Pup lost speed

[cathunter 8]

Hi all, my pup is 7 months old and has always had decent speed and turning ability, but over the last week he seams to have lost his top gears. I don't run him hard, he runs off lead unless he plays deaf. So he goes his own pace, normally bursts of figure 8's for a couple of mins then settles down.

I’ve checked him over and seams fine, no tender spots or cuts.

I can't put recent pics up at min as computer doesn’t recognise the camera.

Should I be worried? Or could it just have to do with a growth stage?

 

Advice much appreciated

Cathunter

[skycat 6,174]

I always say that between 6 and 12 months of age is the most dangerous time for pups: they have more size and speed, are getting stronger, but don't yet have the joint strength and stability, let alone the muscle power, that they think they have. Injuries to joints, (tendons and ligaments) and muscles are very common if the pup is allowed to do too much. It might only be a slip to one side as the pup loses its footing, but is enough to cause common place strains such as groin sprain, sprain to hip, stifle or hock ligaments. None of these will necessarily present as obvious lameness to the layman/woman, ditto slight muscle strain, and unless you are a trained physio or greyhound 'bone man' it will be almost impossible to recognise or find these problems.

 

On the other hand, pups do outgrow their strength, especially in large types of running dog: they grow up for a bit, then fill out a bit. Liken your dog to a gangly teenage lad who has suddenly shot up a few inches: he needs time to learn how to control his growing body, and to build up the strength to operate it properly.

 

If you are sure that the pup is not injured in any way, then take things a bit easier for a wee while and see how he goes. If he's not damaged himself he'll come back to strength again until the next growing spurt. For a dog which is going to get to 26" or more, don't expect full body strength and control until he is around 18 months of age.

[cathunter 8]

Thanks Skycat, I’ll keep him on the lead for a while as the ground around here can be pretty slippery, I’ll try and rest him for a bit (it'll be hard as he is full of beans all the time and I do mean all the time)

He was 23.9 kg and a shade over 25 inch's tall last week when I wormed him. So it could be the big puppy (teenage) syndrome even though he has all ways been switched on and in full control of him self.

 

Thanks Cathunter

[skycat 6,174]

I wouldn't rest him completely: just try and restrict lots of fast galloping and turning on bad ground. And if you can, take him places where he can use his nose rather than just charging around like a nutter. Probably easier said than done if you are in wide open spaces! To be honest, no matter how much people try and wrap their dogs up in cotton wool, if they're going to injure themselves they'll find a way!

[cathunter 8]

ok I’ll try that, I’ll just take him out at night times, as he uses his nose more at night and sticks close with out running about much, hopefully problem solved