older staffies

I would like to know if it is normal for staffies to slow down as they get older, Zak has been quite active and enjoyed walks, I noticed at the end of the winter, he was quite reluctant to go out in the morning, and in the afternoon walk was very slow. He is 10years, and apart from this slowing down is in good fettle, glossy shine to his coat, good appetite, and always up for a fuss and fun. He is my first staffy, always had a collies who are full of energy. We had him from a rescue as a puppy, and is a complete joy, the love of my life, adore him, at the moment I am just letting him dictate the pace.
Have just joined this site, and I am looking forward to getting to know other staffy owners.

it all depend on the dog some do some dont my xena as really realy slow down

Hi and welcome from me and Suki. I think it depens on the dog. Some stay active their whole lives and some slow down because of medical conditions such as arthritis.

I think especially in the mornings their joints tend to stiffen a little & they'll slow down. Try giving him a supplement such as Chondroitin. Here's a link, but there will be plenty of others online...........

http://www.vetvits.co.uk/dog-supplements/flexi-joints-for-dogs/productdetail-p15875-c1786997.aspx?referrer=GOOGLEPPC&gclid=CLr3y7-46qkCFZIo3wodkWCuaA

Yes I have a old girl at 12 she tells me now if she is in the mood to go for a walk or not and I leave her to make her own mind up usually if its cold and raining she doesnt go and if its nice she will. She does sleep a lot more and is not as playful as she used to be but other then that shes a gracefull lady. I give her extra vitamins and cod liver oil to help her joints

Hi and welcome, never had a staff over the age of 4 so can't help. Would love to see some pics of your boy though Xx

hi,my old boy is 13,and over the last year he has really slowed down (arthritis).There is still the odd day he wants to keep up with the pup, but cant.He will normally just want to go out once a day for 20 mins.
This week he is off his food, he just picks a little here and there.But he still gives me that staffi eyes.
He is also going deaf, and has the early signs of dementia but some days he still wants to do more than he can.

Thankyou so much for replies to my queries about older staffs, it is helpful to know other oldies are slowing down, we go to the vet on Tuesday as he has developed a limp in back left leg, so will probably have an x-ray and check-up, will let you know how it goes.

welcome from me and my girls Kita & Izzy.
Kita is 14yrs old and does pretty well (considering she has a 20 month old, much bigger than her sis to deal with), she's my
I recently started her on a green lipped mussel powder (as suggested on this forum) for her arthritis. She was reasonably active before this anyway but had quite a few other signs of arthritis. She had a course of injections last year, but I didn't feel they did anything more for her.
Everyday I notice her sight and hearing diminishing but she doesn't, so I have to be her third eye & ear (or the other half of both hers) and make sure she is safe & comfortable while still maintaining her staffy pride

izzyrose wrote:

janey wrote:Hi and welcome, never had a staff over the age of 4 so can't help. Would love to see some pics of your boy though Xx

Open a www.photobucket.com account, upload pics there and download the img code here Xx

just another note to let you know that i have also put my old boy on Vetzyme high strength joint care, £4 for 30 tabs.
I have seen a good improvment with him.

Now I know why Zak was slowing down, The vet found he has a a torn ligament and cartilage damage in his knee, and advised an operation, as if this was left, apart from the discomfort and having to be on anti-inflammatory drugs could lead to arthritis . It seemed the right thing to do for him to have op, he had this on Tuesday, and for the first couple of days was rather forlorn, and of course had pain relief pills. Now glad to say he is doing well. Theworse thing is that he cannot have any walks for three months, he can go in the garden for toilet trips. But no walks and lots of rest, this is not pleasing him, and keeps getting all ready to go when he knows it is his walk time. Think he will get so bored. Has anyone any experience of this, and any ideas to keep him occupied.
I think I may not be posting on the correct slot. Sorry new to this

You poor things, pleased the op went well and at least you know there was a reason for it.

It must be very infuriating for you both. I know there are people on here who's dogs have also had to be inactive for a time, you will cope and Zak will adjust. Try lots of training/mental games to keep the mind active. It will seem like an age, but you'll both adapt for a while.

Hope he recovers well Xx

Sorry to hear about that, hope he recovers well from his operation