He still eats, can't get up very well, still takes walks but back hips give out and he goes down! Such a lovely gentle animal!
2006-08-29 04:23:12 · 16 answers · asked by Jane D 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It's quite common for German Shepherds to get a condition which makes their back hips deteriorate. Unfortunately there isn't a lot that can be done about it.
I'm not sure about the flys, but I would take him to the vet. If you do decide to hold out a bit longer for him, you will probably need some sort of prescribed painkiller so he's a little more comfortable.
You can purchase doggy wheelchairs, but these cost an absolute fortune so it's wise to make sure there's nothing else affecting your dogs health.
Bottom line take him to the vet, but prepare yourself for bad news and to make some tough decisions soon.
It's a shame, but dogs who are loved seem (in my opinion) hold on for longer despite the pain they're in.
I hope I'm just been a pessimist and it turns out that your dogs absolutely fine.
2006-08-29 04:32:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is the season for flies. Get some Adams spray at the feed store. They have one for flies, or use the flea one. Be sure to get one that is diluted with water instead of alcohol so it doesn't evaporate too fast. Also get some swat which comes in a jar and the contents are pink. Put the swat on his ears. Flies strike the ears to the point where they bleed and actually eat the ear tips. Put it on the tips inside and out. You should also get some raid fly killer and spray daily around where he lives. Be sure he's not lying there at the time. It's O.K. if he lays on it straight away it's just not good for him to breath it while you are spraying. I understand the need to have outside dogs. As a vet tech of 25 years I know it's best to keep them inside but that isn't always possible for a variety of reasons. I have outside dogs because my house wouldn't hold every dog I have. I'm in rescue and have pets of my own. I do provide them with very well built dog houses that have fresh hay in them and a kiddy pool to keep cool in the summer. You may also want to hose your dog down a couple of times during the hottest part of the day. Start at the feet and work your way up. Otherwise you can throw him into shock. I have an 18 yr old blue heeler that lives outdoor and I spray her twice daily. She too can hardly walk. Have you tried buffered aspirin? Ask your vet if it's O.K. then give twice daily with food. One tablet for a dog over 50 lbs. There is also deramax from the vet and rimadyl. Both are great for pain but expensive. Any and all of these drugs are not good for the dog but at our dogs age we have to consider the quality of life and not so much the quantity as the quantity is nearing the end. If I can help any further please feel free to contact me off my profile page.
P.S. I don't think your dog is sick or dying but keep and eye out for open wounds, abcesses, bad smells, etc.
2006-08-29 04:39:27 · answer #2 · answered by k9resq 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring that poor guy inside, if he is dying don't let him suffer out in the elements! Flies always bother animals even if you put Frontline for fleas and ticks on them. I keep my Doberman in the house and she is only out with me when I am working and she will go to the slider and bark if the flies get too bad.He is probably not dying but I would take him to the vet to check. I used to work for a vet and flies will bite and lay eggs that will enter under the skin of the animal and then you will have a warble! It will grow under the skin and you will see a big hole where it is so check him over good. Good Luck to you!
2006-08-29 04:32:24 · answer #3 · answered by ₦âħí»€G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
15 years old is VERY old for a large breed dog. I have a lot of experience with dogs, i worked for my local humane society and also happen to own 5 large breed dogs myself. Especially if it is German Shepherd, they have a good chance of developing hip dysplasia, which sounds like what your dog is suffering from. The flies are the least of your worries in this situation. Unfortunately you have to keep in mind what is right for your dog, not for you. It may be time to have your friend humanely euthanized. Dogs cannot tell you how they feel and they can't make these decisions for themselves, they rely on you to take care of them. They are 100% dependent on you and look to you to make the right decisions for them. It will be very hard for you but may be best for your dog. I ahve seen so many dogs that are miserable because their owner was too selfish to do the right thing. These dogs would be practically dragged in, mostly deaf and blind and completely unhappy. It was so sad to see them get to that point. Your local vet or humane society should be happy to help you with this situation and will take to heart how hard it will be. trust me they are pet owners and have been there too. Please remember your gentle friend is expecting you to make the right decisions for him.
2006-08-29 05:46:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get that poor dog to a vet! He could have an infection under the skin that will cause a painful death, the flies can lay eggs in a small cut and the larvae grow inside the skin, he rots from the inside out and you won't even see it until it is too late.
2006-08-29 04:32:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
he most likely has hip dysplasia, which is common in both GSD and dobermans. 15 is old for both breeds. The flies are normal in the summer and really have nothing to do with age. Bring him inside and get him to a vet
2006-08-29 04:40:03 · answer #6 · answered by Nurse Autumn Intactivist NFP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet.But 15 yrs old is pretty old for a big breed dog like a German Sheperd, but he shouldnt be having flys around him.So take him to the vet immedietley.
2006-08-29 04:30:21 · answer #7 · answered by chigusa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You totally need to get him to a vet. Not just the flies, but for the hips!
About the flies, it may be cause some part of him got a cut and is now having an infection or something. Or it could be some part of him "rotting". Or maybe its nothing..
Get him to a vet. QUICK
2006-08-29 05:44:44 · answer #8 · answered by Ah_Ying 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! I had a beagle that lived to be 22! zhe couldn't see or hear but he was healthy. OK go to walmart or somewhere like lowes. Get 7 dust and sprinkle it all over your yard or where he stays and on his fur coat him well don't get it in his eyes but I HAVE DONE THIS A BUNCH of times we used to raise beagles when I was a little girl see if that helps.
2006-08-29 04:41:33 · answer #9 · answered by jm_aprincess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet. At 15 years old,I'm think he could be very sick.
2006-08-29 04:37:30 · answer #10 · answered by whataboutme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋