Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Recommend feed for an old timer Golden Retriever

Options
  • 25-05-2020 10:55am
    #1
    BraveDonut
    Registered Users Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭


    Looking for a dry feed recommendation for a Golden Retriever nearing 13.
    He is happy and healthy if a little overweight

    We have been feeding him one of the "premier" brands for years with no issues.

    Now he seems to constantly have runny poos and is slowing down on this walks - struggling to walk anything near the distances he used to.

    Anything for the poo and maybe a bit of an energy boost. Obviously cost is a consideration too.

    thanks


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,027 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    When was his last checkup and blood panel would be my first question? My guy (will be 11 in July) had a bad tummy on and off for what felt like months. He had a course of antibiotics and b12 and is back to normal. For the slowing down, really you need a vet to work out a plan with you with pain relief if needed, stretches and exercises you can do at home. Dogs are very good at hiding their pain so while you might think he's just getting old he could be very sore... but the vet would be my first port of call before trying any supplements etc. Canine Arthritis Management are a great resource - they have a website and then a few different FB groups.


  • Options
    #3
    BraveDonut
    Registered Users Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭BraveDonut


    Thanks very much for such an informative response.
    I do plan to get him in for a full check over.
    Its about 6 months since he was last at the vet - They were happy with his joints and movement then


  • Options
    #4
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,027 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    I'm very lucky with my vet - she's a pain specialist and they treat individually as in based on the individual dogs which my old vets didn't always do. My other dog did really really well after a course of acupuncture - which I thought was crap until we tried it lol but the difference in her was amazing! She had kidney disease so pain in her lower back that just affected how she moved all over. Bailey was getting laser therapy each week before all the lockdown madness and I'd hope to start it again when things get back to normal (or whatever normal is going to be!).. at the moment I'm doing led/light therapy with him at home.


  • Options
    #5
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,090 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    I suspect there’s something else going on here and he’s not eating because he doesn’t feel well. He’s 13 so you can expect him to be capable of less exercise, walks need to be little and often.

    I wouldn’t change his food, certainly not until your vet has seen him and even then I would hesitate unless the vet finds a health issue that leaves no choice but a change in diet


Advertisement