For the stiffness, I have finally put Riley on joint supplements. I do not use them as a rule since it is expensive if you pursue quality and quantity for multiple dogs, but I also have not had many greyhounds that needed it. Other than Katie, my others have all aged very well and were active up until the end and showed no signs of arthritis. But Riley is showing some early signs and certainly has had injuries likely to lead to arthritis so I think its time to be proactive and to keep her joints as healthy as possible.
For the occasional shakiness, I have purchased a FitPAWS Balance Disc. The shakiness comes from stabilizer muscles in the leg lacking strength and fatiguing quickly. The Balance Disc provides challenges that help strengthen those muscles. Riley has to first find the disc with her rear feet which helps her become more aware of her rear end, in general. Then I can have her pivot and do a turn on the haunches while balancing on the disc. I also can ask her to sit on it and then stand back up. It is just a great way to work on strength without wear and tear.
