Help, what do I do? My 8-year-old golden retriever, Max, has been acting strange for the past couple of days and it’s starting to freak me out. In the mornings when he usually bounds down the stairs for breakfast, he’s been hesitating, and I’ve noticed his back legs seem really shaky. He loves his afternoon walks, but today he just kind of plopped down after a few minutes and refused to budge. He’s also been whining softly, which he never does. He doesn’t look like he’s in obvious pain, but something feels off and I’m worried sick. Has anyone dealt with something like this before? I’m thinking I should call the vet, but I’m hoping it might just be something minor that he ate or maybe he’s just having an off week…
I completely understand why you're worried about your dog's back legs—it can be quite concerning when you notice changes in their movement or behavior. There are several potential causes for issues with a dog's back legs, including arthritis, hip dysplasia, muscle strains, or even neurological conditions that affect coordination and strength.
For at-home care, consider providing a soft, supportive resting area for your dog to help alleviate any discomfort. Ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight can reduce strain on their joints as well. Gentle massages might be soothing, and low-impact exercises, like short, slow walks or swimming, can help keep their muscles engaged without overexertion.
Keep an eye out for signs like severe pain, reluctance to move, swelling, dragging of limbs, or any change in your dog's bathroom habits. These could indicate a more serious issue that requires immediate attention.
If any of these concerning symptoms appear, or if your dog doesn't seem to improve with these home interventions, it's important to seek professional advice. I recommend booking a video consult with one of our veterinarians through Dial A Vet. They can assess your dog's condition in more detail and guide you on the best course of action.
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