Gavin's dotage

no food today, but I have been able to get him to drink a bit. I've got 2 ice packs on his belly right now. its just after 8PM and 80 out. his nose isn't warm or wet. but he even refused to eat from a recycled food bowl :( it is supposed to cool down friday, and it can't get here fast enough. I can take the heat but I worry about Gavin with him being so old. I don't really know about him having canine dementia (he doesn't have the obvious symptoms of forgetting to potty outside or getting lost in corners), but I worry there is some decline that might be an issue know where he doesn't drink enough in the heat (I have been bringing over a small water bowl for him and hold it under his snout, otherwise he wouldn't be drinking at all I'm afraid). don't think we have ever had a heat wave this bad since I've had him. poor guy. he is a bit more alert now, laying upright sometimes as opposed to his side.

wrote too soon. he did eat a bit from my hand just now. and is eating the leftovers in the recycled bowl. it just needs to cool down more
 
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I have had to get Faith to drink more the last two years as her vet said she was chronically dehydrated and it began to affect her kidneys. One tip I got which I haven't tried but my friend swears by, is adding a bit of coconut water to the regular water to entice them. Might be worth a try. He might also enjoy a frozen treat like nonfat yogurt or frozen chicken broth, low sodium.
 
no beach this weekend, which is a real bummer. Gavin was all excited this morning and everything. I think it helps his leg strength as it has really declined since June. Which makes me sad, very sad. he collapses A LOT when he has to turn.

But my car battery decided to die, as in dead as a doornail. So I had to unpack the car and try and deflect Gavin's disappointment with a stroller walk. I was lucky I was at home and my car was safely in my garage. so waiting for AAA.
 
Awwww that’s too bad bit unavoidable. Good though that it happened when your at home! Hopefully it’s just the battery and you have your car back in no time!
Happened to me last fall, I’d left my 4 ways on and it drained my battery. Turns out my battery was faulty but still frustrating when it happens!
 
Oh how frustrating! I know you are disappointed. Hopefully next weekend. So incredibly hot and humid here now from the remnants of the hurricane. We did a short outing right above the beach and didn't stay long. It's supposed to finally break Tuesday I think, I'm really OVER it, and so are the dogs.
 
Yeah.... my childhood dogs all got to sleep inside in the A/C when it got hot (or in the basement). But then the midwest gets a lot more heatwaves than SF Bay Area CA. and none of them lived past 12/13. I am going to try and walk Gavin for his evening potty breaks, when it is cooler. ideally morning and evening, but will start with 1 a day and see if he gets stronger.
 
Back in February when Gavin was recovering from his illness (that he got while be being bordered over the holidays), I bought the brush guard for the ruffwear webmaster harness that gives support for the belly area. The flagline harness is very small/lightweight and needed something stronger and more. well, Gavin improved and it was returned unused. I ended up purchasing it again (well, this is the cooler version with breathable fabric). I hope it helps me rehab his legs some. These are both harnesses with handles that have an upper and lower chest strap
 
So far, Gavin has been doing better bit by bit at assisted walking to his potty area. It's also been cooler here, even rained today. He is still stumbling at home inside, though. I am hoping that can get better as well. I am doing passive range of motion exercises with his bad leg, several times a day. He is eating decently, he is officially a free feeder now. He usually eats around dinner time but I leave it out at all times.
 
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