Something weird just happened, and I’m kinda freaking out. My dog Max, who’s a 7-year-old Golden Retriever and has been neutered since he was a puppy, has been acting a bit off lately. He’s been having trouble peeing and seems super uncomfortable, straining and just standing there for ages without much happening. Today, I noticed he was licking himself a lot more than usual, and that’s when I started wondering if something might be wrong. I did some Googling, and some forums mention maybe it’s an enlarged prostate, but I thought neutered dogs didn’t have to deal with that? I’m planning to take him to the vet, but honestly, I’m really nervous and was hoping someone here could shed some light or share if they've been through anything similar.
Thanks for reaching out — I completely understand why you're worried about your dog's health. An enlarged prostate in neutered dogs, while less common, can still occur, and it's great that you're looking into it.
In neutered dogs, an enlarged prostate might be due to infections (prostatitis), cysts, or even tumors. It's less likely to be related to hormonal issues as it might be in an unneutered male, but it still needs attention.
If your dog shows signs like difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or discomfort when sitting, it could point to a prostate issue. Keep an eye out for straining during bowel movements or any swelling near the back end.
At home, ensure your dog has easy access to plenty of fresh water and opportunities to urinate regularly. This can help prevent discomfort or complications related to urinary issues. However, if your dog shows any of these signs, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly.
Should these symptoms worsen or you notice fever, lethargy, or severe pain, those are indications to get help right away. It would be prudent to book a video consult with Dial A Vet to discuss your dog's symptoms in detail and determine the best next steps. The sooner we can pinpoint the cause, the sooner your dog will feel better.
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