What to do if a 15 year old dog's back legs are giving out?
Buck Wolf
2025-08-03 00:29:14
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Instead, your vet will help you keep your dog happy, comfortable, and mobile for as long as possible. There are many things you can do at home to help your dog, including: Light exercise and physiotherapy. It’s important to keep your dog’s muscles as strong as possible, especially their back legs. Regular light exercise, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy may be beneficial, but it’s important to be aware that none are proven to improve symptoms of degenerative myelopathy. Always follow your vet’s advice regarding how much to exercise your dog, and never overdo it - exercise is often much harder and more tiring for a dog with degenerative myelopathy. Help getting up and down If your dog needs help getting up or lying down you may find it useful to support them with a sling, or a towel under their tummy. Wherever possible, cover slippery floors with carpet, rugs or non-slip matting.
Iliana Bednar
2025-08-03 00:12:11
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If you observe your old dog’s back legs collapsing, it’s essential to take prompt action. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. A professional assessment is crucial to diagnose the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate additional stress on their joints and back legs. Consult your vet for dietary recommendations and exercise routines that suit your dog’s condition. Provide a comfortable living environment, make your home more accessible for your older dog, provide non-slip mats, ramps, and comfortable bedding to help them move around with ease and reduce the risk of further injury. Depending on the diagnosis, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to manage pain or inflammation. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can also support joint health and improve mobility.
Rick Gutkowski
2025-08-02 22:31:05
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If your dog’s back legs are collapsing, look for these additional signs that may indicate osteoarthritis: Difficulty getting up Irritability Pain when petted or touched Difficulty squatting to use the bathroom or having accidents in the house. Depending on your dog’s diagnosis, treatment options will vary. Consult first with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate course. Particularly for older dogs, surgery is often not an option. Ortho Dog offers orthopedic braces to provide additional support for older dogs that may be experiencing collapsing in their hind legs. With support from orthopedic braces, a healthy diet, regular exercise, as well as homeopathic support, your older dog may have many happy and healthy years ahead, free of back leg collapse. Talk to your vet and ask if a hip brace may alleviate your older dog’s hind leg weakness. Be sure your older dog gets plenty of exercise and maintains a healthy diet. Older dogs do not require as much food as younger dogs. Also, consider foods with lower fat content.
Maci Wiza
2025-08-02 21:59:26
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If the vet suspects neurologic disease, a complete neurologic examination will be performed. This is a specialized exam that evaluates their gait, reflexes, and their awareness. Vets at CARE begin with a complete neurologic exam that identifies the affected region of the nervous system. If indicated, an MRI or CT would be recommended to diagnose the cause of this weakness. Treatment depends on the underlying condition. Vets use this rule of thumb: If your pet cannot walk or appears to be in pain, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. If your pet is diagnosed with intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE), decompressive surgery will likely be recommended.
Brendon Deckow
2025-08-02 21:21:27
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If your pet is experiencing weakness in their hind legs, our veterinarians at Glendale can provide guidance on how to improve or maintain their leg strength. There are various factors that can lead to your dog's back legs slipping or giving out. After identifying the cause of your pet's distress and receiving treatment recommendations, there are non-medical steps you can take to aid in their recovery and restore their vitality. It is recommended to take your furry companion for brief yet consistent walks on a daily basis. This will aid in gradually restoring their hind-leg muscles. Let your dog swim in a safe place. Swimming provides a low-friction way to work their muscles and benefits their overall strength. As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, and excess weight can strain weakening legs. To prevent this, ensure your pet enjoys a healthy diet with lean, protein-rich foods. You can consider using mobility aids like a wheelchair, rear lifting harness, or hip brace. These aids will give your dog a certain level of freedom, enabling them to enjoy an active lifestyle during the longer, warmer summer months.