Another problem I am faced with is how to alter the personality of such a outdoorsy, risk taking pug that lives like a border collie? How do I stop him from leaping off furniture and running like a bat out of hell on the trails? I have now installed dog steps that lead from the couch to the floor and have carried him down the stairs on more than one occasion.
He is now eating a diet of fish and taking supplements to aid in joint health. He is also on a weight loss problem with the goal of achieving a five pound weight loss (and he isn't happy with that).
I look back on my exercise regime with Pete and I realize that I may have contributed to his diagnosis. In addition to some of his unfortunate genetics, it looks like we will have to re address his walks and reduce them to no more than 30 minutes each....at least until he is out of the woods.
The problem is that osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that doesn't recede. I believe there are things I can do to stave off the effects, but it is what it is.
Meanwhile, Pete is a trooper and continues to enjoy the times he does get to explore the woods (and that's is most of the time). It's just not as long as we used to spend, but I'll take it if it means his happiness, health, and comfort.
K
