Dear All,

Am new to this but would appreciate some advice.  Have fab 8 year old chocolate lab who has had epilepsy since he was 18 months old.  Despite this being very scary he has reacted well to medication over the years and (touch wood) has not had a big fit for years.  Have been considering a new pup for nearly two years as I think he would like the company but am worried that the stress of a new pup might worsen his condition and bring on a fit.  Also, not sure whether 8 is too old to introduce new companion. Should he remain an 'only child'? Any advice gratefully received. 

Thank you

K9Friend

Hi,
If your boy enjoys the company of other dogs, go for it.  I had a Staffy years ago who had epilepsy and she lived with 4 other dogs.  It never made her fitting worse or better.  It depends on your dog.

Sarah.

Hi,
I have no personal experience with epilepsy in dogs, but I do have an old dog & a pup.

My old dog is 14 years old (neutered male lab cross), he's deaf, blind in 1 eye, loosing the sight in the other eye and has a withered back-end with limited mobility (believed to be from HD, we got him from a shelter at 4 yrs old, and later found out that he has had an opperation to remove the hip joint in the top of 1 hind leg - so effectively that leg is only held in place with muscle).

Any way, we got a Mastiff puppy 5 months ago (male). It has been a new lease of life for the old dog, he did take a week or to to really come-round to the idea. The only thing that needs watching, is due to the size of the puppy (who's getting on 9stone) play time can be a bit too much for the old boy. I wish I had got a puppy a few years ago, they have so much fun together :)

Gentle introductions are the best way to elliviate stress for you current dog. We kept our puppy confined to the kitchen for the fist 2 weeks, only leaving the kitchen on-lead, so there was no chance of him being to much for the old dog to cope with.

I really don't think your dog is too old for you to get a puppy :)

thank you so much for your replies.  Very reassuring.  I had been keeping a look out for when a specific breeder was having pups and they are due to be born next week so will definately give her a call.  Will keep you posted!

PS - i also luv mastiffs as well as labs!

My old lab had epilepsy. It never affected him with other dogs at all. I had a younger dog as well as him and he often had to put up with mastiff puppies being around. If anything it kept him young!!:-D