my labrador?

Question

ok, so my labrador is ten years old. he isn't purebred, though thats how we purchased him, we were misled and believe him to be a mix of predominantly black lab, dalmation, and pitbull. back to the point, at this age should he slow down dramatically and have nearly no desire to play? In the mornings when i leave for class he always growls with me and talks back and gets very excited, but by the time im home in the early afternoon he barely gets off his bed to greet me. he won't chase a ball anymore. he won't play tug of war. he will still wrestle with me but tires quickly. i am worried. is this a normal age for this breed to, to put it bluntly, die out? my dog is one of my best friends. some help would be nice... serious answers only please. good answer gets an easy best answer

Answer 1

Maybe he has arthritis that would make it a pain to move around too much. This also could just be old age. 10 is pretty old for a dog, he's gettin up there. Does he get regular check ups? You should have a vet take a look at him and see if she can put him on any meds for old age problems. I've never had a dog get old on me before, something always seems to happen to them before that! It must be really hard watching your buddy grow old, I'm sorry you have to experience this. Good luck, I hope the vet can figure something out. :)

Answer 2

I know how you are feeling. My beagle will be 16 next month and I've had him since I was three...I'll be 19 tomorrow.....yyyyeahhhhh I know.

It's hard...and if your dog is 10 yeah thats when they get going....it really depends...hipdysplasia plays an effect on labs....I know my dog used to dig holes "to china" aka the dirt...and chase tennis balls ....he has "lame legs" where he needs rimadyl to walk....it is hard...believe me....and my dog has a heart murmur and gets depressed when I leave....

Its hard but if you love your dog you'll be by its side. If he growls it might be because he thinks your abandoning him.....he could also be saying "IM IN PAIN TAKE ME FOR MEDS"......get your dog evaluated if hes not getting off the bed its because hes sore...tired out....he could have severe arthritis and just fighting through like a champ. I recommend (but always check with your vet first) rimadyl. Since he's 10 it'll be ok to give him it but say if he was a younger dog it wouldnt. Rimadyl slowly and i mean over the years slowly destroys the liver.....(years and years to damage liver)..... my dog's been on it for maybe 2/3 years?? and without it he hurts like hell to walk....so its a miracle drug for him. Otherwise he does his "jump the 2 stairs at a time" run up the stairs and spins in circles and gets excited....but then sleeps a lot more...when they get older.....they do slow down .....just think of it as their "retirement stage"


It'll be ok....it'll be hard but I've lose my best friends before (dogs ive owned many throughout my life and this buddy of mine still shocks me to this day that hes still energized like the energizer battery).....


Good luck

Answer 3

It sounds to me like he might be experiencing some pain such as from arthritis. You may want to have xrays done to see if there is any visible deterioration of the spine or joints and even if nothing is found, see if the vet will try a pain killer for him. My mixed breed dog demonstrated some similar symptoms and she is doing much better now taking an anti-inflammatory/pain killer each morning.

Answer 4

there's a couple things going on here. age is definately one of them. your dog gets well rested overnight so most of his eergy will be first thing when he wakes up.
the other is dogs can get depressed just like humans.
they are social animals and thrive on th company of other dogs or their master. i had 2 dogs and the were inseparable, kept each other company while i was working. it may not be a plan for you to get another dog and it is difficult to introduce a new dog int the family, i would try to get up a little earlier and play with him when he is enrgetic and just enjoy the other times as they are. a dog at ten is roughly 70 in human years!
sunds normal to me. just watch for major changes in behavior, eating, etc.
good luck!

Answer 5

Its perfectly normal. Labradors and retrievers tend to live to about 15 years of age. It's perfectly natural, your dog is feeling oldage. It's like in humans as we get older we have less energy and prefer to rest. Just have fun with your dog know when he has energy. If you have any major concerns ask your vet next time he goes in for a checkup. If you want to spend time with it just spend some time brushing it and doing relaxing things it has the energy for.

Answer 6

I think he just has arthritis. you probably have another 3-5 years on the dog. Do your doggie friend a big favor and take him to the vet. I've found Glucosomine helps A LOT.

Answer 7

He is reaching the ending years of his natural life span. He just doesn't have the energy he use to. Just love him and appreciate the energy and love he can show you. Make lots of memories. It is a very sad fact of life that dogs don't live as long as humans. You will have more dogs to love in your life, and each one will be special in your heart.

Answer 8

I suggest trying some norwiegen kelp. If he is having some joint problems this will help and won't hurt. you should notice a difference in a few days. sometimes they slow down, but it is usually fom minor pain. maybe dissapointment to not play in a.m. but doughtfull. good luck

Answer 9

as they get older they tire out more easily. put him on a food for older dogs it has glucosimine that will help his joints. take him for a walk every day try to add more exercise into his daily routine for his health.try to keep him at a healthy weight so as not to add stress to his joints.

Answer 10

Well in dog years he is 70 so no.