#1
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my dog is having trouble getting up
my dog is a german shepard great dane and as of late he is having trouble getting off the floor. he is a little over weight. he is scratching himself alot (i think its from dry skin) idk if that could be a reason why he is having trouble. when he is outside playing with my other dog he is fine and he runs around our yard. he was limping a couple of days ago. does anyone know a reason or a thought and what to do
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#2
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Both of his breeds are prone to joint problems, and being overweight certainly doesnt help. Dry skin is probably food-related. What do you feed him? How old is he?
It sounds like he is in some pain. Time for a visit to the vet. They can give you something to help him, pain meds, or a supplement to ease his joints. Be wary of any diet food they try to sell you. Vet foods tend to be overpriced and low-quality. There is lots of info in the food forum here, and many helpful members.
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Harley & Sophie Sid, Bandit, Mysti & Stan |
#3
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he eats the green bag of iams dog food. he is about 3 and a half years old
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#4
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he had alot of baths last month trying to get rid of flies so i thought thats why he had dry skin
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#5
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This is Liltigera1's stepmom - he is getting a good quality food - and is losing weight now (this time of year he is active and we keep him moving), we are wondering if he should have extra padding to sleep on or if we should be adding something to his food like oil to help combat the dry skin. he likes to sleep on the bare floor when it is hot out.
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#6
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Hi, yes Salmon oil would be great for his dry skin, and for joint problems. When using salmon oil you must also supplement with vitamin E. Here is a really good link about this http://www.dogaware.com/arthritis.html
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Harley & Sophie Sid, Bandit, Mysti & Stan |
#7
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ok thank you so much for all your help
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#8
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Glad to help...but I demand doggy pics as payment
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Harley & Sophie Sid, Bandit, Mysti & Stan |
#9
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Your first step should definitely be the vet visit. At 3.5 years of age, it isn't normal for a dog to have joint problems. You'll want to rule out dysplasias and diseases that can cause joint pain--are you in an area where there are ticks? Many of the tick-borne diseases can cause joint pain and are readily treatable with antibiotics.
If he does have joint problems, getting his weight down will help a lot. Glucosamine/chondriotin supplements may also help. As for the flea baths--you can get topical treatments for fleas from your vet that will work much better than OTC flea meds/shampoos and not dry your dog's skin!
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"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#10
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Quote:
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Does the limping seem to stem from the legs or the hip? It would be a good idea to have hip xrays taken given that GSDs & Great Danes are both prone to hip issues, it would also make a great reference tool for later in life to compare to should there be any hint of dysplasia. As for the food I'm assuming you mean the Iams® ProActive Health™ Large Breed Quote:
Compare those ingredients to Acana Adult Large Breed http://www.championpetfoods.com/acan...ormulation=alb Quote:
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A change in diet to a healthier food will help to clear up the dry skin issues.
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Avoid biting when a simple growl will do The Spirit Lives As Long As Someone Who Lives Remembers You - Navaho Saying |
#11
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First off welcome to the board. I would switch the food if price is an issue try the presidents choice 1st food it is pretty good. Honestly Iams sucks as far as quality goes I think the second ingredient is corn or right near the top and corn is just filler no nutritional value at all. Second I would get a thicker bed Costco online has memory foam dog beds and they are reasonable and really good. I have used them with my Mastiffs. A vet check would be in order big dogs are prone to joint problems and adding glucosamine to the food is a good supplement for joint and bones. Limit the amount of running and jumping he may have pulled a ligament or muscle. Please let us know how your dog is doing
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Robin A dog has so many friends because they wag their tails not their tongues. R.I.P. Buddy 2002-2008 The best Mastiff ever. Now owned by Clark the Crazy American Bulldog |
#12
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Large/Giant breed dogs have more stress on their joints even under the best circumstances. Having the dog overweight, even just a tad, will increase that stress. Also, allowing the dog to jump on and off furniture or in/out of vehicles will jar the joints.
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Kandy Livin in a Newfie Drool Zone |
#13
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You might want to try a med called "Deramaxx". Ask you vet if this is appropriate for your dog's particular issue. It is not holistic in nature, but from first hand experience, is quite helpful!
And of course, a new healthy diet and supplements can never hurt. Best of Luck |
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