WHY DO MY 8-YEAR-OLD DALMATIAN’S LEGS SEEM WEAK?
This is an incredibly common issue n the senior dog population. You may notice that your dog becomes gradually stiffer and slower as they enter their twilight years, or they might seem to go downhill very quickly over the course of a few days. It’s worrying to see our pets struggling with basic tasks, such as standing up and running, so it’s natural to be concerned.
You may notice generalised weakness, stiffness, muscle loss and a reluctance to run about, sometimes worse in cold weather and after a long period of lying down.
There can be a number of causes, so do consult your vet. They will consider conditions such as osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease or hip dysplasia, and they may order additional tests such as X-rays or a CT scan.
Thankfully, there are usually things that we can do to help, such as using non-slip mats on floors, and ramps for getting into boots and onto beds and sofas. If your dog is overweight, slimming them down will take a considerable amount of pressure off their joints.
Switch to a senior dog food – the better-quality ones contain joint protective ingredients. Similarly, starting your pooch on a supplement containing things like glucosamine and green-lipped mussel can slow down the progression of joint disease.