My Labrador is getting old. Almost 14 years old is a long time for a large dog.

[Martin]

Pains me to watch him struggle going up our stairs.

Time to let him go soon and I will make sure he doesn't suffer but wondering if there are special treatments, medications or anything to prolong his life without his suffering?. Google doesn't give me an answer so reaching out here.

Thank you.

 

[Anto]

Time to accept the truth my friend. Consider buying a new puppy beforehand.

 

[cristycurves]

Martin, the best advice would be to visit a vet that has experience and expertise in treating joint issues/arthritis,* if* that is what your dog is suffering from. I could give you a few names from here(Nova Scotia) and perhaps they'd know of someone near you, pm if you'd like them. Keep in mind simply because a dog has issues getting up/down or moving, it doesn't necessarily mean it's joint or bones related, it could be kidney, and or a myriad of different things. To seek out "something" to treat your dog, when you don't know or haven't mentioned the exact aliment, isn't safe. My best advice is to get blood tests at the least, to determine what might be going on. 14 is said to be old for a large breed, but I've know many who've lived comfortably passed that age, as well. Every dog, just like every person, has they're own life span, which isn't determined by race. breed, or size, but by each individual.

 

[SillyGirl]

I'm sorry you're going through this, Martin. It's the hardest part of having pets.

I agree with Cristy about seeing your vet, so you can clarify his exact condition.

Sorry Anto, but I disagree about bringing in a puppy beforehand for two reasons...first, the puppy will bond with the older dog and it will be sad when he is gone. Second and actually more important, puppies are a pain in the ass to old dogs. Unless the old dog has previously shown a genuine enjoyment of kids, let him live out his days without some young whippersnapper chewing on his ears and disturbing the hierarchy of the pack.

 

[cocksoup]

^^^ I agree with above poster. No time to bring in puppy. Just like with humans there is no cure for old age. In human years your dog is now 100+. For others on this board look up the documentary DOG FOOLED. Dog food is terrible for dogs. Causing massive problems as they age.
.................... CORRECTION: ......... PET FOOLED ........... A MUST SEE!!

 

[GoPro]

^^^ I agree with above poster. No time to bring in puppy. Just like with humans there is no cure for old age. In human years your dog is now 100+. For others on this board look up the documentary DOG FOOLED. Dog food is terrible for dogs. Causing massive problems as they age.

 

[Martin]

Thank you for the advice and the many private messages from those I never new were members. Seems dogs are more popular than humans lol.

I took him to the vet, cowweb they ever more expensive than 9 months ago. She said it is obvious the diagnosis is correct, cannot fool time. I feel more at peace and appreciate all your kind words. But vet has a hard time understanding how he can still jump, bark and twist in circles whenever he gets into the car or mention the word 'Walk time".

That's my baby!.

 

[The Voice]

Take a little more time. If your dog is still active, then he's still enjoying life. Observe carefully for signs of discomfort or pain or unhappyness. He will let you know when he's ready.

 

[Bloopk]

You have to love dogs.

Dog keeps girl from wandering too far out in the ocean. - GIF on Imgur

 

[cristycurves]

Martin I don't understand your comment "cowweb" and what is the diagnosis? As far as your dog being able to move when it gets excited....dogs are very resilient, and when they're excited adrenaline kicks in and they forget about their pain. As has been said, give him more time, if he is eating and drinking fine and still shows willingness to do things, he is good Glad you took him to the vet.

That video dog fooled, is very good...I wish more people would realize what we feed our dogs is as important as how we train and love them, maybe even more so. Fresh, whole foods are as important to them as they are to us. Most kibble is crap and even the better stuff is still preserved food, would you eat only packaged food everyday? Fresh is best.

 

[Madlincoln]

After I lost my last dog I swore I would never buy another again. Too much work and it's almost a full time job. Getting up at 6 in the morning to take her out, walks, vet bills, dealing with complaining neighbors regarding her barking noise and more.











































I couldn't help myself and bought another one. Once you are a dog lover you are for life.




I

 

[cristycurves]

I couldn't help myself and bought another one. Once you are a dog lover you are for life. :biggrin2::good: Couldn't agree more.

But if your dog is barking, it is trying to tell you something, and it is up to you to figure it out. Dogs don't bark, just to bark. Either it's bored, anxious, saw something, could be many things. A tired, well trained dog, is a good and quiet dog

 

[DILLIGAF]

As I mentioned in an earlier thread I have been overloaded lately with some personal crap!
This all started about 6 months ago with a very ill child (40 years old) but still my Baby!
Everything worked out OK but in that 6 months I lost two family members (both were dogs)
18 and 19 years old!
If you love your pets and treat them as family members you will know when the time has come when you have to make that crucial decision.
If you are lucky and know your Vet as I know mine he will allow you the honour and privilege of holding your loved one when they give him or her the needle
You will get to be with your family member to the very end.
Now before everyone gets bent out of shape I have been able to due this on several occasions and I have NEVER regretted it once!!!!
Each person has a way of saying goodbye and this just happens to work for me
The only reason I am talking about his a lot of people don't know hey can due this.
Good luck to all you pet lovers!!

DILLIGAF

 

[ReservoirDog]

I just wish my girl's cat would just go away. cleaning that litter is such a pain.


Do you ever wonder why they wait till they get home to take their dump when they have all day to do it outdoors?.

 

[cristycurves]

I just wish my girl's cat would just go away. cleaning that litter is such a pain.


Do you ever wonder why they wait till they get home to take their dump when they have all day to do it outdoors?.

No.... because most cats/dogs use the bathroom when they are relaxed.....obviously the absence of you or your girls is enough to make your cat feel to uptight to poo.

 

[Flash Bazbo]

Tell it to our new neighbors. They let their dog out in the morning and it's bark bark bark.

The dog is barking because he wants to be inside, with the the rest of the family. Dogs that don't want to be with people are called wolves.

Dogs want to walk with their owner, or ride in the car, with their head sticking out, just like you, Prim0. People who leave their dog out in the yard are saying "We want our neighbors to see that we have a dog. The kids wanted a puppy, and we caved in. Now the kids don't want to walk the dog, and neither do we, so we leave him in the yard, so he can go to the bathroom, without getting any exercise".

You show me a house where the dog is always out in the yard, and I guarantee alcohol abuse is going on, behind closed doors.

@ Cristy: I hope yours is up for a walk on the beach today. That reminds me of a joke: A buxom woman was sunbathing topless on the beach, the tide came in, and carried her bikini top out to sea. Having no other clothing with which to cover her ample bosom, she crossed her arms in front of her chest, and walked back home. A little boy saw her in distress, and said "Hey, lady, if you're going to drown those puppies, can I have the one with the brown nose?". (That didn't really happen).

 

[cristycurves]

^ Good post, although I'm not sure alcohol abuse is going on in all homes with dogs tied out, although leaving them out regularly is abusive, imo.

Thanks for the laugh....mine isn't ready for a walk yet, but in time, albeit, walks will never be long again.

 

[The Voice]

A woman with two dogs name Freeshow and Seymore was in the habit of taking baths with her dogs. One day, while in the bath, they got frisky and ran out of the house. The woman quickly dashed out without putting on any clothes and ran after them down the street while calling their names. "Freeshow! Seymore!

 

[papasmerf]

I just wish my girl's cat would just go away. cleaning that litter is such a pain.


Do you ever wonder why they wait till they get home to take their dump when they have all day to do it outdoors?.

You girl or the cat?

 

[Flash Bazbo]

I just wish my girl's cat would just go away. cleaning that litter is such a pain...

There is a joke reply, involving soap and feminine hygiene products, which, if told, would result in censure from a mod here. Use your imagination.