- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Yes, let's hope so. I guess it's all a balancing act with managing his exercise, work drive and not over doing it for him. Frustrating at times, I'm sure.
Merlin update
- Thread starter MellowYellow
- Start date
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Oh, they do like to worry us! I'm so glad to hear the handsome boy is no longer limping.
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
Oh poor thing. I know how difficult it is. We had a day at the beach on Sunday.....limping the next day. He over did it plus "Tina" the tart would not leave him alone!
It is a difficult balance at times I know.
Good news Metacam and rest helped.
X
It is a difficult balance at times I know.
Good news Metacam and rest helped.
X
Sorry to hear about Merlin. But glad to hear he’s improving. So frustrating not being able to let him do what feels so normal for most dogs. We are in the same boat with Snowie: no beach and no forest for the past 5 months. The physio will assess him in two weeks and let us know what we can do. It’s very tempting to let him have fun, but the pain he suffers after makes it not worth it.
The physio said there are ways to manage the beach, which she’ll explain to us when we see her, so it’s not all doom and gloom. It looks like you also have ideas on the best way to manage things with Merlin. But yes, that flinger is not good because they build up huge speed running for the ball, and the sudden jolt to stop and pick up the ball puts a lot of stress on the joints.
That photo of the two of them is gorgeous. They are beautiful dogs!
The physio said there are ways to manage the beach, which she’ll explain to us when we see her, so it’s not all doom and gloom. It looks like you also have ideas on the best way to manage things with Merlin. But yes, that flinger is not good because they build up huge speed running for the ball, and the sudden jolt to stop and pick up the ball puts a lot of stress on the joints.
That photo of the two of them is gorgeous. They are beautiful dogs!
Thank you everyone. He seems absolutely fine now, but we’re sticking with the metacam and rest for three days.
Beanwood
Administrator
@MellowYellow, was thinking about Merlin today, glad to hear he is OK. I think you are wise to rest him for a while. We took Otter for her longest walk so far today, now I am fretting!! A quiet rest day tomorrow....
Oh yes the fretting... I bet Otter enjoyed her walk, and hope she is just fine tomorrow.
Naya
Moderator
- Location
- Bristol, UK
I’m glad Merlin isn’t limping anymore. It is really hard to balance keeping them occupied vs not over doing it. With Harley’s paw being cut as well as the being the one with arthritis it’s really hard as she keeps begging us for walks. It’s hard.
Oh no I’m sorry about poor Harley. I did a lot of heel walking exercises with Merlin on our walk this morning, encouraging him to wheel around with me left and right, changing pace, walking backwards, balancing along a log, etc. it really focused his attention on me and he had a fun time despite not being allowed to run around. I also laid a couple of scent trails for him to follow, using a jar of hotdogs (drip a bit of the juice on the ground every few steps, and hide a piece of Hot Dog at the end of the trail as a prize - both my dogs love this game) - is that something you could do with Harley, maybe in the garden?
Naya
Moderator
- Location
- Bristol, UK
Thanks Karen. We done a short lead walk earlier and hid treats around the garden for her to find. It’s also helped her explore the garden more. Hotdog juice is one I haven’t thought of though! Such a good idea.
- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
Poor Merlin. It must be pretty difficult to juggle walks/training so as not to overdo it but I agree with @Jelinga throw the ball flinger out. I only ever use mine for water retrieving. Ooo love the Hot Dog game @MellowYellow Charlie would love that!! xxx