Not sure if I've asked this one before. I am getting worried because he is sleeping loads lately and took him out this morning and didn't want to go more than 4 steps outside? Just sort of end up dragging him. Fed him his breakfast then couple of hours later tried to take him out again but not interested at all. Just crashed out all day. He is going to be 11 yrs on the 19th jan.
I suppose the reason for concern is because I've never had an old dog before, so don't really want to push him or force him into anything. My last girl only went on til she was  9 yrs and was through an gangrene paw that wouldn't heal. 

Is there anything I could do to help him in his old age? enjoy his day a bit... seems depressed and well rather boring for him all he wants to do is eat!

I would have him checked out at the vets ..he may have a bit of arthritis kicking in and feel a bit stiff esp with weather.  If he checks out fine at the vet I would consider Cod liver oil and stride http://www.viovet.co.uk/p1272/Stride_Powder_for_Dogs_with_Glucosamine_and_Chondroitin_-_150g/product_info.html

There is also a medication called vivitonin for older dogs that gives them a boost if they become a bit slow and depressed. Worked wonders on my old rough collie he lived until he was 15 and half .Pretty expensive !

Discuss with the vet .. I would consider getting him checked for underactive thyriod. Lethergy, depression, feeling the cold, poor quality coat and all the little things that could be just old age can also be clinical signs for thyriod. If he is hypothyriod it can be treated with meds and beneficial effects of treatment are quick and dramatic.

K

Hi,

Have you got snow with you just now - it could be the cold weather affecting him, one of my younger ones tends to want to be less active in the cold and really will spend a good bit of the day just curled up and doesn't enjoy her walks at the moment but we've got several inches!

With any change, especially something like that and in an older dog it really is worth a check up at the vets to make sure all is well.  If it is something like thyroid it is easily treated and would make him feel very yukky so definitely worth a check.  Hope he's feeling more himself soon.

Hi,

I am new to this... What sort of breed is it? I have a 12 1/2 year old Golden Retriever bitch and she's sleeping a lot as well and I noticed that her bones are just getting really old now. She's not got hip displacia which is a good thing. But now with the age she's started with arthritis. We've tried these Pedigree joint care treats they contain green lip mussel extract which apparently eases joint movemens and as long as it isn't too cold outside (the cold makes arthritis worse) she does go for short ish walks

But just to be on the safe side, have him checked out though and make sure that he's not in any pain or hasn't got other health issues.

Make him a comfi bed so he's really nice and comfortable. My dog loves her "old ladies bed"

Good luck.

My lad is a Bull terrier.I've been thinking of a vet check for him, haven't been down there for over a year with him anyways. I will get them to give him a mot- like winter service!
Saying that think it could be the snow because this morning up at 5.3o and so started my car to heat it up and he looked very keen to go out, so let him out and trotted down the steps had a major sniff about just as normal.Think he wanted to then come in  the car, as he knew a journey was on offer no walking involved lol

if he goes to the vets and all is pretty normal for his age, its maybe coz its so cold for him at the moment. especially as bull terriers dont have much coat. maybe worth getting him a coat or something for winter. help keep cold off his old bones too. Equafleece do some great fleeces, and my girl loves hers and it keeps her dry too.

well I always thought arthritic dogs would prefer the warmth,but my old  dog(14)begs to go out and lie in the snow!She s quite stiff,but it must help her in some way.Really odd.