Can a dog's leg fall asleep? Update with Picture!!

[amg35]

My dog is 12, and he does get up more slowly than he used to, he is on glucosamine. He still runs around all over, jumps on the bed, etc..

Last night he was totally normal, then he was napping in the other room on the hardwood floor. (he never sleeps in there)

When he he got up from the nap, he walked, then sat back down and didn't want to stand up on his back leg. After a few seconds, he stood up slowly but wouldn't put weight on his left back leg, then after about a minute he started to walk on it slowly, then after a few more minutes he was running and playing like a maniac again.

This morning when I woke up, he jumped right up on the bed like normal.

I was thinking he probably has arthritis and it's just getting worse, but other people said his leg may have fallen asleep from sleeping on the hardwood.

It was so odd and it freaked me out, but my dog acted like nothing was even wrong!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Sure it can. And arthritic changes/inflammation can contribute. (And rainy, cold weather and moon cycles contribute to the pain of arthritis.)

Is he on anything for pain? If he isn't, it might be time to look into it with your vet.

 

[amg35]

Sure it can. And arthritic changes/inflammation can contribute. (And rainy, cold weather and moon cycles contribute to the pain of arthritis.)

Is he on anything for pain? If he isn't, it might be time to look into it with your vet.

Thanks for answering! He's not on anything for pain yet, as we all agree he doesnt' seem to be in any pain at this time -last night was out of the blue. I just called to check on him at home and he's being his usual active self.

We do keep a close eye, so if he really starts to slow down and seem to be struggling, we will of course put him any any meds that will help ease the pain. I'm not worried about long term effects of meds, he's 12.

It just really scared me last night, and it happened so fast, he wouldn't move, then he was running around!

Watching your dog age is very bittersweet.

 

[Disney Doll]

One thing I learned from having an old dog is that when they don't "seem" to be in pain, often they are. Dogs are instinctively built to not show "weakness" to the pack, so they will hide pain for a long time.

If you think he's arthritic, asuume he's at the very least stiff or uncomfortable sometimes. Maybe some glucosamine cookies to start, which might help joint stiffness. I'd also have pain med on hand...once we figured out that Ted was uncomfortable, we gave him Ultram which really worked. I just wish we had figured it out sooner because I hate to think that he was uncomfortable.

 

[Imzadi]

Check for diabetes too. It often affects the extremities & circulation.

 

[LaurenT]

Bufferin is often recommended for dogs (not cats! Could be fatal for cats).

 

[amg35]

Thanks everyone.

I just bought a supplement recommended by vet- 500mg glucosamine and 400mg of chondroitin. He starts on them tomorrow, also they said he needs to lose some weight, so slow, longer walks starting tomorrow.

It just makes me sad to see him not want to jump on the bed anymore.

I know he's 12 and I've been through this rodeo before with my other dog, she passed in 2009, but it's sooooo hard to watch them get older.

I told my boyfriend, I have a way easier time watching my parents age than I do my dog!

I don't know, after this little dude, I'm not sure I can do this again with another dog.

 

[JessicaR]

Thanks everyone.

I just bought a supplement recommended by vet- 500mg glucosamine and 400mg of chondroitin. He starts on them tomorrow, also they said he needs to lose some weight, so slow, longer walks starting tomorrow.

It just makes me sad to see him not want to jump on the bed anymore.

I know he's 12 and I've been through this rodeo before with my other dog, she passed in 2009, but it's sooooo hard to watch them get older.

I told my boyfriend, I have a way easier time watching my parents age than I do my dog!

I don't know, after this little dude, I'm not sure I can do this again with another dog.

He isnt a pup and I dont believe his leg fell asleep. More than likely arthritic. Your Vet will know best. Certain breeds, will not show pain and if they do finally its probably been a while. Some though never will show they are in pain. So you observing changes is the best thing you can do.

Your Vet knows best and that treatment sounds like his issues are being addressed as they should be. If the symptoms continue or worsen address them again with the Vet. There are other options.

 

[amg35]

He isnt a pup and I dont believe his leg fell asleep. More than likely arthritic. Your Vet will know best. Certain breeds, will not show pain and if they do finally its probably been a while. Some though never will show they are in pain. So you observing changes is the best thing you can do.

Your Vet knows best and that treatment sounds like his issues are being addressed as they should be. If the symptoms continue or worsen address them again with the Vet. There are other options.

Thanks.

I'm just sitting here in the computer room with the door closed quietly crying (boyfriend is rolling his eyes at me)!! Hopefully these new pills will help him.

I tend to start obsessing on the death, even though he's probably (knock wood) not even close yet! I just remember the sadness from my last doggie...but she didn't have arthritis, so this is new for me.

Of course I'm just cuddling him all day today and he's looking at me like I'm crazy!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

One thing I learned from having an old dog is that when they don't "seem" to be in pain, often they are. Dogs are instinctively built to not show "weakness" to the pack, so they will hide pain for a long time.

If you think he's arthritic, asuume he's at the very least stiff or uncomfortable sometimes. Maybe some glucosamine cookies to start, which might help joint stiffness. I'd also have pain med on hand...once we figured out that Ted was uncomfortable, we gave him Ultram which really worked. I just wish we had figured it out sooner because I hate to think that he was uncomfortable.

I agree.

amg, the gluc/chondroit will help rebuild cartilage, but it won't help much with the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

IMO you can pretty much assume he's uncomfortable due to his age and what you've observed. I know it's hard to see our friends age, but it doesn't mean we can't help them when they need it. Continue to see how he does and think about it. Remember that rain, cold, wet weather and moon cycles can influence the pain, so if it comes and goes, see if it's on those days and that will help give you your answer.

I'd say he'd also like a nice, soft bed on the hardwood floor in his old age, too.

 

[amg35]

I agree.

amg, the gluc/chondroit will help rebuild cartilage, but it won't help much with the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

IMO you can pretty much assume he's uncomfortable due to his age and what you've observed. I know it's hard to see our friends age, but it doesn't mean we can't help them when they need it. Continue to see how he does and think about it. Remember that rain, cold, wet weather and moon cycles can influence the pain, so if it comes and goes, see if it's on those days and that will help give you your answer.

I'd say he'd also like a nice, soft bed on the hardwood floor in his old age, too.

I am trying to help him. This is what the vet suggested. He has two dog beds, one in the living room, one in the bedroom. But sometimes he goes and sleeps in other places. I've put runners all over my hardwoods to help him out, it's an apartment, all hardwood floors that are now pretty much covered by runners and area rugs.

Of course, now I just go look and he's happily sitting on the bed, tail wagging!

But, of course, I'll be back at the vets if things don't improve. I don't mean to sound snippy, I truly appreciate your advice. It's just stressful, I wish dogs could talk!!

Also, (now I'm just venting, sorry!) he needs to be muzzled when we go to the vet, and it makes me upset. He's never bitten, but he's a nervous dog, we did everything right, but it's just the way he is. Obviously he can be around other people and dogs (our building has 10 dogs in it, and he's fine on walks and at the park) but he just barks and barks and for his safety and others (he's big enough to be intimidating), we do muzzle (he was fitted for his muzzle) when going to the vet. We've been so lucky with him, he was sick once as a puppy and then nothing and I mean nothing for 12 years until now!!! (besides visits for shots) And because we use a pet taxi service, I feel like it makes the driver feel safer? I'm not complaining, but it just adds to my stress right now, and that's why I'm touchy.

My other dog was the friendliest dog you would have ever seen, gentle as a lamb until the day she died, even licking the vets hand as he was administering her shot.

 

[low-key]

yes but it will be up all night when the rest of him is asleep

 

[JessicaR]

I agree.

amg, the gluc/chondroit will help rebuild cartilage, but it won't help much with the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

IMO you can pretty much assume he's uncomfortable due to his age and what you've observed. I know it's hard to see our friends age, but it doesn't mean we can't help them when they need it. Continue to see how he does and think about it. Remember that rain, cold, wet weather and moon cycles can influence the pain, so if it comes and goes, see if it's on those days and that will help give you your answer.

I'd say he'd also like a nice, soft bed on the hardwood floor in his old age, too.

Actually glucosamine and chondroitin can help to prevent further breakdown of cartilage, it is not able to rebuild cartilage that has already been lost.

It can't hurt to try it and it certainly may help. My 9 year old 180 pound lb mastiff benefited greatly with this combination daily. His movement was noticeably better after taking this daily. We gave it as a liquid 2X a day.

Also, we gave him Deramaxx when it was obvious he needed something more.

 

[JessicaR]

Thanks.

I'm just sitting here in the computer room with the door closed quietly crying (boyfriend is rolling his eyes at me)!! Hopefully these new pills will help him.

I tend to start obsessing on the death, even though he's probably (knock wood) not even close yet! I just remember the sadness from my last doggie...but she didn't have arthritis, so this is new for me.

Of course I'm just cuddling him all day today and he's looking at me like I'm crazy!

Awww don't think of the bad. He is still very active and happy!

 

[JessicaR]

I am trying to help him. This is what the vet suggested. He has two dog beds, one in the living room, one in the bedroom. But sometimes he goes and sleeps in other places. I've put runners all over my hardwoods to help him out, it's an apartment, all hardwood floors that are now pretty much covered by runners and area rugs.

Of course, now I just go look and he's happily sitting on the bed, tail wagging!

But, of course, I'll be back at the vets if things don't improve. I don't mean to sound snippy, I truly appreciate your advice. It's just stressful, I wish dogs could talk!!

Also, (now I'm just venting, sorry!) he needs to be muzzled when we go to the vet, and it makes me upset. He's never bitten, but he's a nervous dog, we did everything right, but it's just the way he is. Obviously he can be around other people and dogs (our building has 10 dogs in it, and he's fine on walks and at the park) but he just barks and barks and for his safety and others (he's big enough to be intimidating), we do muzzle (he was fitted for his muzzle) when going to the vet. And because we use a pet taxi service, I feel like it makes the driver feel safer? I'm not complaining, but it just adds to my stress right now, and that's why I'm touchy.

My other dog was the friendliest dog you would have ever seen, gentle as a lamb until the day she died, even licking the vets hand as he was administering her shot.

Ask your vet about acepromazine prior to visits.

 

[amg35]

yes but it will be up all night when the rest of him is asleep

 

[amg35]

Ask your vet about acepromazine prior to visits.

Thank you, I will!

My vet told me maybe my boyfriend should bring him without me next time! I have a great vet, very caring, and they were amazing when we had to put my other dog to sleep, cried right along with us.

Oh, and I also have a 15 year old cat named Phil who is my rock! Whenever I'm feeling blue, he comes over and nudges me to remind me he wants to eat and to get off my bum!

My dog's name is Max, but he's also called butters, The Dude, doodlebug, buddy, chubs.....

 

[JessicaR]

Thank you, I will!

My vet told me maybe my boyfriend should bring him without me next time! I have a great vet, very caring, and they were amazing when we had to put my other dog to sleep, cried right along with us.

I know what you mean! I am in Vet school right now. I have a rescue that absolutely FREAKS when we have to cut his nails. I make my husband take him, I just can't stand to see him like that. I totally understand.

 

[JessicaR]

Thank you, I will!

My vet told me maybe my boyfriend should bring him without me next time! I have a great vet, very caring, and they were amazing when we had to put my other dog to sleep, cried right along with us.

Oh, and I also have a 15 year old cat named Phil who is my rock! Whenever I'm feeling blue, he comes over and nudges me to remind me he wants to eat and to get off my bum!

My dog's name is Max, but he's also called butters, The Dude, doodlebug, buddy, chubs.....

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say I bet Max has a voice too...

My dogs all have nicknames - they answer to all of them! The best though is when my kids talk for the dogs. Maggie is Magga Mooch - Maggie Moo Cow - Mooie - French Fry - Smootchy Loochy.

Sampson is Sammy Whammy - samma lamma ding dong.

Butters is the cutest!

What kind of dog is he?

 

[amg35]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say I bet Max has a voice too...

My dogs all have nicknames - they answer to all of them! The best though is when my kids talk for the dogs. Maggie is Magga Mooch - Maggie Moo Cow - Mooie - French Fry - Smootchy Loochy.

Sampson is Sammy Whammy - samma lamma ding dong.

Butters is the cutest!

What kind of dog is he?

He's a mutt. Possibly some sheepdog, when he was a puppy, he would try to herd people!

He for sure has a voice.

I swear, he talks to me. You should see him and Phil play together, he's so much bigger, but my cat will just swat at him and he plays back but so gentle. And always so happy to see me when I get home. Heck, he's happy when I come out of the washroom!