How much activity for HD dog?

[Holly's Friend]

Holly is back with us now permanently and we are trying to determine an appropriate amount of exercise for her. She is coming to us about 10-12 lbs too heavy and she does have HD. She is active and eager to play with my other dog, but we don't want her to overdo it. I know swimming would be good for her but we don't have access to a pool. I have been taking her on slow, long walks when it is cool in the evening.

She acts so eager to play more but we aren't sure how much we should let her. She is about 2.5 yrs old and still has some crazy moments of general silliness. Should we let her take the lead with regards to activity or should we moniter it more strictly?

She is only on cosequin daily and hasn't taken a rimadyl or tramadol for about 3 months or so when she overdid it with a golden puppy with her old owners.

I have been very conservative so far because I don't want to hurt her. She desperately wants to play with my very crazy active poodle but I have been "whoah-ing" them when they get really nuts.

I would like some advice from others on here who have young HD dogs regarding how much exercise is safe and what activities are the best.

Thank You,
Ronda
Holly's Friend

ps-Regarding the weight...she is already in the process of switching foods and is on the diet portions.

[AngelBunny]

How bad is Holly's HD? I think that would be critical in helping to answer your question.

"Diet portions"--I assume this means you're feeding her small portions of a premium kibble?

[Zumie05]

My dog also has HD, and it really was difficult at first to determine just how much he could play. At first we just let him decide when enough was enough. This way has turned out NOT to be the best way to control his exercise. When my dog is happy and silly, all pain is ignored by him and consequently the same night after a play like that he pants, whines, and is not able to get to sleep, limps around, and is miserable and in pain.

My dog really shouldn't be allowed to run, period, because his HD is pretty bad. Like AngelBunny said, the severity of Holly's HD is a huge factor that plays into how much exercise and running around she can tolerate. Just don't let the dog decide when enough is enough, because in a young dog's mind play is more important than pain. Silly pups.

[BabyBrownz]

I agree with not letting the dog decide on how much is too much. Quade would overdo it and ignore any discomfort but come bedtime he would pant, whine, cry out and be restless all night long.

I'm not an expert but what we found was putting Quade on his longer leash and let him romp a bit but it was controlled and as much fun as the zoomies are it is something we couldn't let him do because of the after effect.

Big hugs to you for taking Holly back permanently and looking out for her best interest. On a side note I have to say that I really miss this place but do pop in and check up every once in awhile.

Take care, keep us posted.

[Holly's Friend]

Holly's one side is moderate-severe. The other hip is not as bad. She also had surgery on her elbow for dysplasia as well. And an acl repair.
She's sorta only got 1 good leg in the bunch. Her vet is pleasantly surprised at how well she gets on.

As to her food, I am transitioning her off the Science Diet JD her previous owners had her on and putting her on Pinnacle Trout and Sweet Potato. I hope to start incorporating raw into her diet and I would not be adverse to her going all raw. I am switching her slowly and should have her completely switched over in a week or so.

She almost seems to self limit herself a little...she'll kinda half way start to chase the ball thrown for the poodle and just sorta stop and wag her nub while he brings back the ball and then they trot on in to me together. When the fetching OCD poodle and I are going to have a marathon ball game, I leave Holly in the house so she doesn't hurt herself trying to keep up with the crazy q-tip.

I also take her on walks at a fairly relaxed pace in the evening when its cooler. I keep her off stairs as much as possible. I heft her big ol' butt in and out of cars so she doesn't jump. However the piglet does jump with all four feet off the ground at the sight of her dinner, she leaps up, lands, and quickly sits for her food.

I hope we're doing right by her. I gotta say though, Holly's main job is holding down my floor. What a change from the poodle that doesn't quit and only sleeps when neccessary to Ms. Sleep 23 hours a day Holly. If she's not eating or getting petted, or having her 12 minute burst of energy a day, she's snoring on the floor.

Thanks
Ronda
Holly's Friend

[Terri Lambert]

I have to say my six year old dog has moderate HD certified by OFA, and if you didn't know any better you would think she was a dog of normal hips. I do not limit her activity as she is very active and does what she loves herding. I work for a vet and she says I should let her be a dog and do what she wants because as long as she is not in pain she is fine. I do give her rimadyll if she seems painful but not always.

[poohbearsdad]

Poohbear has severe hip dysplasia and I try not to be too religious about how much. She's 9 now and still fairly active. I just try to make sure she doesn't overdo it - ie stiffness at the end of the day etc. She's also on deeramaxx daily and we'll be due for a blood test again next month - hoping her liver isn't being affected too badly.

Oh yes. I finally got her below 80lbs! And we go tracking at least twice a week. I'm hoping to take her hiking again soon too.

[Holly's Friend]

Thanks for the replies! I guess I will let her have her moments of "dogness" but keep a close eye on them that she doesn't get too crazy. I haven't noticed any stiffness or soreness from what she has been doing so hopefully she will get along ok.

We are in the process of finding a good obedience class for us to go to together. I am just going to ask the instructor if we can avoid excessive sitting since I have noticed she sits "gingerly" unless she sits lazy.

Thanks,
Ronda

[debbiej]

I can tell you how I manage my girl's HD. she gets adequan injections. I don't allow wild play with body slams with my other rottie. they can play, but I watch, and they only play on a rug, non slick surface. she swims, she can play "by herself" and zoom as she will. (and does) she is a real sassy girl, rules the roost with the boys. I actually have more concern with her hocks, as they are very poorly structured. I did have to watch out for her in obedience class, the constant sitting and downs cannot be snappy like they like.

long leisurely walks on a flexie lead are good for her. she can go many more steps than I do. we live in desert foothills, so we have sandy hills to go up and down. that and swimming seems to wear her out without making her sore. and I guess that is the goal.