A life update about Banks, the Labrador Retriever.

Wednesday is Banks' Gotcha Day 😁

Banks is scared of nativity scenes

Life Update: Hip Dysplasia

Banks had been limping after intense bouts of exercise for the past month or so, and I began noticing that he favored one of his back legs over the other. He also appeared stiff after laying down for a period of time. 

I was worried about this for a while (which directly related to the activity level for this blog) but I can today say with certainty that Banks has mild hip dysplasia in both of his back legs. The vet told me his hips aren’t great, but could be worse, and he doesn’t think surgery is an option I should consider at this time. 

In the back of my mind I knew this was a possibility but I didn’t wanna believe anything until he got x-rays done. I might post a picture later if anyone is interested in looking at his dyspasia.

In the meantime he’s going to be taking joint support supplements with glucosamine, which will hopefully help build up his cartilage I guess. I was recommended that I primarily do low-intensity exercises with him, like walking. The vet says Banks pulling on the leash during the walk would be beneficial for building up thigh muscles. 

I also googled stuff and apparently hydrotherapy is an option, but I don’t know how financially feasible/accessible that would be for me. Instead I’m hoping to find a beach where I can walk him through the water as a substitute.

If anyone has any advice for me, I’ll take it. Like different exercises or things to give him or anything tbh. I’m honestly really upset about this, because Banks is so young and he loves running around and playing with other dogs. I’m going to work to make his life as fulfilling as possible without hurting him though.

I really wanna get a professionally taken holiday photo with just Banks and I so we can send it as a post card to everyone

Puppy play!

Banks made a new friend named Kennedy!