Thread: When to retire a dog?

Like some of the others have said your dog will let you know when the enjoyment has gone out of it for them. Dogs are also like people, some stay sharp a lot longer than others, sometimes you just have to slow things down and allow them time, like older mates. I’m a shepherd, and not so young either and I’ve had a lot of good dogs get older it can be pretty sad, but I think they deserve a good retirement if they have worked hard for you. The best thing you can do is get them a jacket to wear at night in the winter. They’re cheap. First few times you put in on them they think they’re being punished. Probably takes 4 or 5 days and they wait for it to be put on when they’re being fed. Takes years off them on a cold morning.

Originally Posted by No good names left

Mine's just a pet but I started adding mussel powder to his food when he started having hip pain at 10, it improved his mobility for another 2 years then the vet had to give him this wonder drug (Beransa-injection) and he's like a pup again.
It may be worth looking into starting supplements now to help his joints, mussel, shark cartilage etc
Attachment 248141
This is what I use. 1 cap per day on his food.

100% agree with this product, I use it for myself and Rouge! He eats them like lollies , joint health in myself and the hound certainly has improved.