He has also started to poop in the house (I have noticed more so on the stairs) I am thinking as he is climbing or walking down the stairs. It is almost like his hind legs dont want to work.
2007-06-21 10:32:31 · 9 answers · asked by justaskin 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sounds like hip dysplasia, which is not uncommon in shepard dogs. Take the dog to the vet, have it examined and see what help can be provided. They are drugs on the market that have shown benefit with hip dysplasia.
2007-06-21 10:38:20 · answer #1 · answered by DaveSFV 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best friend has a German Shepherd too, and sadly the same thing happened to her dog. She was also 9. For my friend's dog, it was a problem with her pelvis and the muscles around it. (Apparently a very common problem in purebred Shepherds)This is why it was an effort for her to move her back legs, and she also lost control of her bowels.
My friend tried lots of treatments for her dog, who was on a lot of medication. My friend hated to see her suffering so much, and was at her wit's end.
As a last resort she took her dog to hydrotherapy. She said if that did not work she would have her beloved dog put to sleep. Her dog is now 14 years old, and has not taken medication for almost 4 years! If your dog likes the water I suggest it. In many cases you can also get in the water with your dog to make him more relaxed. It is expensive though, but a lot of pet insurance companies cover it.
What you should do is take your dog to the vet as soon as you can though. He could be in pain, and I'm sure you don't want him to suffer any more. The vet will take an X-Ray and tell you immediately what's wrong. You can then make a decision, depending on your circumstances.
Good luck with it. I really hope it's nothing serious, but there are options and treatments available. Please update us on here when you know more.
2007-06-21 10:44:27 · answer #2 · answered by politicalghettogirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the other answers are great, and you should take your dog to the vet for a check up and meds for the pain that he is obviously in.
He is most likely losing control over his bowels as it is hurting him so much to walk he is waiting too long to go outside or asking to be taken outside.
One of my friends had a Shepard that acted very simularly, and then when she was a few years older she started to have accidents in the house again and would actually be walking and pooping at the same time...so sad. She then was diagnosed with doggy dementia which is a precursor of Alzheimer's. Animals can be affected with this also. My friend kept her on meds for a bit longer, and then had to make the decision to have her put to sleep as she was too weak to even stand on her own.
A vet checkup could pinpoint the problems for you and then you will know what meds to use also. I hope your dog feels better, shepards are great dogs and wonderful family members.
2007-06-21 11:23:02 · answer #3 · answered by Sue F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet and ask for some pain medication. My dog has a slipping knee cap and the meds help. And 2 more things.
1. go to doctersfoster&smith.com
They have really good pain releavers
2. try hip and joint formula, it reallly helps a lot.
I HOPE HE FEELS BETTER
2007-06-21 10:40:08 · answer #4 · answered by LivingInnuendo~♫ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too have a German Shepherd, and she has not gotten to this point yet. Have you tried Glucosomine? It helps with the Joints. Also, My Vet prescibed 400mg of Ipubrophen when she hurt her shoulder. Might be worth looking into to help with the pain.
2007-06-21 10:40:47 · answer #5 · answered by Devildog 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be arthritis or unfortunately hip dysplasia or he's simply getting old Get to a vet to rule out anything else and treat what he has
2007-06-21 10:38:22 · answer #6 · answered by Buusa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well
One good way of stopping unwanted dog behaviours is attending a traning course. You'll learn the causes and some techniques to solve all your problems with your furry friend. A good online course you can follow is: http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=572
Their method is gentle, simple and most importantly effective. I recommend it.
2014-09-14 09:08:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My own dog had this problem, and almost fell down the stairs. We took him to the vet and received medication that loosened his joints and numbed the pain. He's been doing great since, no problems at all.
So I suggest going to the vet.
2007-06-21 10:38:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take that poor baby to the vet and get him checked.Some meds will probably help him.Don't wait,who knows how much pain he's in?
2007-06-21 10:48:35 · answer #9 · answered by Rhea B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be diet, Or a hip problem
2007-06-21 12:30:26 · answer #10 · answered by Charles s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋