[superdoglover]

I have a 10 year old black lab and he's getting stiff. When he lays down once he got his front half down and his bottom half was still up. He is a little slow when he gets up and looks stiff when he walks. I want to help him so his life is easier. Every fall I make him a bed of leaves by making a leaf pile so he doesn't have to sleep on the ground. How can I help him? He has lived outdoors for all his life and wants out of the garage as soon as he's done eating. The dog has to pee sometime! And he is definitely NOT coming in the house. The vet says he is doing great for his age.

[cigwyllt]

By letting him sleep indoors in the warmth on a padded dog bed instead of outside.

[Yogi]

I totally agree. The dog is letting you know that there is aging issues. At this point in his life he needs warmth and comfort as much as possible. I would also look at getting him on a daily dosage of Chondroitin and Glucosamine to help ease the joints. The dog is obviously in early stages of arthritis and or dysplasia or both. At his age, this is not uncommon.

[Lunareclipse]

Your 10 year old dog is sleeping outside on the ground? Bring him in for heaven's sake! Being out in the weather probably isn't helping his arthritis at all. And take him to a vet. The vet can prescribe medication to help with arthritis pain. And it costs about the same amount as it does Tylenol.

[CorkyMax]

Yes, that sleeping outside was the 1st thing that bothered me when I read your post--but I didn't reply because other members had already mentioned the same thing. But I am replying now because medication from the vet for pain has been mentioned. I am afraid the vet will want to give Rimadyl which to me is a bad med. What ever is prescribed---Please do some research on it---Many drugs can do permanent harm or even kill your dog especially if the dog has kidney or liver problems which need to be checked out by doing blood tests--Your vet should do this preliminary 'work' before prescribing most meds--BUT a lot of vets are not GOOD vets and don't bother!! And you should also be aware of the side effects of all meds prescribed in case your 'individual' dog may have problems with them---Be aware of what to look for if the meds. are affecting your dog!! Here is a link in this forum to a thread I wish you would read about Rimadyl/carprofen. Carprofen is another name (generic) for Rimadyl.
Please Do not Give Rimadyl (carprofen)--CAN KILL

Here is another link on arthritis and what to do and what to try to avoid (Rimadyl, etc); Miracle Treatment For Dogs With Arthritis