my dog is 10, thats about 60 in dog years and she is always sleeping. This has been going on for about 2 or 3 weeks and shes not active at all. Her life span is supposed to last about 4 or 5 more years, but she seems like she could die any second. Is there any way i can make her happier or more active?
2006-12-30 07:39:47 · 13 answers · asked by JamieLynn 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First i would try getting her outside to exercise and see squirels and such and if that does not work it would be time for a vets opinion.
2006-12-30 07:55:44 · answer #1 · answered by Clamdigger 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
My dogs are 8 and 9 and they sleep all day until it's time for their walk. They love the walk time and if I'm running late they will start to pester me for the walk. So this is just what dogs do when they don't have anything else to do and there is no stimulation. It's ok as long as you are still giving the dog the love, play time, walks and whatever else you did when she was younger. It is normal for them to slow down just like people do.
But, both of my guys love to have a bath and get a clipping, that's their breed. This is very cheering for them. So when I think they get the winter dulldrums too much I give them a nice messaging bath and brisk toweling. Then they run around just like puppies for a few minutes and I know they are still the same guys, just a little slowing down with age.
If there is any other symptoms then a trip to the vet for a check up, but that should be every year, right?
Good luck, get her a new toy and see if she'll get energized a little for play time.
2006-12-30 08:00:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If nothing else has changed in her life, she may be suffering from various medical conditions, like congestive heart failure. Some are treatable some are simply to be seen through. Age can change behavior, require more sleep, down time. If you have regular vet checks and have her on heartworm preventive medication, this may be just normal aging. Some other possibilities are kidney problems, worms, and liver failure. I don't want to scare you but cancer could also be involved.
Any sudden or acute change in a pet's behavior should be evaluated by a vet if possible. Then treatment should follow according to your ability to afford it.
I don't care what any one says on here, your pet's care should not bankrupt the college fund for your kids. Quality of life is more important than length of life in the matter of our pets. Never sacrifice quality for quantity.
Probably she's just sleeping more because of age. I hope so. But breed averages are just that, an average. Get her checked out and don't let her suffer if there is a serious problem.
2006-12-30 08:14:30 · answer #3 · answered by character 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with el bray. The vet who answered your question. No 10 year old dog should be that depressed. If the dog is not sick, then something has changed in its life. Moving, lack of attention. People tend to forget the pets after years of having them around. They get like old people. If no one cares they just lay down and die. Go to the Vet, and rethink the life going on around the dog. What has changed ? or not changed ? Attention ETC
2006-12-30 07:59:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard many times that the best thing to do for a dog this age is to get a new puppy. It will usually bring some life back into your elderly dog, and also it will make it easier for you to adjust to the loss of your beloved pet when that time comes. If you're up for a second puppy, it might not be a bad idea.
2006-12-30 07:54:26 · answer #5 · answered by The Only 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sleeping seems to go on longer as the dog ages BUT depression and sudden loss of activity, NO. I would get a complete blood profile done on her.It is the only way that you will get to the bottom of the probleum.
2006-12-30 07:53:49 · answer #6 · answered by EL-BRAY 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi ! First of all I have to say I'm not an expert in this case. But I would like to help you anway :) Since the age I wouldn't tip she's getting old. But if she doesnt eat, I think it's necessery to talk to the vet. Maybe she's ill in some way. And even if she eats I think it's good to do it at first, to check out the health. It affects the mentality as well. GOOD LUCK !
2006-12-30 07:59:33 · answer #7 · answered by x•°meadow°•-|- 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, she has lived a long time, and I don't want to get you depressed, but maybe she is trying to tell you something. I would just enjoy the time you have with her. Spend the quality time petting her and letting her know that you love her. Also, you might want to take her to a Vet to make sure their is nothing wrong health wise.
2006-12-30 07:46:58 · answer #8 · answered by shar 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Likely a seasonal depression that most get around Christmas. Some Christmas' aren';t like the ones the celebtrated years ago.
2006-12-30 07:47:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
She could be ill or have an injury...Take her to the vet and explain in detail whats been going on... I had a dog that was very active...Then she began to act very sedated... Turns out she had cancer and we had to put her to sleep...Dont let anymore time go by... Please get her checked! =o)
2006-12-30 08:12:46 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how does she react with other dogs? get her a puppy...thats what we did with our older dog. she really liked having a playmate and lived to be about 18 years old...
2006-12-30 07:45:51 · answer #11 · answered by BJC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋