Springer Spaniel Is 9…i’m Getting Very Worried Of Her Limited Time Left With Us?
Posted by: Alan in Cat Health Problem, tags: 9...i'm, Getting, Left, Limited, Spaniel, Springer, Time, Very, With, Worried
I love my little springer spaniel. She is the best dog I have ever had. She’s so smart, I taught her how to climb a ladder, she was in dog shows, she was is affectionate and gets along with the cats so well.
Sorry, I’m rambling…anyway, she’s been there for me when times were really tough and she’s a part of the family and I love her. And my friend’s dog just died, and now I am so worried about the limited time she has left with us. She doesn’t really have any major health problems. She isn’t as spry as she once was and stuff, and she naps quite a bit more, but she’s still ok. It’s just been on my mind a lot lately. It’s just that I am not close with family, and most of my friends and I have gone are separate ways…but my girl is always there for me, even when I yell at her for getting pawprints all over the couch.(I’m going to cry now) Sorry I have been rambling so much.. How do I deal with all this?
(pics)http://www.flickr.com/photos/28465276@N0…
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December 29th, 2009 at 3:31 am
I know how you feel. I am not that close with most of my family,either,and have only a few close friends,so my dogs are like my kids. Mine are 8,13 and 16,so their time is limited,too.But any dog can die at any age,from an accident,a disease,or a congenital defect. If your dog is in good health and still enjoys life,then it is a bit silly to worry about her dying any time soon. She looks awfully happy and much-loved to me! just concentrate on the present,and spend quality time with your doggy.She loves you,you love her and that’s all that matters.And when her time does come,you will survive.You might not feel like you will,but you will,and one day,you’ll get another dog,and it might not be as special as this dog is,but it will be your best bud just the same.
Edit: Re: Supplements and vaccinations: NO cod liver oil,as fish liver oil is very high in vitamin A and can actually cause vitamin A toxicity. Salmon Oil is much better. I would give her a 2000 mg.softgel twice a day,plus a good glucosamine/chondroitin supplement ( The best ones for dogs are Cosequin,Dasuquin, and Phycox JS).
Vaccinations: Most people over-vaccinate their pets,and this can cause many problems.It is now recommemded that dogs only be vaccinated for parvo,distemper and rabies,and only every three years ( or less often for the parvo and distemper). Leptospirosis should only be given to dogs that are exposed to wildlife,and kennel cough to dogs that spend time at boarding kennels,dog show,etc.
Watch your dog’s weight and feed her a good,natural dog food.Veggies are good for her,too,as are fruits. I think that your dog looks quite healthy,so I think she’ll be around for quite a while yet!
December 29th, 2009 at 9:57 am
At 9 yrs old, dogs tend to “wind down”. If the dog isn’t completely lethargic or having any serious health issues, she will probably give you a few more years of love and companionship. Just love her. I know it’s not a pleasant thought to have to put your beloved pet down, but it does happen, and it’s truly heartbreaking. I’ve been through that myself, so I know how you feel. Best of luck!
December 29th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Don’t they live to be 14 years old? If so.. you have about 5 years more. I would say make sure you feed her good quality food to keep her healthy and don’t think about her dying. Enjoy all they time you have left with her. Don’t think about it until it happens because if you keep thinking about it, you will be sad and that will make her sad. Don’t let her final years be sad years.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Unfortunately our pets are given fewer days on this earth that us humans. Cherish each day you have with her. But don’t let that take the joy and fun out of life together.
That being said: have a serious discussion with your vet the next time you take her in for shots. Supplements such as glucosamine can delay the onset of severe arthritis. A change of diet or type of dog food may also be in order. You may also want to take your dog in for a check up twice a year so that there is a better chance of catching any condition or disease early on.
As she does age you may also want to consider adopting an additional dog. It may make the inevitable a little more tolerable. It may even give your girl a bit more time as dogs often perk up a bit with a new dog friend in the house.
And when the time does come, know that there are resources at many local shelters and on line for grieving pet owners. It’s perfectly natural to feel a loss and to work it out with others who understand.
Below are two websites you might find helpful for additional information about taking care of senior pets.
Many happy, healthy years to you both!
December 29th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I just lost my 6 year old Rottweiler to cancer. It was very tough. The only thing you can do when that days comes is cry as much as you want. Get it out. Reminisce about the good things, and laugh at the funny. Until then, enjoy her as much as possible! Give her all the love you possibly can, and take many pictures too! It’ll be hard when that day comes, but you will make it through okay.
December 29th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Hi JuJubee
I do know how you feel, I have had springers for 25 years and its never easy when the end is inevitable. However there is so much that you can do to keep her healthy in her autumn years. Here are some tips
1, Exercise: they are old and would prefer to sleep but keep those walks going especially in the woods, the smells and scents will keep her mind active and it does keep them going. She will sleep more during the day but I think the daily walk can add years to them
2. Diet: Make sure she is on a really good healthy dog food such as a hypoallergenic dog food, and make sure it is for senior dogs so the weight stays off and her joints stay healthier for longer
3. Supplements: Make sure you put her on cod liver oil and glucosamine, springers are active dogs and in their latter years their joints are painful, these supplements will repair her from the inside out.
4. Make sure her bed is in a warm place with no drafts as this can speed up arthritic degeneration
5. Water: Make sure she keeps her fluid intake up, Springers can get kidney problems in later life, give her a large bowl of milky water every day, 1 part milk 2 parts water it will keep her fluid intake up.
Keep your chin up, remeber the wonderful life you have given her. Check out other ideas here http://www.love-springer-spaniels.com/index.html
December 30th, 2009 at 2:28 am
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
This could help you before it is her time. I know it helps me now, and would have helped a lot more before our cat left us.
I know a springer that lasted 12 years, was sleepy and napped more like you say from about 8 years on. You just never know.
(I’M going to cry now !!!)
Just cherish every moment you have with her. If she is bad, diciplin her as usual, just show her lots of love and affection. I can tell you already do. It happens when you have pets, having to watch them pass on while you are stuck here. I’m personally not sure if I believe in an afterlife, but I know I will see my cat again one day. I hope you can think this way even if it is only about your dog.
I hope she lives for many more years pain free and still as young as ever.
Please be warned, the link I sent you WILL make you cry, before or after you loose any pet at all.
Hugs to you and your springer spaniel, may she have many more years here with you ! x