Liann..First let me tell you how much I love your weiner dog pics. I make a point to look at them everytime I log onto the forums.
I know how hard it is to try and keep them off the furniture or from acting like crazy dogs. We just do the best we can to catch them jumping and when they start to chase each other around we let them go until one of them slides into furniture or a cabinet.
Tucker is really famous for his body slams into the front door, it's pretty funny but that's when the rough housing stops.
I figure that we can't keep them in a bubble, they need to be able to play and be happy dogs.
As for signs, here are a few that we experienced:
-they stop eating or drinking
-they isolate themselves (our two boys hid under the bed)
-if they do try to walk they will do it very cautiously and hunched over
-they may yelp if a certain movement causes them pain
-they shake a lot
-they lose their balance and their hind legs may start dragging
Ryan (DH) and I make a point to give the boys little back checks every week, especially Tanner since he's had the surgery. Not sure if it matters but it makes us feel a little better. We take our thumb and index fingers and massage down both sides of his spine starting at the base of his neck down to his tail. We also give them both joint care supplements in their food. It's important to keep them at a healthy weight too. Sounds like you're really going to have to keep Montana's weight in check since he does sag a bit in the middle already.
Our babies sure are high maintenance!
