Is it normal?
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
Canada
February 17, 2011 4:52pm CST
I have a black Labrador who will turn 7 yrs old on February 27th. He's always indoors with me, hubby takes him out for walks at least 6 times a day. Not long walks, about 20 minutes. He's usually asking to go out.
He's a real good dog. He wont chew on furniture, never touches anything thats not his toys or his food. He listens and is very gentle.
Ive noticed that whenever Id ask him to come over, he would sit there and stare at me....then he would come. We used to joke about it, saying his Windows was frozen....we called it the "black screen" instead of the "blue screen of death" lol. Lately he seems to be sleeping all the time and he "freezes" more often. We usually have time to say "well Windows is frozen again, Do a reboot Miky" and then he'll react.
Is this normal for a dog or do you think something's wrong. We were at the vet 4 months ago and he checked him out and said he was very healthy, but Im not sure if this is normal or not as Miky is my first dog.
What do you think??
1 person likes this
4 responses
@savypat (20216)
• United States
18 Feb 11
He may be starting to have hearing problems. Try making the same hand jestures each time you call him and see if he picks those up quicker. At seven a Lab is starting to loose senses due to old age, Labs and other hunting breeds don't have the life spans of many other breeds, this doesn't mean he doesn't stilll have many good year ahead, just that he may need a little extra attention to his needs. Labs are some of the most wonderful dogs you can get.
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
18 Feb 11
He is wonderful and I dont even want to think about the day he wont be with us anymore.......too painful!
His hearing is ok. I still cant sneak up on him and he hears hubby when he gets home before I do.
Its been warmer and sunny outside today and he seems to be better. I think it might be the winter or the lack of sunshine. I'll ask the vet if I can give him some vitamins or something.
We had no sun for the past 2 weeks, I didnt notice but thats what they just said on tv. So it has to affect animals AND us people!
Thank you!
@imnobodyspecial (318)
• United States
18 Feb 11
Your dog is middle aged...49 for him 7 for us...his hesitation could be a habit or it could indicate his hearing isn't as sharp as it once was or it could even be a slowing of the synapses in his brain, or worst case a seizure disorder.
As long as he appears to be healthy and responses to you, I would not be too worried.
If the condition persists or gets worse, I'd consult your vet if I were you.
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
18 Feb 11
Yes I heard that we need to multiply their age by 7. But 49 shouldnt be that old!!
We will go to the vet next week or the week after(depending if the vet is available) Its not something that really worries me but it does a little.
Thank you!
@lilaclady (28206)
• Australia
17 Feb 11
I have a friend whose Lab would stay inside all the time but it wasn't until they had to put him outside they got another puppy for company for him and he seemed to be happy with that and now he is a full time outside dog.
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
18 Feb 11
The thing with my dog is that he was NEVER alone. We were told that its too late now, we cant leave him alone anymore. So thats why he wont stay outdoors if we're not outside with him.
Thanks!
@GardenGerty (169479)
• United States
17 Feb 11
I have not had dogs as pets. I would guess, however, that it may just be the winter weather. I know it makes me a little spacey. He may need more stimulation. I know that big dogs are considered to age much faster than small dogs.
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
18 Feb 11
I guess he's turning human on us since he's always with us. Yes its not easy when we get to February and March. I cant wait for spring to be here. We're having a glimpse of it now today. Its sunny, warm and the snow is melting.
We'll blink and summer will be here!
Thank you!
