tips for caring for older morkies?
Hi! I don’t typically post but my dog is getting up there in years and i want to make sure she’s well cared for. I’m going off to college soon and i don’t want to get any bad phone calls when I’m multiple towns over 🥲
Loni is 9 years old as of this winter and my mom and i have noticed she’s struggling to jump down from the couch + other higher up places that she used to have no problem with. She’s also been a bit slower on walks when she used to basically drag us by the arm.
The vet told us that morkies have trouble with their knees and joints down the line, so i was wondering what we can do to make it more bearable for her as she ages.
Other than the leg problems she seems to be doing well. Sleep schedule is the same, she eats all her regular meals, no accidents, etc., so I don’t think it’s anything serious.
I would prefer not to resort to medicine, as we had a very arthritic shih-tzu mix up until a few years ago (miss you girl 💕) and medicating her was a nightmare, but it’s totally not off the table. I’m not insane, I believe in modern medicine, and this girl eats pretty much anything in sight so i doubt it’d be hard to get her to take a pill if it would make her feel better.
Anyways- totally open to any suggestions to keep her comfortable. Diet changes, baths, exercises on top of her walks? Do I get little stairs for the couch? She’s my best friend and I would probably empty my savings for her if I had to.
Thanks!
Edit: tysm all for your very helpful responses! you were all very kind and informative. we are introducing more veggies into her diet (so far she’s really enjoying sliced carrots) and getting her some soft foam stairs, and will be calling the vet soon to ask about supplements <3