Thanks for reaching out with your concern about your senior dog. I know how frustrating it must be not to have clear answers yet, but I'm here to help guide you through this.
With senior dogs, the signs of illness can often be subtle or mimic other conditions. Common issues that affect older dogs include arthritis, dental disease, kidney problems, and hormonal imbalances like Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism. Additionally, your vet might consider less common conditions, like chronic infections or neurological issues, depending on your dog's symptoms.
In the meantime, ensure your dog stays comfortable at home. Make sure they have a cozy, accessible place to rest, and avoid strenuous activities if they're showing signs of pain or fatigue. Offer them a balanced diet and keep an eye on any changes in their appetite or weight. Hydration is crucial, so ensure they have plenty of fresh water available.
Watch for signs that could indicate the need for urgent care, such as severe lethargy, difficulty breathing, sudden changes in behavior, or decreased appetite lasting more than a day or two.
While I aim to guide you toward potential solutions, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets here on Dial A Vet. They can offer additional insights and help determine the next best steps for your beloved companion.
2 vets and still no diagnosis for my senior dog
I’m honestly at a loss and could really use some advice. My senior dog, Max, hasn't been himself lately, and despite taking him to two different vets, we still don’t have a clear diagnosis. Max is 13, and over the past month, he’s been super lethargic, not eating his food like he used to, and has become really withdrawn. It breaks my heart because he’s usually so full of life. Both vets ran some blood tests and did a full examination, but nothing major stood out. One vet thought it might be arthritis, so we started some meds, but they don't seem to be helping. I’m terrified that I’m missing something, or maybe I need to seek a different type of specialist. Has anyone else gone through something similar with their older dog? What tests or treatments worked for you? I'm desperate to see Max get his spark back.
Answer
Next available appointment
