My Labrador Retriver is getting old!
By Mirita
@Mirita (2668)
United States
August 22, 2007 9:43am CST
My dog is always sleeping and she appears
to be weak with no energy. She spends most
of his time sleeping and she is having
a difficult time with stairs. What can I do
to help her recover her energy? She is already
12 years old and has arthritis. She has been with
us since she was a puppy and we love her so much.
2 people like this
5 responses
@twinlady (47)
• France
24 May 09
Hi there. We have always had labradors, and they do unfortunately suffer with arthritic hips. Our latest, Louis, is 8 years old now, and just beginning to show signs. We always give our labs chondroitin and glucosamine, which we get through a supplier of animal health supplements. We also give him two meals a day, in the morning with fish, and always a tablespoon of sunflower oil. This helps to keep his coat in good condition. Swimming helps, because this is a non-weight bearing activity, which helps to keep the joints mobile, but without so much of the pain.
It is so sad to see our beloved pets suffering, but everyone gets old in the end and has to suffer with some health issues. Just be there for your dog, and do whatever you can for her. She will appreciate it.
Hope you find something that works well for her.
1 person likes this
@jheLaichie (4438)
• Philippines
24 May 09
wow! how nice having your dog since he was a puppy and now he is still their having felt all your love and cares for him though he is already old but you still love every bit of him. its better you'll go to the vet. he can help what to do to still make your dog lively and gain those energy he has back then. but we really cant fight his oldness but atleast you and your family are there for him. 
@runner0369 (641)
• United States
19 Jan 09
I have a labrador retriever as well, we were having similar problems with him but we switched to a different dog food and he has been doing a lot better, he has a lot more energy and no longer needs his arthritis medicine (he was on two different prescriptions)! The dog food we use is Natural choice, small bites. Hope this helps! Good luck!
@runner0369 (641)
• United States
20 Jan 09
I hope it works as well for your dog as it did for hours, I know how you feel. I love my dog so much, it was so hard to see him suffer, I am so glad he is feeling better now, it is so nice to see him frolic around again, lol. The improvement will most likely be gradual so it might take a few weeks before you notice the difference but hopefully the food will help!
@pismeof (855)
• United States
22 Aug 07
Marita,Maybe you could take your dog to a veterinarian and see if they would do a hip replacement for your pet.A dog that is twelve years old with arthritis surely must be suffering everytime she tries to walk around and thus she sleeps all the time.If you love your Labrador Retriver;as I'm sure you do,I'd at lest look into some form of relief for your pet dog.
1 person likes this
@Tae123 (5)
• Canada
22 Aug 07
Hi Mirita,We have 6 border collies and our oldest is 12. He is still very active but deaf. I suggest haveing a full geriatic check-up by your vet. I'm sure you know that labs have an average life span of 12 to 13 yrs. although my friends lab "Harmony "was 16 when she passed on.There is so much out there to help with ageing dogs. You could even try a vet who practises holistic methods. Good Luck. Tae
