12 yr old boxer acting strange
Written by amyns
My 12 yr old boxer female has been acting different last 2 days. she's panting, and can't get up on couch, and sometimes i have to help her stand. she"s also drinking more than usual. i just moved here, and don't have a vet to call, and also no money for another week, so i can't really take her anywhere now. However, if she's in a lot of pain, i'll do what's necessary. does this sound familiar to anyone? help!! thank you
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We have been through a very similiar experience with our 10yr old Jack Russell Terrier. After 2 visits to the vet, we discovered that he has arthritis. I would heavily recommend that you visit a vet as soon as possible since the pain could increase and become excruciating. Since his second visit to the vet yesterday, he is back to his old self since they prescribed him medication for his condition. You may want to ask the vets office if they will make payment arrangements. Hope she gets better soon. Good Luck!
Amy, I am really not sure what is going on with your dog but it sounds like she is in some sort of discomfort. The panting may indicate pain and stress. Is it possible she has injured herself in some way? The resistance to jumping makes me think it could possibly have to do with her back or hind end. The increase in drinking could be a separate issue or possibly due to the extra panting.
If you are unable to take her to the vet, do the best you can to keep her comfortable. Make her a nice soft bed to lay on and keep activity to a minimum. Leash walk only to go to the bathroom and then back to bed. Discourage the couch and any other activity that requires any jumping. Keep stairs to a minimum if possible. Also make sure all slippery surfaces like linoleum are covered with no slip scatter rugs to keep her from slipping and injuring herself.
I would go ahead and make your vet appointment for when you get paid and if she gets worse, like she cannot get up at all, becomes incontinent, (losing control of urine) or refuses food and or water for more than a couple of days, I would recommend taking her to the vet sooner. I have added some links (in blue) to articles on problems older dogs can have that you may find helpful.
PetDoc.com
thank you, marcie! A few changes overnight... now she won't eat much and is pacing almost constantly. I think I'll take her in tomorrow if nothing improves. but if anyone's familiar with the pacing and also her back legs kinda seem to "be in her way". I'm all ears...amy