Vivitonin for elderly dog?
Discussion
I wondered if anyone has experience of Vivitonin for an old dog.
My greyhound always used to sleep about 20 hours a day but she's up to 23½ now.
We think she's not quite 12 years old but not too far off it.
This last couple of weeks, with the cold weather, it's been a real struggle to get her out for a walk at all. That's three days in a row that she's refused entirely.
I wouldn’t give anything to her without the vet agreeing that it was a good idea. This was a suggestion from a lady who helps me by taking her for a walk … or not as the case may be.
I suppose it could be argued that if she doesn’t want to go out then I maybe shouldn’t force her (she has a good sized safe garden at her disposal). I just think it’s healthy for a dog to get out every day – even for a 20min round the block amble.
She’d rather be doing this though …
I do hope things improve with the weather. We don’t have any snow but it’s just unpleasantly cold.
Cheers,
Eric
My greyhound always used to sleep about 20 hours a day but she's up to 23½ now.
We think she's not quite 12 years old but not too far off it.
This last couple of weeks, with the cold weather, it's been a real struggle to get her out for a walk at all. That's three days in a row that she's refused entirely.
I wouldn’t give anything to her without the vet agreeing that it was a good idea. This was a suggestion from a lady who helps me by taking her for a walk … or not as the case may be.
I suppose it could be argued that if she doesn’t want to go out then I maybe shouldn’t force her (she has a good sized safe garden at her disposal). I just think it’s healthy for a dog to get out every day – even for a 20min round the block amble.
She’d rather be doing this though …
I do hope things improve with the weather. We don’t have any snow but it’s just unpleasantly cold.
Cheers,
Eric
Vivitonin is a caffeine related drug, used to help older pets stay a bit brighter. It doesn't always work, no effect on our old lab, but for some it is great. Try it and see, should only take a few days to see any effect, and there are very few side-effects, if any. Might just be what is needed to give your greyhound the impetus to move more happily.
I would be more inclined to see if she has sore legs/paws/hips or whatever that is why she is not so keen to go out. Just thinking perhaps something like Yumove may be more appropriate.
I agree with you that psychologically a walk (and the smells) are good for a dog - even if it is only 10 mins.
I agree with you that psychologically a walk (and the smells) are good for a dog - even if it is only 10 mins.
I had the same problem with my 2 older hounds. Generally becoming more and more lethargic, especially when it is cold outside. I changed to a 'working dog' food for the pensioners and that seems to have made a fair difference.
But I do think weather has a big influence as well. As soon as the temperatures go up, the old hounds seem to be a lot more energetic.
But I do think weather has a big influence as well. As soon as the temperatures go up, the old hounds seem to be a lot more energetic.
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