Is our dog in pain?
 

Hi everyone. I am new here.
Our Spaniel Bassett breed is almost 9 years old.
Lately he often seems to be sad and we wonder if he is in pain.
Even out for long walks every day doesn't seem to make any
difference.
Can someone tell us how to test him
without taking him to a Vet? He seems quite healthy.

Any suggestions appreciated.
Roland:confused:

Hi Roland welcome to pets.ca. It's a tough question to answer but I would look at it a couple of ways. First off is this different behavior for your dog and secondly keep in mind dogs hide their pain very well. I know you're trying to save yourself a vet visit and I can totally appreciate that. Having said that your dog is at an age where a check up might not hurt. When was a blood panel done last. These are things I think as your dog transitions to a senior they are good to do and at 9 I think it would be a benefit to ensure nothing is going on.

Most dogs love their walks so maybe he has some arthritis.

Good luck
Cindy

Welcome Roland!

It sounds like this could be pain related and I have to agree with Cindy here - vet visit.

If the dog acted great 1 week and the following week (more than a few days) the dog isn't himself - this indicates a problem. What kind of problem is nearly impossible to guess but given the dog's age, Cindy's guess of possible arthritis is a good one and would definitely be something to mention to the vet.

What specific differences in behaviour are you noticing?
(i.e. less playing, less eating, less affectionate etc.)

Answers to these questions might suggest something to one of the members.

Good luck:goodvibes:

A 9 year old dog would benefit from some bloodwork, to make sure that nothing I going on.

If it's arthritis, he hould respond to a good joint supplement that contains good amounts of both glucoamine and chondroitin. Even the ones from costco for humans...

How is your dog weight , is he over weight , if yes that could be hard on his back and hips . Basset Hound can get hips problems , does he seen to be walking slower ? I agree with others that a trip to vet would be in your dog best interest . I gave my last dog Dasuquin for his arthritis and he also got injections and that helped him get around better.