ROCK -
HELLO DR.MACKIE, WE HAVE A ALMOST 7 YEAR OLD LAB MIX. HE IS VERY HAPPY AND WE TAKE GOOD CARE OF HIM. LATELY WE NOTICE AFTER HE LAYS DOWN FOR A LONG TIME AND GETS UP TO MOVE, HE LOOKS LIKE HE IS KIND OF STIFF AND SLOW MOVING. THEN AFTER A LITTLE WHILE IT GOES AWAY, BUT THEN HE LAYS DOWN AND IT HAPPENDS AGAIN. IS OUR DOG SHOWING AGING? WE THINK HE IS TOO YOUNG, HE IS NOT OVERWEIGHT MY ANY MEANS. SO WE KNOW ITS NOT THAT. WE ARE A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT IT. IS AGE THE CAUSE? THANK YOU |
Dr. Mackie
Hello Rock, My first guess would be yes, it is aging. A seven year old Lab-mix is considered a senior dog, due to being a large breed, which age faster than small breeds. If your dog is in fact "warming out" of it, it may be due to muscle, and soft tissue aging, loss of flexibilty, and once they warm up, then the dog loosens up. I always recommend a physical examination at least once a year, and then go from there. If this dog continues to be active, then you may consider adding a chondroprotective agent, such as Glycoflex III, or changing his diet to j/d, or joint diet, which has nutrients in it to support bone and muscle health. Dr. Mackie |
Escanaba -
Hi Dr. Mackie. This time of year, trying to squeeze in exercise for the dogs sometimes means switching my schedule around. I do have a question though. Both my dogs get fed once a day. If I am getting them out for their walk around feeding time, is it best for me to feed them right before their walk? or wait until we return? Thanks. |
Dr. Mackie
Hello, I am so glad that you are exercising your dogs, you are in the exceptional category! I follow the rule of a small snack before exercise, but always allowing 20plus minutes before hard exercise. I wait at least an hour after my return to feed. I prefer feeding my dogs twice daily, that way they get calories split two times. I often pack a power bar, for myself, and a dog snack, if I am out on a trail for a longer time, that way I have something to give my dog if she gets depleted. Also, water is crucial, especially in the warmer months. Hope that helps, and keep active. Dr. Mackie |
