Pet Lovers

[HappyDaze]

Please go to the vet asap. I've had dogs do this and it is always an indication of something serious. I'm not trying to freak you out but it is nothing to put off. Please. Please also don't get upset with him for following you around- he is actually looking to you to help him feel better.

[Sammycat1]

I have had dogs with similar behaviors -- that's why I strongly suggested you get him to the vet ASAP.  One had heart disease, the other, a neurological problem. Dogs and cats age more rapidly than us.  Serious conditions/illnesses in older ones can especially develop very, very quickly. Panting (even intermittent panting) in an older dog like yours is almost always a sign of pain or illness. 

It could be as simple as this:  Once we had a dog with severe arthritis and the prescribed medication was too hard on his stomach -- he had the equivalent of a major, major heartburn that became more painful than the arthritis itself (Note:  Do not self-treat for this -- you can make a serious mistake). The vet switched the medication immediately and he was fine.  This was an easy fix but a very urgent situation.

Get him to a vet ASAP.  He'll fare better and you'll feel better by getting him the attention he needs now.

[birkin baby]

I'm gonna say some prayers for your sweet baby. Please keep us posted.  

[Karnerblue]

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@HappyDaze wrote:

Please go to the vet asap. I've had dogs do this and it is always an indication of something serious. I'm not trying to freak you out but it is nothing to put off. Please. Please also don't get upset with him for following you around- he is actually looking to you to help him feel better.

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I'm not upset with my Buddy.  I just feel helpless and I'm stressed as it is.  I haven't been well myself.  I don't know how to help him.  I'm upset because my husband is away (and he left knowing I have not felt good) and he does not want to spend money on a vet visit.  It really is expensive and right now we are financially strapped.  I know how awful that sounds.  And I may not have a job much longer.  But anyway, I am calling the vet tomorrow just to ask.  He's sleeping quietly now.  I'll be next to him all night.  Thanks all.

[Sammycat1]

Tell your vet the symptoms and your financial situation. Most will work something out for you so you can at least get him seen. There's also an organization called Red Rover that issues emergency funding for people whose pets are in serious distress...they are online and I've known people to receive their help. You have a heap of stress on you but you can be your boy's hero...you reached out to us for help and that's a start to easing your pup's suffering.

[NYwoman]

I had  a Lhasa Apso girl who passed last Nov just after her 16th birthday.   I am still not over it.

The panting and pacing are symptoms of pain.   I took mine to 4 vets, each with a different diagnosis.   The meds made her sicker.    She had IVDD, where the discs in her spine aged and caused her pain.  She would walk with her back arched.   Long bodied dogs, like Lhasas, Corgis, Dachshunds, get it.    There are braces on the internet and laser therapy from vets for pain.   See a website called "Dodger's list" for info on IVDD.     If the drinking is excessive, the kidneys are malfunctioning.   

Lhasas are a very vocal breed.  Any changes in their vocalizations mean a problem.    And if they stop grooming, there is a problem, too.  

Please see the vet asap.   My prayers are with you. 

[HappyDaze]

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@Sammycat1 wrote:
Tell your vet the symptoms and your financial situation. Most will work something out for you so you can at least get him seen. There's also an organization called Red Rover that issues emergency funding for people whose pets are in serious distress...they areonline and I've known people to receive their help. You have a heap of stress on you but you can be your boy's hero...you reached out to us for help and that's a start to easing your pup's suffering.

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Yes, this! I know my emergency vet has a way to connect people with organizations that help with payments for those that have a hard time paying. And even though their policy is payment at the time of service, for those that can't afford it, they allow payments to be made (this isn't advertised, you have to ask) instead.

I truly understand and sympathize with how costly it can be as I've visited the ER more in the past 3 years than I've ever cared to and couple that with all the specialists and tests we've had to run, it has been mind-boggling costly but we really cannot let our pets suffer.

[Adelina]

This thread is soooooo sad. I would rather go without food or pawn what I could in order to take my pets to the vet. They are a part of the family and we take full responsibility for them when we decide to own pets. Dogs, in particular are terribly loyal and dependant on their owners. I could cry reading this thread...

Edited to add: my cats are getting up there in age and I am even more attentive to their aches and pains because I want them happy and alive for many more years.

[surfk]

deleted by poster

[tends2dogs]

Karnerblue:

I hope today you can find relief for your sweet dog.  The fact that this behaviour has just started is indicative of something serious going on. 

I am sure your vet will work with you $$, especially if you have been a client of theirs for awhile.  If he is a good vet, he will want only what is best for your pet.

All of the Pet Lovers are thinking of you and your little guy today and pray that you find an answer.  You really owe him that.  Please let us know what you find out today.

We care!