he is 18 soon he s not in pain although he keeps collapsing as if his back leg goes dead. he cries and barks through the night to be out for his business, but sleeps all day he is eating ok but drinks far more water than he used to
2007-03-30 01:11:06 · 25 answers · asked by gilldoc 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He is old for a dog. Most don't live past 13 or 14. Just watch him for pain and let him go about his business.
2007-03-30 01:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by Gone fishin' 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The consuption of water shows that he may have health propblems, if his back legs keep collapsing you must take this up with your vet, rather than let him sleep all day get him out excersizing then he will sleep better at night.
My dogs are now getting old 18, 17,16 years and a 1 year old so living in the country i get my bike out and take them all for a run twice a day.
2007-04-01 12:17:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow... I am surprised anyone who has an 18 year old dog is asking for advise here. You have obviously taken very good care of your dog to get him to the ripe old age of 18. It sounds like some of the problems that older dogs are prone to are catching up with your dog.
If he were mine... I would get up and let him out in the night as many times as he asks, or install a dog door so he can let himself out. He deserves to be pampered in his old age.
I would see a vet about the leg and discuss his general health and day night habits / needs at the same time.
Keep up the good work! Good Luck!
2007-03-31 08:04:50 · answer #3 · answered by Sandra M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my 18 year old terrier lost the use of his back legs and the vet advised even though he was in no pain to end the misery he would have been feeling. I'm not suggesting your vet will say that but you must take him to a vet he needs help and he might be able to reset his sleeping pattern Good Luck I just wish the best for him
2007-04-02 05:04:45 · answer #4 · answered by srracvuee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gilldoc that is exactly what happens with my Alsatian, he can hardly walk now but can move like anything when he sees a cat or squirrel. We give him 2 steroids in the morning and 2 at night but we can see he is getting worse. He is only 8 years old. We have enquired about getting him operated on but it will cost fourthousand pounds and then they can still not assure us that it will work. We are preparing ourselves now , we know he will have to be put to sleep soon but keep putting it off. I wish you well with your pooch wish my dog could have another extra 10 years. Being on the steroids he also drinks a lot of water but he can barely carry the weight of his backlegs when he does his business and we are very very sad. Going to miss my beloved baby.
2007-03-30 02:16:58 · answer #5 · answered by Duisend-poot 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I go with most other answers. Although you say he's not in pain, dogs naturally don't show pain unless they are absolutely, chronically in pain, so he may be feeling some. Take him to the vet asap and just be prepared for the vet to say your greatest kindness to him could also be your hardest.
I feel so sorry for you and really wish you all the best and your pooch too x x
2007-03-30 01:45:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog needs to see a vet: If he's drinking more water than he used to, something is badly off. The fact that his legs are collapsing so much does not bode well for him.
Keep him as comfortable as you can, until you are ready to let him go. Then do so, gently, with love.
2007-03-30 01:31:24 · answer #7 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my older dog wanted to go outside more then usuall and started drinking more wanted, I found it was his Kidneys. He started dripping blood from his penis and I was hoping it was a kidney infection but it wasn't. With his little leg giving out on him, I would ask a Vets opinon to see if he feels he is in pain and just not letting you know. Pets are good anout hiding things from there owner......My prayers are w/you
2007-03-30 05:47:04 · answer #8 · answered by T G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 12yrs old GSD......had similar problem but she is fine nw.....the hind legs are still weak and can't do more on that because that is normal at this stage. The best thing is to visit the VET take some vitamin pills or syrup for your dog.....Calcium suppliment is very essential at this stage...your dog is 18yrs old nw, i can understand the situation.....take good care of it......its 125yrs old in human years......
Good Luck!!!
2007-03-30 01:39:46 · answer #9 · answered by SATJ12 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take him for a check up at the vets, drinking more water needs to be looked into, as it could mean his internal organs aren't working properly if you can take a sample of urine with you. At 18 he's had a good long life, please don't keep him going for yourself think of the dog. Go on what your vet recommends.
2007-03-30 01:30:50 · answer #10 · answered by doglover 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋