My dog not eating and no energy

[Bytoey]

I have a male golden retriever, he is 11 years old and I'm extremely worried.
My dog hasn't been eating properly for the past few weeks, he refuses to eat his  normal food so we've been cooking him rice/eggs/meat/liver etc. Then after a while he doesn't eat himself unless we feed him by hands..and now he doesn't eat at all.  Though he does eat some type of snacks. Now, he doesn't seem to have the energy to get up. He would try to get up but his legs seems to be weak or something. I tried helping him up and everything but I don't know what is wrong. Just now, he got up to drink some water but I noticed that he was sort of limping. I'm really worried and I don't know what to do. Please help me figure out what could be the problem and why is he sick. Is he depressed? Bored of food? Thank you so much for your time.

[tonyb286]

Hi. Have you had the vet undertake a physical examination and blood panel test of Titus? Labs commonly suffer from various joint related issues when they reach this kind of age (which can be treated effectively), so it's worth checking things out. It could also be several other health potential problems, but many are treatable with the right medication (diabetes and epilepsy, for example).

Don't give up. Get your dog to a vet as soon as you can. Tony

[Scoosh]

I have a yellow lab he just turned 9  (Titus) and I walk however his back legs have given out on him many times, just Yesterday we made it down the stairs he was so disoriented as we walked and he fell and did not move as did I so afraid with him,after about 10min he made himself get up,he went pee go poo go and walked back , my friend carried him up,Titus walked a little today,He was breathing so hard, And Shaking so much, I can see the fright in his eyes,as we both know is coming next,we are scared, I will be right by his side through this, Titus has all of my strength, LOVE, as I remind him of the wonderful 9 were blessed with.I am playing relaxing Water Music,burning candles,Sage Peace and Good Love, Amen    

[tonyb286]

Hi. I agree, there is something happening to your best friend. I would strongly advise going to the vet and having bloods taken for a panel test. This could be several things, but if it has been persistent over several days or weeks, it is likely to be something more serious.

Questions: Have you noticed any bad odour coming from his mouth? Is he drinking more water than usual?

Tony

[Dogwisedom]

I have a 5-6 year old yorkie who is staying in bed all the time. He won't eat or drink unless you give it to him by hand. He also hasn't been exercising now that its winter and hasn't been doing his business. My family thinks he needs attention but something more is wrong. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know...

[tonyb286]

Hi again James. Yes, we all go through the guilt-trip, second-guessing everything we did and trying to analyse the what-ifs ... but what you did was help her out of her suffering. Full stop. And you went the extra mile to achieve it out of love, kindness and compassion.

I'm pleased you have a supportive family around you - many are not so fortunate under similar circumstances. I lost my best friend 3 years ago, which was the first time I came here to MedHelp ... and I've been here ever since. It's my way of repaying her (she was called BB) for the years of devotion she gave me. A kind of legacy, I guess.

This forum is a great place to be when you are feeling down, guilty or isolated after losing a pet. There are so many wonderful people here. And all understand the angst involved.

I hope as each day passes, things get a little easier.

Tony

[JurassicJP]

Thanks a lot guys, I really do hope my tip about The Humane Society is able to help someone in the future.  That gives a little bit of peace of mind for me.  One thing that has entered my head, which I'm sure is common, is the fact that I didn't stay with her until her last breath...

I have a history of over-thinking everything, so that is to be expected.  I just had to remind myself that she was in such a deep haze, that I'm sure her reaction to the hairclipper or needle poke was probably not enough for her to even lift her head.  I know those little things can eat you up, so I just had to vent that.  

The holidays are definitely harsh, I'm grateful to have a strong supporting family and that I found this place when I needed it most.