[shiznizzal24]

I have a lab/dalmation mix. He is going to be 15 in April. He had a stroke about a year ago. He is losing weight and can't stop eating. He needs to go out at least once an hour. Sometimes when we let him in he needs to go back out right after letting him in. Now he has started going the bathroom in thee house and he doesn't even realize it. Is there something wrong? Should i take him to the vet?

[hydez2002]

yes that's a major problem for him not able to hold his business. if he is going and he doesnt notice it, you may have some serious illness going on.take the dog to the vet for a full physical.

[BVC_asst]

It sounds like he might need some bloodwork to check on his thyroid and to see if he has diabetes.Symptoms of diabetes are eating a lot but not gaining weight, excessive thirst and urination. I'd make an appointment asap to see what is going on.Prayers to you both.

[walkinglady]

Yes - get him to the vet. He can be given meds to help him control his urination problem - this is bothering your dog too and it's unnecessary. He also needs to be checked by your vet as to why he's losing weight. Your vet will likely want to do a geriatric blood panel on him.

[tigerlilly2255]

yes. this could be a side effect from the stroke, or it could mean there is eomthing wrong with the dog's kidneys. I had a dog like that, and eventually we had to put her down. There are things that you can do if your dog has kidney problems. Some of the things are to monitor how much water he drinks, cut down on salt in the food, etc. You vet can better address these remidies with you. However, it may just be the fact that the dog is getting old. One of the very sad facts of life. I personally would rather know if it is just old age or if it is something more serious.Good luck!

[bigredong]

sounds like it might be time to let go, sorry i am not looking forward to the day i have to let go of mine

[Sue F]

I have a friend who went through this with her nearly 16 year old shepard.Her vet did a series of blood tests and checkups on the dog, and then said that the dog had a version of dementia. (Yes, animals can suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's just as human beings do.)The vet was able to put her dog on some meds which helped for awhile, but the dogs health and quality of life worsened and she had to make the heartbreaking decision to put her dog to sleep.It is just age related, I am tearing up while I am typing this; it is heartbreaking for you; but I am sure that your dog would not want to continue on this way. It is one of the toughest decisions you will make; but as a loving and responsible pet owner; you have to do what is best for your dog.God bless you and your dog during this difficult time.

[Megs]

there's definitely something wrong, but it might be something you can't do anything about, like old age - 15's getting pretty elderly.if you have the money, take him to a vet, have them do a blood work-up; he might have thyroid and/or kidney trouble. he's apparently incontinent too - but the fact that he doesn't even realized it could be senility...seriously, get that dog to a vet!

[bobobee]

This happend to my cat. She had kidney failure.u will av 2 put him down soz. It gets 2 a point where flies start 2 lay eggs on them. It is horrible n it aint fair on the dog.