Is my 10 year old labrador becoming lazy due to old age? how should I care for h

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   chotusharmaposted 13 years ago

   Is my 10 year old labrador becoming lazy due to old age? how should I care for him?
   
   i have a 10 year old labrador. he has become extremely lazy recently and his intake of food has also reduced. he plays a little less nowadays and usually prefers to lie down rather than walk around. he also has difficulty in getting up. are these the signs of old age or something more serious? if these are the signs of old age,how should I care for him? please let me know.

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2. 81

   Hyphenbirdposted 13 years ago

   Have your vet give him a thorough checkup. Follow the vet's recommendations.
   Then allow him to do as much as he is able. He is the equivalent of 70 years old. His joints may be stiff and he needs more rest. Give him the kind of love he has given you and his remaining years will be happy.

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3. 60

   ajcorposted 13 years ago

   I have a seven year year old Labrador and he is getting just a little slower to the point where I have noticed he chooses the easy way to come into the house rather than the steeper stairs - maybe your dog has a touch of arthritis in his hips which is common in this breed. You could have this checked out at the vet. There are medications available for animals to reduce pain which in turn might make him/her a little more active.
   Going off his food is a bit different - I have never known a Labrador to leave food on the plate they are usually trying to find a little more from somewhere! This I would get checked out also. But your baby is now approaching his third age (70 in human years) so he would be slowing down...cheers

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4. 68

   HappyHerperposted 13 years ago

   I agree with the others and would like to add that this is the time you should consider doing a yearly blood work panel. He is considered a senior starting at 8-10. By doing blood work, your vet will be able to catch things early. The clinic I work at also does blood pressure and intraocular pressures for our seniors. If he does have joint issues, in addition to anti-inflammatories, you can supplement glucosamine/ omega fatty acids through special foods or "treat supplements" that can be obtained from a vet. Also, if he is overweight, getting him to a healthier weight will put less stress on his joints (and body as a whole). He may have reduced his intake of food because he is not burning as many calories. How are his teeth? Sometimes, when their teeth get really bad they can become painful and therefore, they will be more reluctant to eat...or it could be something else (or "nothing"). Your description is pretty typical  of an aging dog.

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   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   Have a vet check him out.  they do slow down about this age.  There is a wonderful med. out for animals.  Deramaxx.  It is very expensive but it really helps them with the pain of old age.  Be sure your dog is on a quality food, and has a soft, warm bed to rest in.  Try to get him out for a short walk daily, but be careful and watch for fatigue and over exertion.
   
   My lab just turned 13 and is still happy, and content.  He does have trouble walking in the back end but is not in any pain so we give him his meds., feed him well and love him while we can.

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