Need dog help :(

We(my dad & I) have a 14 year old chocolate lab.

He is skinny as he does not eat much anymore & does not do all that much. We had him on 'Purina - Beniful' & have since switched to a soft food. Sometimes he will eat it, other days he won't. he weighed 62 bounds(about) last time he went to the vet. That was a while ago when he had just begone to stop eating.

He is old. I like him. But He pees/poos on the floor almost every day. He gets taken out on a regular basis. I care for him completely. When he pees on the floor, Dad gets mad(as if it's the dog can help it..), yelling at the dog then tells me to clean it up & acts as if it is mine/the dog's fault

The dog has shaky legs & has trouble standing. Sometimes he will even fall randomly.

We have had him for probably 4-5 years after getting him free from the previous owner who had not properly taken care of him. He had a "lump" on his head which ended up being a cancer tumor. We got that removed soon after we got him.

It makes me cry even just to talking about it. I don't know what to do...:-[

 

I think you need to take him to the vet ASAP. His quality of life does not sound like it is good any more. It might be something the vet can help with. Maybe he needs medication for arthritis, which is why his legs are shaky, maybe he needs healthier food, even prescription. The vet will find out what's wrong with him and discuss his quality of life with you. If it is time for him to go, he lived a long life. 14 is great! But I know how hard this is, and I feel your pain. I truly do, and I'm sorry you're going through this.

But I think the most important thing to do right now is to take him to the vet.

P.S. kindly ask your dad to stop yelling. That doesn't help the situation, the dog, or you. Express to him that you're having a hard time dealing with this.

 

Dad is at work now, but I will mention it to him & ask if we can take the dog to the vet on Fri, when Dad gets payed(sp?) We are very tight on money right now, but I want to do what is best for the dog.

 

KC couldn't have put it better.get him to the vet,but at his age and condition,a decision may have to be made that nobody likes to make with any beloved pet.But many times it is in the best interest of the animal.At 14 he's lived a good life span.I had to put my alltime favorite dog down several years ago and it was(and still is) one of the hardest things i ever had to do.My dog wasn't a dog,he was a true friend with an unconditional bond.A better way of looking at it,is the dog won't be suffering anymore.Thats really the sad part,because they can't just say how they are feeling.But hopefully,it may be something treatable,and you can still get another year or two out of him.Sorry to hear of this.

 

damn, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm with Kc. The vet may have something that will make your dog more comfortable. sorry again man. I still remember the day my dog couldn't get up on her own anymore. She was 17. I grew up with that dog and still miss the hell out of her. crap

 

Thanks everyone. Yeah I know 14 is really old for dog & I am glad he's gotten that long be here. But that time seems to be coming to an end.

17yrs old? wow.

 

She was a 20lb mutt. My parents got her when I was born. My sisters named her Muffin. My Pops called her Dog. I finally got a house of my own with a yard and we have been dog sitting a lot. I think its time to get one of my own but non shedding dogs can be hard to find when your not interested in toy sized.

I hope things work out for you.

 

Thanks. Whatever does end up happening to this dog...will be for the best hopefully. I don't plan on getting another one until I am out of college & on my own.

 

My dog, Buckeye was put to sleep 8/14/10. RIP Buckeye.

 

Sorry to hear,but think positive,he's not suffering and had a good life.