1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Aging Dogs…Hold them back or let them live how they like?

Discussion in 'Pets' started by CorpsTundra, Aug 17, 2021.

  1. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:27 PM
    #1
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    My two Dutchies are 6 and 8 years old. Not too old, but they are getting older and take more time to recover than they used to. Both of them will still go full blast indefinitely and I am on the fence about whether I should control their throttle.

    On one hand I want to slow them down to hopefully prolong their ability to get around better at an old age.

    On the other hand I feel that slowing them down may be selfish and that I should let them decide when it’s time to trade in the frisbee for naps.

    What do you all think?
    65BC3DBE-A0AA-46BB-842F-072BF3B8BC40.jpg
     
    ATV25, Cody1060, eccracer104 and 2 others like this.
  2. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:28 PM
    #2
    Rubberdown

    Rubberdown Spilling my guts here.

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2019
    Member:
    #24972
    Messages:
    1,231
    Houston, TX
    Good luck. I tried that with my lab and he wasn’t having it.
     
  3. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:30 PM
    #3
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    Oh yeah it might be futile in the end anyway. If they even sense I’m trying to stop throwing the ball or frisbee they stop bringing it to me.
     
    jewsNbrews likes this.
  4. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:35 PM
    #4
    Kratos

    Kratos Woof

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2021
    Member:
    #65131
    Messages:
    330
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2021 MGM Limited Nightshade
    Without a doubt, let them live as they want as you don't have any idea of what may come down the pike for them health wise. I've lost too many that didn't get to live out a full life.
     
  5. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:39 PM
    #5
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    I tend to agree. The end date isn’t clear and I am probably not the one to make that decision.
     
    TXBrit, jewsNbrews and Kratos[QUOTED] like this.
  6. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:41 PM
    #6
    g6t9ed

    g6t9ed Novice Tundra Modder

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2018
    Member:
    #17824
    Messages:
    680
    Vehicle:
    2017 Black CrewMax 1794 4x4
    I've always been of the belief that a day enjoyed is a day worth having over one where you're always worried about tomorrow.

    Now, that doesn't mean that you can't take precautions. Feed them right, protect their joints, and make sure their teeth stay healthy. Until science creates everlasting life, I think this is the best that you can do for them. Let dogs be dogs and make sure they're always loved because their lives are but moments compared to ours.
     
  7. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:42 PM
    #7
    Kratos

    Kratos Woof

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2021
    Member:
    #65131
    Messages:
    330
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2021 MGM Limited Nightshade
  8. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:45 PM
    #8
    gladecreekwy

    gladecreekwy Wyoming

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2017
    Member:
    #7463
    Messages:
    906
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    J
    Jackson Wyoming
    Vehicle:
    2014 trd silver tundra
    6" lift, bumper and winch.
    Exercise is vital to older dogs. Let em go. I have provided my older dogs with some painkillers after really hard days. Ask your vet. They won’t tell us when they are hurting
     
  9. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:57 PM
    #9
    jewsNbrews

    jewsNbrews SSEM #8 level 3, RGBA #5 lab tested lab approved

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2018
    Member:
    #14506
    Messages:
    14,582
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    Jewiston Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD PRO
    Bolt on
    Let them go. They will slow down when they want to. My almost 15 year old husky was balls to the walls until he decided to take things easy. Even now he will get active when he feels like it. Still chases my 4 and under labs.
     
    Y0TA PR0, FirstGenVol, Krezz and 4 others like this.
  10. Aug 17, 2021 at 2:59 PM
    #10
    B33

    B33 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2020
    Member:
    #51229
    Messages:
    74
    Gender:
    Male
    all my boys have been hunting breeds and I let them hunt as hard as they could till there 10 as long as they were still sound after that I slowed them down just a bit . Watching my dogs work a field was always a Joy

    we had 2 Dutch Shepherds for work in Afghanistan Awesome dogs it will be the next breed of dog for me and the Family
     
  11. Aug 17, 2021 at 3:37 PM
    #11
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    Good advice everyone. I have been giving them the Cosequin for the last couple of years already. I pick up a few bottles whenever Costco has them on sale. For those interested, the Cosequin goes on sale for $10 off at Costco around every 3 months or so.

    20FDC431-87C2-4AE3-B461-6EEE6C33339F.jpg
     
    TXBrit, ColoradoTJ, WILLINH and 2 others like this.
  12. Aug 17, 2021 at 3:41 PM
    #12
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    I have been thoroughly impressed with both of my dutchies. I was a bit hesitant with getting the first one with it being my first focused attempt to train a working dog. My girl Layla made it so easy though and we quickly got our boy Ryker.

    They are so damn smart we constantly have to think ahead of them. It’s been a real pleasure.
     
  13. Aug 17, 2021 at 3:57 PM
    #13
    coldcanuk

    coldcanuk New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2021
    Member:
    #63738
    Messages:
    143
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra Platinum
    Let them decide. Beautiful dogs.
    Hard when they get old, enjoy everyday with them, they're at the perfect age. Not young and spazzy, not old and you're worried they can't tell you how they feel.
    I've lost a few dogs and it's been way harder than when people in my life die.

    I currently have a 12+ year old golden retriever. Worry a lot about him.
     
    CorpsTundra[OP] likes this.
  14. Aug 17, 2021 at 3:59 PM
    #14
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Member:
    #156
    Messages:
    6,603
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Chesapeake, VA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Super White Tundra DC
    5100s all around, 295-70-18 Defenders, 1.25 Spidertrax spacers, BD reverse lights, de-badged, interior LEDs, footwell LEDs, reverse LEDs, ARE cap, front receiver hitch for cooler holder, cooler holder/rod rack, backup camera, Kenwood HU, Westin nerf bars, Husky floor liners, folding rear seats, remote battery posts, plastidip grill chrome, Powder coat bumpers.
    For our last two we kept the activity, but reduced the volume. Instead of throwing a ball 50 feet, throw it 10. We stopped playing fetch in water, but kept it on dry ground. When our big one took a spill down the stairs, we installed a baby gate so he couldn't go upstairs. Decrease walks from a mile to a couple of blocks.
    I'm a firm believer in Cosequin. It kept ours able to do more physical stuff, although on a reduced basis.
    Also, keep their weight optimal.
    Ours were 60 and 90 pounds and made it to 16 yo. Not long enough for me, but genetically speaking, not too bad.
     
    CorpsTundra[OP] likes this.
  15. Aug 17, 2021 at 4:10 PM
    #15
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2019
    Member:
    #40251
    Messages:
    9,112
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 TRD CM 2004 TRD Snow Goat
    I'll have to give this stuff a try. My 10.5 y/o lab/golden has really slowed down this year, she can't jump in the bed of my truck anymore.
    Along with stiff joints she got kicked by a horse Sunday, broke a front foot bone.
     
  16. Aug 17, 2021 at 4:20 PM
    #16
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    Sorry to hear about the horse incident. I understand how that feels. The dogs took off after a squirrel and at full sprint my girl cut the corner too close and went shoulder first into a pole barn 4x6 post. She was only 4 then. Luckily no permanent damage as far as her radial nerve, but the shoulder has been popping ever since. A few weeks later my boy took off after a few deer and he quickly regretted catching one as it kicked him in the chest when he got there.

    I’ve been giving them Cosequin since that time. They’ve had several car crash velocity run ins with each other, trees, etc. since then. Hard to say how it works at this point, but they both have no issues running and swimming all day.
     
    JMB and NWPirate[QUOTED] like this.
  17. Aug 17, 2021 at 4:33 PM
    #17
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    16 years is a long time for a large dog no doubt. Like you said, never long enough though. I didn’t really appreciate the weight consideration until having these large athletic dogs. Weight is such an obvious factor after seeing how much force they put on their limbs.
     
    JMB[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Aug 17, 2021 at 4:36 PM
    #18
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    Thank you, they are a real pleasure. I worry about them all the time too. They’re agility is impressive, but the whole time I’m watching like a parent watching a baby by a table corner haha! They don’t care, reckless abandon full time and that’s just who they are.
     
    coldcanuk[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Aug 17, 2021 at 4:53 PM
    #19
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2018
    Member:
    #22402
    Messages:
    16,058
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    George
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra DC SR5 Barcelona
    Alot of them
    Sounds like a question for our favorite vets @Kerch71 and @jaredmillerdvm ?
     
    CorpsTundra[QUOTED][OP] and JMB like this.
  20. Aug 17, 2021 at 5:24 PM
    #20
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Member:
    #156
    Messages:
    6,603
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Chesapeake, VA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Super White Tundra DC
    5100s all around, 295-70-18 Defenders, 1.25 Spidertrax spacers, BD reverse lights, de-badged, interior LEDs, footwell LEDs, reverse LEDs, ARE cap, front receiver hitch for cooler holder, cooler holder/rod rack, backup camera, Kenwood HU, Westin nerf bars, Husky floor liners, folding rear seats, remote battery posts, plastidip grill chrome, Powder coat bumpers.
    You beat me to it by 20 minutes. Both give great advice.
     
  21. Aug 17, 2021 at 6:24 PM
    #21
    Rubberdown

    Rubberdown Spilling my guts here.

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2019
    Member:
    #24972
    Messages:
    1,231
    Houston, TX
    Real talk. Keep their weight under strict control. That alone will do more for their joints than most anything else. A pound on a dog is like 10 on a person. People keep their dogs to fat and it makes the tail end of their lives a lot harder than it has to be.
     
  22. Aug 17, 2021 at 7:09 PM
    #22
    MTRock

    MTRock 1889

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2020
    Member:
    #41972
    Messages:
    1,344
    Gender:
    Male
    Montana
    Vehicle:
    2013 Rock Warrior DC
    DC rear fold down seats, decals removed, blacked out badges, complete stereo, ceramic coating, ToyTec Boss 3/1.5, RidgeGrappler 305/70r17, blacked out rock rings and center caps, smoked tail lights, BAMUFFLER Alpharex Pro headlights, TRD PRO Sequoia Grille, DAPtune
    Let em rip.. I think it’s actually better for them! Maybe the pooch will get injured but odds are with a little direction…ie don’t go after that rattle snake..they will live a longer more healthy life, physically and mentally.
    A4511EA3-3476-47FA-BF36-17BB73833189.jpg
     
    TXBrit, ATV25, 1lowlife and 5 others like this.
  23. Aug 23, 2021 at 5:11 PM
    #23
    jaredmillerdvm

    jaredmillerdvm Mods will never end!!

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2018
    Member:
    #13635
    Messages:
    622
    Gender:
    Male
    Anderson, SC
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CM SR5 TRD Off Road 4x4
    Rough Country 3in leveling kit, SCS Ray 10s, 295/70/18 Toyo Open Country AT2 Extremes. TRD Shift Knob, Console Safe, Driver Side Grab Handle, WeatherTech Laser Measured Floor Liners, Katzkin Heated Leather Seats, Remote Start, TundraTex Frac Harness, Radio Vinyl Inlays, LED Interior Lightening. MGM Color Matched Hood Bulge and Surround, 18% Tinted Front Windows, 90% Ceramic Windshield Tint, 5% Banner, AntennaMast Stubby Antenna, Predator Step Bars, Skid Plate with Integrated Step, Line-X Spray in Bed Liner, Blacked Out Badges, Mirrors and Door Handles, Black Bedside Decals, Bak Revolver X2 Tonneau Cover, Swing Case Tool Boxes, DIY Tailgate Lock, Deck Rail System, Recon Smoked LED Tail Lights With LED Reverse Lights, Smoked Vinyl Wrapped Cargo Light, LED License Plate, Cargo, and 3rd Brake Lights, Dirty Deeds 8" BAMuffler, Black Powder Coated Front and Rear Bumpers, TRD Rear Sway Bar.
    Hi there. I would agree, if they don’t use it they will lose it. Keep them active, their weight at an ideal body condition and start both on jt supplements like cosequin(make sure MSM is included). I wouldn’t recommend the human glucosamine and Chondroitin since all are not created equal. If they get to the point of lameness despite the joint supplements talk to your vet about arthritis meds.
     
  24. Aug 23, 2021 at 5:23 PM
    #24
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    Thank you for the advice. Both are on Cosequin and are at healthy weight levels. I will let them continue on and monitor them for changes.
     
    jewsNbrews and WILLINH like this.
  25. Aug 23, 2021 at 5:27 PM
    #25
    careyrob

    careyrob In the field

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Member:
    #4680
    Messages:
    618
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Carey
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2008 Crewmax TRD 4x4 Silver
    LRO 3/1 leveling lift 35x12.50's on 20x9's Hellwig rear sway bar B&M 70264 SuperCooler Transmission Cooler Firestone airbags Daystar cradles Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System
    Working dog breeds are bred to be obsessive about their work with only minimal regard for their own health and safety. It's the handler's job to monitor that stuff since , by (human) design, they no longer do it themselves very well.

    You probably throttled them on hot days even when they were young so why not throttle them appropriately as they age?

    Let them have their fun, but also help ensure that they have a reasonable quality of life when they aren't playing.
     
    CorpsTundra[OP] likes this.
  26. Aug 23, 2021 at 5:32 PM
    #26
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    Yes I understand what you mean. I do make sure they are not overdoing it in the sense that they are at risk of heat related issues or dehydration. I meant in terms of restricting their typical exercise duration and higher impact activities to account for their age.
     
  27. Aug 23, 2021 at 5:50 PM
    #27
    Steve18

    Steve18 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2020
    Member:
    #52167
    Messages:
    77
    Gender:
    Male
    Virginia Beach
    Vehicle:
    2016 Black 4Runner Trail and 2021 Black Tundra TRD Pro
    Our vet noticed our 7 year old German Shepard was a little stiff at his annual exam, and we also let her know he was having trouble jumping up on our bed. She recommended we give him Dasuquin chews (we get ours off of Amazon). Fast forward to his annual exam last month (8 years old now) and she said he's looking like a young dog again and his walk/run gate is perfect. No issues jumping on or off the bed anymore and he runs circles around our 3 year old Belgian Malinois.
     
    jewsNbrews and CorpsTundra[OP] like this.
  28. Aug 23, 2021 at 6:00 PM
    #28
    careyrob

    careyrob In the field

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Member:
    #4680
    Messages:
    618
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Carey
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2008 Crewmax TRD 4x4 Silver
    LRO 3/1 leveling lift 35x12.50's on 20x9's Hellwig rear sway bar B&M 70264 SuperCooler Transmission Cooler Firestone airbags Daystar cradles Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System
    Conditioning may help that, but 7 years ago when my lab was 4 he could hunt pheasant and quail hard for 5 days straight. I shut him down after 2 days now or he'll limp for a whole week.

    I'm not being a good friend if I don't do that for him.
     
    Northwoods22 and CorpsTundra[OP] like this.
  29. Aug 23, 2021 at 6:18 PM
    #29
    CorpsTundra

    CorpsTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2021
    Member:
    #65597
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra CrewMax SR5-TRD OR - Cement
    Good to hear! Running circles around a Mal is an accomplishment for a dog of any age!
     
    Steve18[QUOTED] likes this.
  30. Aug 23, 2021 at 6:42 PM
    #30
    crewmaxlmt

    crewmaxlmt How dare you!

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2020
    Member:
    #54795
    Messages:
    890
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    scott
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax Limited
    I had a Rottweiler that I thought had reached “that” age a couple of times. It wasn’t until I put a piece of steak in front of his nose and he didn’t respond did the vet think that it was his time. I think that you are a long way away op. Enjoy them and let them set their pace. The most enjoyment that they get is pleasing you.
     
    CorpsTundra[OP] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top