My 2 4yr old GSDs (male and female) love pulling me down the streets on a skateboard. We started this about 2 weeks ago and usually go for 10-15 min. on the asphalt.
While my 75lb female never has any issues, my 105lb male sometime limps the next day on 1 front leg and I rest him until he is better. The limping usually occurs when we go 2 days in a row, so I guess I can only do this 2-3 times a week.
Is running on the hard asphalt something I should NOT be doing with my male since he is quite heavy, or is this something his body can get used to if I build it up and give him enough rest days in between? Thanks very much, Jens Kruse (Los Angeles)
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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I'd have them both xrayed, hips and elbows, just to know whether there is something I should be limiting or taking into consideration. If there is something wrong with the joints, then at least you know and can adjust their activities accordingly, if they turn out to be fine then you can continue without worry. If there is a joint problem then running on asphalt like that would be a huge no-no.
For the limping, check his paw pads. Running on asphalt can rip the paw pads and cause a dog to limp.
As for being 105lbs.. cut back on the dogs food until he's skin and bones. Unless he's a giant dog, GSD's shouldn't weigh that much and could stand to lose 15 or 20lbs. Can you easily feel his ribs? Or is there a layer of fat over them? When my dogs are panting I can see a hint of their ribs through their coat.
Thanks for the reply, Mike. I will get them x-rayed ASAP. Would i need to find a vet who is specialised?
I had checked the male's pads after the runs and they are fine. I think he is a bit overweighed, so I am cutting back on food and will start hiking up the hills with again.
Today he stopped limping (after 1 day of rest) and I just walked with him on the street for 20 min. without problems.
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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Yes I would find out who the local working dog folks go to for hip xrays. See if you have a local Schutzhund club with a website and send them an email. You dont always need an orthopedic specialist if you have a good local vet with experience in reading hip xrays and doing correct positioning (very important), but a good orthopedic specialist wouldn't hurt either.
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GSDs pulling me on skateboard
#196495 - 05/28/2008 04:22 PM 
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