My Dog is Slowing Down

Who knows your dog better than you do? Share some of our visitors' concerns when their canine companions begin to show signs of health problems.

I have a medium-sized black Lab/Golden mix, and we have always enjoyed running together. Recently, I've found that she can no longer keep up with me and is falling behind.

When I took her to the vet for her check up in July the doctor said she was healthy. I am not a fast jogger, so do you know what may be the problem? I am very concerned, but I can't afford expensive vet bills if there is no problem. I got her from the animal shelter, so I am not sure how old she really is. I have had her for approximately four years.

I thought the problem might be due to the heat, but it is much cooler now, and she is still falling behind. Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated.

~~ Heath

Expert Reply

Hi Heath,

Did you discuss this problem with your vet at the time of your dog's regular check up? A standard check up is fairly routine unless your vet is looking for something specific, so your dog may have been given a good bill of health without all of the facts.

I think you honestly need to schedule another appointment and tell your vet exactly what you're observing. Your dog might have a degenerative joint condition that is causing her pain when she runs, or her heart might not be functioning at full capacity. There's no way to tell what's going on unless you let your vet have a look.

Thank you for your question, and I hope your dog's condition isn't too serious.

~~ Kelly

I stopped working about two months ago due to a disability. I have since noticed my dog, Mollie, is lethargic and doesn't want to play. Sometimes I have to coax her to go on a walk.

When we walk on our usual route, she we will walk slow and stay far behind me. When I take her to a different place she seems much happier. However, when a friend who she hasn't seen in a while comes over, she is all excited and ready to play. She shows a lot of energy.

My dog has been diagnosed with low thyroid, and I have been giving her daily medication. I just don't know what is causing her to be listless. She eats just fine, and she doesn't seem to hurt anywhere. Please advise.

Thanks~~ Sarah

Expert Reply

Hi Sarah,

More than one thing could be going on here. First of all, her current medication may make her feel a bit lethargic, so it's something you really should discuss with your vet. Her lethargy may be completely related to her condition, and your vet may need to adjust the dosage.

Second, I'm sorry to hear about your disability, and I understand that having to make that kind of adjustment must have been difficult. There's a small chance that your dog is picking up on your feelings and matching them with her own.

Dogs are incredibly intuitive, and they try to look out for us when they feel we need them the most. Your dog may actually walk behind you much of the time because she wants to keep you in her sight. At other times, the excitement of a new location or friend might distract her temporarily.

It sounds like the two of you are going through a big adjustment right now, so try to give it some more time until you both settle into the new routine. Go ahead and make an appointment with your vet, just in case Molly's problem is related to her thyroid condition.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things are back to normal as soon as possible.

~~ Kelly.

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