The Old Age Question?

[JacobsMom]

Jacob turned 8yrs last month. Besides a few warts, he is in excellent condition. A few months ago I noticed a "squishy" on his upper belly. When you touch it it is soft and wiggly & is about half the size of a tea bag (maybe even a third). It doesn't seem to be bothering him at all & just seems like a fatty deposit. Then this morning I saw something. When he got off the couch to go for his morning bathroom break, he limped. I think he's starting to get stiff in his back end. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I could give him (a vitamin?) or do to make him comfortable. My old guy's getting older & I worry. I wish he could be with me forever!!!!

 

[SuzAllen]

I have tried many suppliments for arthritis for my 6 year old and have found Cosequin works wonders for him. He has been on it for about 9 months now and I really notice a difference. The least expensive place I have found it is EntirelyPets.com.

My lab had the same fatty deposits start when he was about 10. I would have the vet check them just to make sure.

Hope this helps and best of luck finding the right suppliment to ease your babys pain.

 

[punkin]

Glucosamine did wonders for my two babies when they got older. Even though senior food formulations have some glucosamine in them, I found supplements worked the best.

 

[astaub]

Glucosamine and chondroitin is what I use for my old beagle. It works wonders. It takes a bit of time for you to see the full affects. I buy the human version. It is cheaper than the animal specific and my vet told me it is fine. I have heard that the liquid can absorb easier but I buy the pills.

 

[Foxy Roxy]

Pictures

Hello - I just checked out your gallery and Jacob is beautiful! I LOVE the spider man pictures! I also have to comment on how precious Jinx is being as I just adopted a black kitty myself.

 

[JacobsMom]

Thank you guys!!

Just a quick note to say thank you. I really appreciate the feedback & I'm sure that I'll have more "old-age" questions as Jacob moves along. I find it hard watching him sleep more and have a little bit of a rougher time jumping into the van & going up the stairs. I can't explain the sense of pride & peace that I get watching him sleep. He's so incredibly wise, calm, and content. It's as if he knows that he has it well!
Thanks again.

 

[tugger]

As my girls got older I would give them a baby aspirin a day. It just kind of took care of the OLD AGE aches and pains. Our vet liked the idea and saw nothing wrong with my self medicating ideas.

 

[Darien'sDad]

I agree with the Glucosamine and chondoroitin. My vet reccomends that to her clients who's pets have joint pain.

 

[Linda/NJ]

I agree try Glucosamine. My boxer will be 8 in June and a few weeks ago, she started limping when getting off the chair she sits on. I got very upset, thinking, oh no, she is getting old. I am trying for now, treats with glucosamine in them. Hip & Joint Peanut Butter Biscuits. I give her 2 a day for the past few weeks & knock on wood she has been fine. I would try anything natural & see - also they have lots of supplements out there. On the other squishy thing, it sounds like a wart or skin tag but if you feel better have the vet check it out.

 

[Glenys]

I too am enjoying cinda more at age seven. She isn't stiffening up and apart from the possible attack of hives she has right now, she's wonderfully fit. I think Zak at 11mos keeps her on her toes. But I worry so as well, having lost two dogs in the past year, and the time I spend with my sweet-chops is very precious--all the more so for knowing they will come to an end someday soon. I know that sense of pride and tranquility when I watch my girl as well. I just want to hug her to bits. All the best with Jacob- he's doing well. Here, when the vet nurse checked Cinda over this morning it didn't cost anything. If I'd seen the vet, she would have charged me. That made a difference for us.