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Anyone remember Tasha? The broken down 10 year old German Shepherd? Let me know about

post #1 of 8
12/2/09 at 12:07pm
Thread Starter 
Well, on the 16th we are finally getting her!! We would have gotten her earlier but with my boyfriend and I breaking up for over a month, and then me moving back in to see how it would go, it wouldn’t have been practical to get her.

I have been making sure she is well and in my absence I had a friend taking care of her. After that whole thing where she was in rough shape she is thriving now, except she has a really hard time walking.

We are waiting until the 16th because of prior engagements where we will not be able to take care of her and can not afford a sitter.

So my question is: Arthritis, give me your natural remedies. My old Shepherd had this and I remember giving her some vitamins and other remedies but I cant for the life of me remember what. Of course I will take her to the vet but I have absolutely no faith in the vets in my area and research everything before I go and see one.

I really don’t want to put her on meds, my Shepherd eventually had to go on Medi-Cam (is that correct?) everyday… I would like to avoid that.

Thanks guys!

Link to previous posts about Tasha below.
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...ighlight=Tasha
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post #2 of 8
12/2/09 at 3:32pm
I don't know much about dogs, but just wanted to congratulate you for taking Tasha.

I know someone will come along and answer your questions.
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post #3 of 8
12/2/09 at 3:52pm
There is a lot of great information about supplements and things for arthritis here:
http://www.dogaware.com/arthritis.html

Also this is my terrier's page about his FHO surgery, I included information about the supplements/treatments he for HD and arthritis too:
http://www.chicagocanine.com/pooch/poochhd.html
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post #4 of 8
12/2/09 at 5:22pm
Good to see that fish oil is covered in that link - it would be the first thing I would suggest, too. Plus it's good for her coat.

If you don't have a heated bed for her, get one. This cold weather even has me hurting and sometimes just being warm feels so much better. It's the same for pets.
If you don't feel comfortable getting something that would be left plugged in there are also microwavable discs like snuggle safe that hold heat for hours and could be tucked into pillowed/cases around her.
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post #5 of 8
12/2/09 at 5:48pm
Glucosamine might help and it can't hurt. It does take several weeks to have an effect. Also if you can get a foam bed for Tasha that will help a lot in making her comfy when she sleeps or rests.
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post #6 of 8
12/2/09 at 7:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2dogmom View Post
Glucosamine might help and it can't hurt. It does take several weeks to have an effect.
When I got Brandys diagnosis of arthritis in her hips, all the vets recommendation I put her on glucosamine and chondroitin..... follow up a year later and the arthritis had gotten better when xrays were compared

The only other things I did was make it so she didn't have to go up and down stairs, and gave her a cushion to sleep on (she preferred floor, but I got her to use the cushion).

I used the human supplement, the dose given by my vet as I found their version to be too expensive and my vet cares more about my pets getting treatment rather than selling the expensive "dog supplements".
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post #7 of 8
12/4/09 at 6:32am
Thread Starter 
Thanks so much guys! Some of the advice you offered I remember now doing for my old German Shepherd.

We already bought her two beds. One is specifically made for old dogs with bad hips, legs, bones, etc. That one is put beside my side of the bed for her to sleep in. The other is a thick foam bed for the living room so she can join us when we are watching TV. From what I remember about my old Shepherd, she preferred her beds over our furniture so I want to make sure she has enough beds around the house just for her.

So I guess between the supplements, senior food, special beds, and ill be committed to walking her everyday at least around the small block, I think I am good to go! Let me know if you guys can think of anything else, I am taking notes LOL.
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post #8 of 8
12/10/09 at 12:14pm
My MIL was wanting me to make up several rice bags to give away as gifts this year. I was looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to rice and came across using whole kernel corn - apparently it corn holds heat longer, too.

http://www.quiltbug.com/Articles/microwave-bag.htm Tells how to make some.

If you want to try that out it might feel good to your dog on colder days. And it would be safe.
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