I have a 9 year old yellow lab. over the past 3 months his health has deteriorated significantly, he has horrible arthritis in his hips and can barely walk, and is always panting. His personality has totally changed, he has no energy and seems depressed. I love him and he has been part of our family. At what point is it more humane to stop his suffering? I know i'll feel guilty no matter what I do.
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My older yellow lab is in poor health?
- Thread starter tpsullie
- Start date
I really have to disagree with the other two posters. Older dogs with severe arthritis do suffer, and even with medications from a vet their condition will not be cured,and in some cases they may not even help at all. I have known several elderly dogs with the same problems but they have been much older, 14 or 15 year old labs, 9 does seem a bit young which is really very sad. I would say that if you have not seen your vet lately make an appointment and feel them out on the best way to handle the situation, perhaps something else is happening other than the arthritis. If it is the arthritis I would hold off putting her down until shes actually in serious pain. This would be if not only could she not walk but she was constantly whining in pain when she tried to get up. Just try to make things easier for her, give her boosts onto the bed and sofa, give her a raised feeder for her food, do things like you might do for an elder person.
walking lady
New member
Why would you automatically think of putting a humane end to his suffering? Have you even taken this dog to the vet for help? There are pain meds for dogs who have arthritis. And older dogs need to be taken to the vet twice a year for a complete geriatric check-up. Adequate health care is the very least we owe our older dogs. Please make the appointment today!
M
Mowgles
Guest
If you take him to a vet, they'll prescribe you an anti-inflammatory for his joints, and a pain medication to help him along.
Dogs get old, it happens, it's part of life.. I just don't think it's time for your dog. If he can't use his hind legs at all.. then you get to a point where he can't even relieve himself, and that's when it's time to make a decision on putting him to sleep.
Dogs get old, it happens, it's part of life.. I just don't think it's time for your dog. If he can't use his hind legs at all.. then you get to a point where he can't even relieve himself, and that's when it's time to make a decision on putting him to sleep.
The best thing you can do is to take him to your vet. Let him/her evaluate him and give you his opinion. I have had many dogs and have always looked after their health. Regular trips to my vet has helped me through many crises. But I always listen to my vet and let her guide me as to what is best for my dog. Your dog needs to be seen by the vet and let him/her guide you as to what he needs. Good luck
K
Katies0728
Guest
I agree!
Old age is not a disease. You should make an appoinment with the vet and have him checked out. I have seen older dogs that have trouble walking, and once they are on medications to help with the arthritis, they are like new, happy, dogs!
They change is your pups personality is probably because he is uncomfortable, hence the panting.
You should definately call the vet, and make an appointment. They may also find something you cant. There is alot that can be done to help out our older pets and make them more happy and comfortable. Calling the vet is the first step!
Old age is not a disease. You should make an appoinment with the vet and have him checked out. I have seen older dogs that have trouble walking, and once they are on medications to help with the arthritis, they are like new, happy, dogs!
They change is your pups personality is probably because he is uncomfortable, hence the panting.
You should definately call the vet, and make an appointment. They may also find something you cant. There is alot that can be done to help out our older pets and make them more happy and comfortable. Calling the vet is the first step!