Question for Dog Owners

[disneyfanatic60]

I have an 8yr. old mixed breed lab. I have noticed he really suffered through our long, hot summer this year more so than in previous years. I know he's getting older and that's to be expected somewhat.

This past week or so he just doesn't seem right to me. It's not hot here so I know it cannot be heat related. He is not eating much dog food (even switched to another brand and no real change). He still, however, runs to his treat cupboard frequently and still begs continuously for people food.

Besides the appetite issue, he seems to be panting hard. I'd understand this with heat and humidity but it's been comfortable here. Enough so that he has been keeping me up at night sometimes. It's not all the time but enough. As well, he sounds almost congested to me at times. He's not lethargic but he's not overly playful either.

I'm starting to worry. I'm sure it's nothing but I thought I'd ask if anyone else has experienced anything like this with their dog or has any suggestions. With the holiday coming up, our vet's office is closed until next week.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I would take him to the vet as soon as they reopen to check him out. But to give you some peace of mind that it could be nothing, I have a 14 year old Sheltie. He has been doing the loud panting even when it is not hot for several years now. I've had him to the vet and nothing was wrong. I no longer let him sleep in my room at night because he keeps me awake. He goes though periods of low appetitie then snaps back to normal.

to you both. I know how it is to worry about pets when they can't tell you how they are feeling.

 

[miste76]

First... find another vet to take your dog to if you are really concerned about his health. You know your dog the best and as much as I love the DISboards, the people on here can not accurately diagnose your dog over the computer.

I'm also curious... do you have your dog on monthly heartworm preventative? It almost sounds like he could be having some cardiovascular issues!

 

[Kermit]

I understand not wanting to go to another vet, but I think this might be an occassion when you need to. Before you do that, though, have you thought about giving him a hair cut? We have a black Lab mix who's 6, and we've been clipping his hair this summer. It's made him a brand new dog. He's much more willing to play outside and take walks than he has been since he was a puppy.

 

[Crankyshank]

Your vet's office must have some sort of referral while they are closed for in case of emergency. I would find out who that is, or see another vet ASAP.
It does sound like cardiovascular issues, but it could be so many things.

 

[Cyndirella]

I would take him to another vet. What if it is something serious? The days that you wait could make a difference in his ability to recover.

You may find out it's nothing to worry about, but at least you would have the peace of mind that you got him prompt medical attention.

 

[kessieann]

Your vets office is already closed for the holiday? I work at a Vet clinic and we are open even on Saturday. I would absolutely find a different vet and at least call and ask for their advise. More then likely they will tell you to come in because it is very hard to diagnose over the phone without seeing a pet. Going to a referral emergency clinics cost a lot of money so if you can find a different vet it would be to your advantage.

Once pets reach about 8 years old they are considered "senior citizens". It is when you may start noticing changes in your pet just as you would when a human is getting older. I have seen where panting is both nothing to be worried about and also a symptom that something else could be going on.

Go ahead and get your pet checked out so that if nothing else it can give you piece of mind.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Are his extremities or his abdomen swollen? I agree it warrants an eval as it could be an issue of heart failure with pulmonary congestion and if so they'd want to give him a diuretic and other medications and perhaps make some dietary changes. Make sure he has enough water but don't let him overdo it until you see the vet since if that's the issue the heart has trouble pumping all that fluid. No salty foods either which cause fluid retention. The reason they don't want to eat is the belly gets swollen from all the congestion in the abdominal vessels. Don't force him to eat but what he does eat should have good nutritional value. Hope this isn't the case but good luck if it is. It's treatable. aw: