Gavin's dotage

Ann · Jul 3, 2022

The heat can certainly do it, Cindy. Mine wilt in the heat, some more than others, and Checkers seems to feel it more these days. I'm glad the gabapentin helped and he's getting some rest. It's such a worry when they are off. I use CBD treats too for storms and I find they do help. If they make Gavin more comfortable while it's hot, I'd use them.

Cindy · Jul 3, 2022

Gavin is sleeping on the tile floor on my bathroom. oddly enough, that room is not anywhere near the coolest in my place. and I have tile in my kitchen and entryway that are both in cooler places. but definitely confirmation that he is hot (while I am in sweats). I ordered more CBD treats; the ones I have are pretty low concentration ones that I want to save for use during the day but I want slightly stronger ones for night time use.

Sharon7 · Jul 3, 2022

I have not used the CBD stuff but I know it helps a lot of dogs (and people). Hope you can find a combination that keeps him comfortable and allows him to sleep, and you, too.

Cindy · Jul 4, 2022

he was fine last night, but this morning after he woke he was refusing to settle, panting, etc. so while it is NOT hot (it is in the 60s), it is HUMID. So after trying all the normal things (does he have to pee, poop, eat, drink, etc.), I tried setting him up in my bedroom with fan on high and the swamp cooler. that wasnt working, so he is in the living room in front of the fan on high with a large ice pack on his belly (the least furry place on him). he's not trying to get up, which is a good sign. his breathing is slowly starting to come down, and his nose isn't hot anymore. The next step would be hosing him down, but I'm not sure that would work as well. I hope this works!

Ann · Jul 4, 2022

I hope he improves, Cindy. Here is the hemp calming treat that I use. It has valerian and melatonin in it too. It's the only one I've found that actually does work for mine. I use it for storms and used it last night for the fireworks and it did help. I get it on Amazon. Furaland Hemp Calming Chews

Cindy · Jul 4, 2022

he is sleeping in the dog bed next to me now. like nothing was ever wrong.
I gave him his gabapentin and a CBD treat way earlier.
It is weird, cause we aren't having fireworks (and even if we did, he can't hear them).
I suppose it being humid could do it, and I am glad I found something to try (the ice pack on his belly),
but it is seriously 65F out... a seriously CA dog!

Cindy · Jul 4, 2022

This is more like me and Gavin than I'd like to admit, you just need to add in trips to the beach and a wheelchair.

ghggp · Jul 4, 2022

Cindy said:
This is more like me and Gavin than I'd like to admit, you just need to add in trips to the beach and a wheelchair.

I have seen that video before and it just so heartwarming! Thanks for posting it! Life lessons we can all learn from… for the love of a dog! Seniors are worth every moment!

Sharon7 · Jul 4, 2022

I've seen it too but great to view it again. A lot of us on the Forums seem to have that couple's approach to their dogs becoming older and needing more help, but still enjoying what life has to offer.

Cindy · Jul 4, 2022

I belong to some wheelchair dog forums, and they put me to shame!
Drag bags, diapers, expressing the bladder and anus multiple times a day.
Gavin is simple and easy in comparison

But not being able to leave is something we share.
pet sitters that watch over disabled dogs are few and far between.
some of them swap care if they live close by, but Gavin is both old AND disabled (makes it way more difficult)