I have a 8 year old terrier mix named shadow, and the past 2 days he has been acting different. Last night, he was laying between me and my husband on the couch and his tongue was hanging out his mouth on the side like he was having an attack of some sort. I calmed him down and he seemed fine. I called of friend of mine this morning and she said it sounded like he may have a a stroke? He's only 8 years old and I have had him since he was a puppy. Yesterday, he went through almost 3 fillings of water and today he hardly drank any water, but he has been going to the bathroom as normal. What d you think it could be? I've been keeping an eye on him and don't know if I need to take him to an emergency vet or let it take it's course (whatever it is).
Please be kind in your repsonses as this dog is the last memory of my son.....
Please give me any suggestions you may have.
Thank you!
2006-10-14 16:13:48 · 16 answers · asked by kimmer 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm so sorry you lost your son. I've lost a daughter, so I know and share your pain. My deepest condolences.
As for your dog, I'm not really sure what to tell you. I would take him fore a vet visit. Because his tongue was hanging out of his mouth doesn't mean that he had a stroke . I have 18 month old Aussie mix and her tongue hangs out the side of her mouth when she is laying on the sofa at times, too.
Drinking so much water sounds like it be the beginning of diabetes, or or maybe he was just particularly thirsty yesterday. Diabetes can be controlled if that's what it turns out to be though and it's not the end of the world.
Eight is not that old for a terrier mix. I had labs who both lived to be 12 1/2 and I've read many posts where with people have dogs that 15 and 16. If your dog seems to normal, and acts pretty much normal tomorrow, I don't see a need to rush to an emergency vet, but I would call the vet with your concerns the first thing Monday morning.
Good luck. I hope it turns out to be nothing and your dog has many wonderful years left. Again, my deepest condolences.
EDIT TO ADD:
I thought I should add something to this. No one knows your dog as well as you do. You have lived with him for 8 years, so only you know what is normal or not normal or your dog. If it will make you feel better to call emergency vet, then please do so. Follow your heart.
2006-10-14 16:56:51 · answer #1 · answered by HDB 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would not let it run it's course. It could be a mild stroke just like with people it can happen at any age. Also with the drinking more water than normal it could be liver or kidneys. But, liver or kidney failure usually comes on slowly unless it got into something poisonous. I know your very concerned about your dog and any difference in behavior should be checked out. I wish the best for you.
2006-10-14 16:20:56 · answer #2 · answered by bry524 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost, I'm sorry to hear about your son. As for Shadow, keep an eye on him. If you feel he's still not being "normal" than by all means take him to the vet. I know vets can be pricy, especially emergency vets but Shadow sounds like he is well worth it. I wish you the best.
2006-10-14 16:18:20 · answer #3 · answered by noonee333 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would get him to the vet right away, and have them run some blood work. If it was an attack of some sort, the vet will know, and the blood work will show if the kidney and liver enzymes are elevated. Good luck and I hope that he does well.
2006-10-14 16:48:43 · answer #4 · answered by daisygirltn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off......I think everyone that answers these questions should take it to their own heart and be kind and respectful in their answers.....
As for Shadow, I would take him to the vet. Why? If whatever is wrong with him is treatable you don't want to wait to see if he gets better. If it is treatable and it is a disease you don't want to wait. If this is the last memory of your son, then do Shadow and your son a favor, get Shadow looked at. If he is suffering, won't you want to know, won't you want to know what you can do to ease any pain he has?Get him checked out, it's better to find out what's wrong than to wait and never know, and to loose him the worst way ever. If you wait and Shadow dies, you will never forgive yourself, and you will feel like you've let everyone down, including your son and Shadow.
2006-10-14 16:26:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe your dog needs to go to the vet and tell the vet to check it out
2006-10-14 16:23:00 · answer #6 · answered by Ayan O 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
8 years old? Take him to the vet and get blood work done. There could be liver or kidney issues and if taken care of sooner it will be less painful for the dog and taken care of sooner.
Good luck to your poochie!
2006-10-14 16:21:03 · answer #7 · answered by Stella Bing 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It could be a number of things. One thing that comes to mind is diabetes. I would watch him closely this weekend and have him checked by your vet on Monday.
2006-10-14 16:20:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I most certainly would take this dog to the vet.
Good Luck and Take Care
2006-10-14 16:21:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
if he is drinking alot more water tha useal he could be diabetic cause thats one of the signs, but if he is acting weird i would take him to the doctor & get him checked out. good luck
2006-10-14 16:20:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋