Recently, my dog has been showing signs of premature aging. It seems that she's been having a bit of joint trouble (which is common for black labs), but I didn't think it would start this early. She's six years old and about seventy pounds.
I've also noticed her eyes seem really red and tired. Do you think she's sick?
2007-12-29 04:53:16 · 14 answers · asked by Liv 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm fifteen, therefore I need these suggestions to relate to my parents. :D
2007-12-29 08:33:15 · update #1
go to the vet
2007-12-29 04:56:07 · answer #1 · answered by webkinz fan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work at a vet's office and I have to say the MOST annoying questions come from people that are concerned for their pets but don't want them to be seen. Would you call your doctor to say "I think I'm sick but I don't want to come in to see you, what do you think it is?" Your doctor can't diagnose you over the phone, neither can a vet (or an online forum)
However, labs, being as overbred as they are, their genetic health has become increasingly on the decline. Joint trouble, allergies, and behavioral issues plague this popular breed. The red eyes/sagging eyes can be part of the aging process for ANY breed, however, it could also be allergies. The joint trouble needs a dr, to insure that there is no underlying condition that needs to be seen. Lymes disease can cause stiffness if these symptoms appeared semi suddenly. If 6 months ago you had an esctatic bouncy lab and now you have an aging lab, there's probably reason to have her checked. We reccomend having a blood panel done to any pet over 5 years, even if they are healthy so if they ever appear UNhealthy, we know what their healthy blood results were. Have her checked if you are concerned, if you're not concerned, then don't. What's going on sounds very managable, but it's always good to have an expert opinion.
I didn't mean to sound preachy in the beginning here, I just feel that if people are worried about their pet, why would they question if they should take them to be seen? If your kid was sick you would take them in to a doctor right? Good luck with your doggy, labs are exceptional dogs!
2007-12-29 13:12:53 · answer #2 · answered by starrdancer482 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog showed signs of premature aging and I eventually discovered that this was because she was not expelling the contents of her anal glands. Apparently this can cause all sorts of problems and infections. Get your vet to have a look at her anal glands.
I also discovered that my dog had arthritis
Yes the anal glands were infected and I had these removed.
I am also giving her Flexadin for her joint problems this contains Devils Claw as well as glucosamine and chondroitin. At the outset I gave her supplements which contained just glucosamine and chondroitin. Then when I gave her Flexadin with Devils Claw she improved dramatically.
I saw the premature aging about eighteen months ago. She is now a nine year old GSD and she looks about five years old. She acts like a two year old, she plays with other dogs and I have started doing agility with her again.
When she first had joint problems I was very careful with her. Short walks on the lead etc., eventually when the supplements became effective I gave her her freedom.
Now she chases rabbits and pheasants and has a wonderful time. Also have a look on the "Internet", the experts are now saying that we should omit grain, beef and it's derivatives and dairy food from our dogs diet. As well as the aforesaid I now omit the above from her diet.
Your dog obviously needs something for the joints and if the anal glands are not a problem, I still think that you should consider a change of diet. I now have an energetic nine your old puppy.
2007-12-29 14:18:31 · answer #3 · answered by dorothy s 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, no worries. Rate the reddness of her eyes from 1-10 very accuratly 10 is a lot. If it is over 8 then she may hsve minor alergeys if it's under 8 she is fine. Labrador reitrevers (labs) start aging at the age of 7-8 1/2. So at that part she is fine.
2007-12-29 13:01:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your dog is not 100 % to you and you have concern then I would suggest, a trip to the vet-maybe nothing but aging, but sometime we owners don't pick-up on the early signs of medical problems and then by the time we pay attention to the problems-it can be to late or cost alot to fix--good luck
2007-12-29 13:31:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
large breeds can have joint trouble like hip displasia even as a puppy.i know a rottwiler whos had hip displasia scince she was 6 months old.
the biggest factor that effects your dogs health is thier food.what do you feed your dog?if its a super market brand this isnt surprizing.your dog needs holistic natural dog food.this means no corn wheat or soy.it should be meat based with human grade meats, not by products.it should include some vegetables and no artificial preservatives.brandsi like are wellness,innova,evo,canidae,or natures logic.
check with your vet about the joint trouble, and it may be that your dog needs joint supplements.as far as her eyes, does she stick her head out your car window as you drive?if she does this may irritate her eyes.plus its dangerous.
2007-12-29 13:25:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the vet and ask for a blood test. My dog started to show signs of difficulty standing and her color in her gums started to fade and her eyes started to appear sunken and tired. I took too long to get her tested and she crashed. It turned out that she had Addisons disease. She is fine now but would have been better had I found it earlier.
Get her checked out soon. Don't waste too much time if you see something to be concerned about.
2007-12-29 13:11:35 · answer #7 · answered by HSMathTeacher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you taking her for regular physicals? Have your vet check her out.
I have two labs with joint issues too. I HIGHLY recommend Zukes (www.zukes.com) Hip Action. It's yummy treats that have glucosamine and chondrotin in them. My dogs have been on it for years and its really helped.
But do take her to the vet.
2007-12-29 12:57:38 · answer #8 · answered by Q-mama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be, take her to the vet and get her checked out. If she is showing signs of pain / arthritis, you can get her started on treatment now before she starts to suffer too much.
2007-12-29 13:37:00 · answer #9 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
joint problems identified in early stages can generally be treated very well, visit your vet and they will be able to give her a lot of relief from the pain she is feeling, and will make sure any possible illness in addition to her joint discomfort is treated as well.
2007-12-29 12:58:05 · answer #10 · answered by wksalter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hip displasia does not wait for old age! It sounds like your dog is in pain, so take her to your vet!
2007-12-29 13:19:52 · answer #11 · answered by Dog Trainer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋