]

Id get him checked

If it were me, I'd also get him checked, dont hurt to get an apt w/the vet, esp before the weekend comes, just to be safe, you never know whats going on in the inside as we can only see the outside......please keep us posted
I will keep you in my prayers that its nothing and if it is something it can be easily fixed with medicine. Stay positive and keep the faith. God Bless.

 

[ChristyA]

Hi,
Is he used to walking for 2 hours on consecutive days? Has your weather been hot and humid? Because of their nose being schmushed they can't process hot humid weather so well, even at a slow pace. Even though he is only 5, for a Boxer that is almost middle age, unfortunately. And being overweight by 10 lbs on a body that small is a LOT of weight it is very hard on their heart.

I would have him checked out by your vet before continuing the walks at this time. I would certainly take him on short (15min) walks maybe 2x a day and not stop altogether. Sophie will be 10 soon but she still loves to go on walks. Even when she was only 5 in hot weather I would only take them on short walks, early morning, late evening before and after the heat. Our vet told me on our last visit about a month ago that Sophie's tongue is so big that it is hard for her to breath when she is panting because it takes up so much room in her throat. It does stick out about 2 inches when she sleeps.

Let us know what the vet says.
Christy
Dexter 9/98-6/08
Sophie 9/98- missing her friend

 

[Sablegirl]

I think I'd have him checked out. By baby is 5 1/2 years old and sometimes due to my health she doesn't get to go for a walk for months and months and then when I'm able to take her she doesn't act like it bothers her at all and we walk at least a half mile.

 

[ehayes21]

Clearly this is a question for your vet. Get him checked out ASAP. I hope it turns out to be nothing. Good luck.

 

[djheitz]

Correct me if I'm remembering incorrectly, but didn't you just have Ozzy at the vet? Was it a full check-up or just a weight check? If it wasn't a full physical, you should get him back to make sure there's nothing else going on. If it was and everything looked fine, you may just want to give him a day or two of rest and then a few days of shorter walks. If you see no improvement after the rest days, call the vet for an appointment.

If you're walking him on pavement (asphalt or concrete), see if you can find a grassy or dirt path to take him on instead. His feet may be irritated since he's not used to doing that much walking. Another option would be play time in a shallow creek or lake, if you have one nearby. Really, anything he enjoys that will get him more active will work to get the extra weight off, even just playing fetch in the backyard. Be sure to watch that he doesn't get overheated, offer lots of water breaks (which you already are) and try to keep to shady areas if you can.

 

[ChristyA]

Sophie also has 10 lbs to lose, slowly lose. Our vet told us how many calories she should have a day. I had to call the company that makes her food and ask how many calories are in a cup. Then I figured out how many cups to feed based on what her caloric intake should be according to our vet. The vet said not to go by what is on the bag, that is to keep her at her current weight so using calorie requirements is the best way to go.
Christy

 

[auntthelm]

I too would get Ozzy to the vest ASAP. Please keep us posted on how he is doing. I will keep Ozzy and you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[MiOzzyBoy]

Thankyou all for the replies Ozzy is doing fine now, but he does have a "checkup appt." in a few weeks (when I get my paycheck)....and to answer your question djheitz, I took Oz to the vet only to weigh him. And yes he is used to walking 2 hours, he does it with me a few times a week for a while now And I dont take him in the heat...I wait until evening time when it is way cooler. He walks on grass and paventment. Just kinda varies. He acts like nothing ever happened, and hes all playful and full of life again. Though I am still taking him in to get him checked. Anyway, thankyou for all the replies and good vibes

****MiOzzyBoy****