Seven Year Old West Highland White Terrier?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
My 7 year old westie has been showing her age a little more than usual. It takes her forever to get moving in the morning, like her joints need time before she can do anything. She is acting hard of hearing as well.
She eats great food, has a huge yard to run in (and oh does she!), other dogs to play with and a big fluffy pillow at night to sleep on. I dont know what I did wrong to have her be acting so old in just the past year.
Should I start her on a sort of supplement? More excersise?
Is there a way to make her more “puppy-like and playful”?
Thanks!
Related West Highland White Terrier posts:
What you need to do first is to take her to the vet and have a wellness check done. At 7 years of age she is getting up there in age and should be seeing the vet more frequently. Sounds like she may be starting to develop arthritis which you can take supplements to help with slowing down its development, and pain medications to help manage the pain. Take her to the vet and have her checked.
She’s probably just aging naturally and if so, you really cannot make her more puppy-like considering she is not a puppy anymore.
You can try glucosamine supplements for her joints but personally I’d take her to the vet for a thorough check-over including blood-work.
If it is just her age, there really isn’t much you can do but embrace it. If there is a problem that needs treating, by taking her to the vet, then at least you will know about it and can do what is best for her.
That is middled aged for a dog. Great instincts that she is waiting till she loosens up before moving. I’m 46 and do the same. I also take glucosomine and chondroitin and a fish oil pill.I don’t think you did anything wrong. After expessing your concerns to your vet and following his advise try to be a little more patient with the old girl.
You could get help from http://www.dogpuppyobediencetraining.com
try putting your dog on Glucosamine it helps with joint problems in most dogs that it is given to.
Westies are a smaller breed and usually have a longer life span.
Watch closely and see if your dog is really stiff or if like our 6 year old is stretching. Bob thought he was acting stiff at 2 years since he always let the dogs out for early morning potty but when I went and watched him, He slowly got up and stretched each muscle and when finished, relaxes and walks to the door to go out.
If this is what she is doing it is actually good for her but if it is stiffness at such a young age for a westie, check with your vet to see what is causing the problem.