she is a shih-tzu and is 19 years. Her hair is falling out and she cant go downstairs any more. why?
2006-09-25 18:43:12 · 16 answers · asked by Lavender 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your dog has had a wonderfully long life and you must have looked after her with lots of love and attention. She is now very old and just like an old person she is finding it impossible to get up and down stairs. We also get to that point and our hair also falls out when we are really old. Just make her as comfortable as you can downstairs and if need be carry her up or down any steps.
Love her to the end of her days and accept the ageing process with kindness.
2006-09-25 18:49:04 · answer #1 · answered by guesswork 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My parents have a shih-tzu, and that is the best dog in the world. I'll hate to see her pass away someday.
Anyway, our previous dog, a miniature schnauzer, had increasingly bad joint problems as he got older. He had a very hard time getting up and down stairs.
19 years old is very good for a shih-tzu. If she seems to be in pain, consider bringing her to a vet to have her put to sleep. When it comes time, just hug her and let her know how happy she made you.
2006-09-26 01:52:36 · answer #2 · answered by ralph w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She has had a very long life for a little dog. Now it is up to you she will need care and patience. She will need accommodations downstairs or to be carried downstairs. It is probably painful to negotiate staircases. At 19 years old it is normal for a dog to have thinning or grey hair just like an old person. Make sure she is warm now that winter is approaching, maybe she has a sweater. You may consider having her euthanized if she seems unhappy and in great pain. I wish that were available for people. Talk to your Vet or someone else who is a dog lover for advise. I wish you well.
2006-09-26 01:53:33 · answer #3 · answered by lona b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should probably take her to the vet. But yeah, 19 is very old for a Shih-Tzu.
2006-09-26 01:52:33 · answer #4 · answered by mkennedy6405 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, she is quite elderly. It's definitely time to take her to the vet and see what's up. Has she had any bloodwork lately? A blood panel would at least tell you what to expect. If it shows kidney or liver function decline, you will be able to predict the next problems to develop and perhaps help her be more comforable and happy in the short time you do have left with her. I would be surprised if nothing turned up on the labwork, especially if she hasn't had any in a while. Let your vet evaluate her and then discuss her quality of life. It's hard to lose a pet, but knowing what's wrong can help you make her life happier, because she depends on you for that.
2006-09-26 01:51:10 · answer #5 · answered by Lauren M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is getting really old and might have no strenght to do stairs any longer. Her eyesight might not be the best either anymore. Just give her all the loving you can and make her comfortable and make her a nice bed next to the water and food bowl. At night take her to bed with you and hold her, she needs you right now. The hair falling out thing has nothing to do with dying.
2006-09-26 01:54:39 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have one too, but he is still just a baby. It sounds like she is just getting old. I would take her to the vet, though, to get her checked out. She may have developed arthritis. She has lived a very long and happy life, and she shouldn't have to be in pain right now--they may give you something to help her move a bit better.
You may want to make sure that all of her food, bedding, etc. is on one level so she doesn't have to go up and down stairs anymore.
2006-09-26 01:52:49 · answer #7 · answered by N 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My previous 19 yrs peke was very bad, and I put her down. She might, as probably does have arthitis. What does the doctor say? She/he isn't a spring-chicken. I put my dog to sleep when she began falling over. Think of the dog-not yourself. Not trying to be cruel- just realistic! Now- I have another JOY of my life. I cried so much-my face was such a mess!
2006-09-26 02:58:12 · answer #8 · answered by regwoman123 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can go downstairs becasue her joints are probably worn out. Carry her, and bring her food bowl to her bed.
You'll know when she's dying, becasue you hear a death-rattle as the lungs fill with fluid.
Nineteen, huh? Actuarily, she'll kick it pretty soon. It's amazing you've had her so long.
2006-09-26 01:54:50 · answer #9 · answered by ericnifromnm081970 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep in mind that in dog years ur shih-tzu IS 133 years old. so she is probably just getting to the piont that she' kinda tired out. im srry that ur friend isn't well.i think that u should take her to the vet. i dont think anythings particularly wrong, just that she's getting lod and tired.
2006-09-26 02:34:01 · answer #10 · answered by kels 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋