She is a 13 year old austrailian shepard. We live in an upstairs apartment and take her out 3 times a day to do her business. Over the last few weeks she has gotten slower and slower on her walks and now she can not climb the stairs to get back up to our apartment.We had to carry her up the stairs. Typically only 1 person is home and she hates to be carried. She acts as though it hurts her. I don't know what to do for her anymore. She is a sweet dog but we can not afford to move. I don't want to put her down just because shes old. I have asked everyone I know if they will take her and they all say no. Any advice will be helpful. Thank you.
2007-01-13 04:31:21 · 17 answers · asked by Diana W 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I had a large white shepherd mix that lived to be seventeen years old. The last few months were difficult because his hind legs became very weak and he could no longer go up and down the three steps to the back yard. I found a towel and put it underneath his belly like a sling and picked him up like that and would carry him up and down the stairs. It worked very good and did not give him any pain as his legs would just hang freely.
One day I noticed that his tail was between his legs and he sat down and could not get up. The vet had told me that this was the sign to look for to know when the end was near. For three days and nights he wouldn't sleep and he whined and barked keeping me awake and wanting me to be at his side. My adult son and I had to finally take him to the vet. It was a very painful experience because the dog had with us for seventeen years . He was a loving member of our family.
2007-01-13 04:48:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's so hard when our dogs get old - especially when they can't tell you how they are feeling. Schedule a visit with your vet - arthritis - which it sunds like your dog has - can be usually helped with things like baby aspirin. If her back is troubling her, then there may be surgery available. Also your vet can figure out the best way to pick her up and carry her with causing the least amount of pain.
It's clear that you care a lot about her and are doing the best you can, so she's a very lucky dog. Get her to a vet and evaluate your options! Good luck!
2007-01-13 04:39:57 · answer #2 · answered by Tina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if this will help - but really feel your concern and know what I'd feel for my dog would be just the same! - my friend has a cat that has very a very similar story - he goes for an anti inflamatory injection every so often as suffers from arthritus - the days after the injection he is running around with years off him. You could try a visit to the vets to see if this will give her a few more carefree days????
Good luck! and give her a cuddle from me! Hope you find some more answers.
2007-01-13 04:39:09 · answer #3 · answered by |Chris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's amazing,a dog in her 90's and a large dog on top of that, man!, I can't imagine still walking at age 90,let alone up & down stairs,I think it's time to visit the vet maybe they can ease the pain a little. All I know is that If there are no dogs in Heaven,then when I die I want to go where they go too.
2007-01-13 04:52:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A relative has an Austrailian Shepherd. She has problems and they are forever taking her to the vet. I hope they don't have to put her to sleep. I'd take her, but no dogs that size allowed here. I love dogs and especially this one. I just hope there are dogs in heaven. Some of us will really miss our favorite pets. I think God is going to give us the desires of our heart. But anyway take your dog to the vet, maybe he can help your dog,for now.
2007-01-13 05:37:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't get rid of her, just take her to the vet. she may be having arthritis issues and needs dog arthritis meds. your vet can do a complete check up and tell you if she is able to take the meds. there are many available, but the most popular ones are rimadyl and dermaxx. both will require you to keep checking her liver values every so often, but many dogs do very well on this med for a long time. don't give up on her yet, talk to your vet.
2007-01-13 04:38:54 · answer #6 · answered by cagney 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is likely a 13 year old Aussie has lots of life left in her. Take her to the vet and he/she can probably help with basic arthritis or aging issues.
2007-01-13 04:47:39 · answer #7 · answered by rualass 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do agree. We had a 13 year old rott who was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia, we had her on medicine for the last few years of her life when it became quite apparent that she was in need of euth. It was a tough time with her passing away, but she won't have to deal with the daily pain of not being able to walk.
Good luck.
2007-01-13 04:40:51 · answer #8 · answered by shute210@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear about your dog going through this. You have some sad times ahead of you. Take her to the Vet. They have pills that will relieve her discomfort. She probably has hip dysplasia which is like arthritis. Good luck. She may have a few good months left.
2007-01-13 04:50:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are several medications out there that your vet can perscribe to help your dog with her condition. I understand that she is 13 but, one of the newer medications may help. Discuss it with your vet, he/she may perscribe a medication for you to try and if you see improvement your dog could possibly stay on it long term. Just be aware that with a long term medication your vet will want to do bloodwork on your dog for safety reasons. Please consider a trip to your vet to discuss this problem. God Bless.
2007-01-13 12:54:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋