Finn is 9.1/2 years old and has been diagnosed with arthritis of hips and spondylitis of the spine. Obviously he has slowed down and we now amble out 4 times a day for as long as he wants to. He is on painkillers and seems content at the moment. However this really 'friendly to all dogs' lab now seems to dislike all dogs. My theory is that he hurts so has a go first to warn other dogs off. I do try to avoid all dogs now, but this morning had a narrow escape from him going for a friendly Yorkie, the owner ignored my warning that Finn was grumpy old man. If this continues, I'm not sure if it brings the inevitable closer. I suppose I'm asking if I should be worried that this new behaviour means he is in more pain than he lets on. The vet seems happy with his meds but I don't want him to suffer in silence. He is still fine with people. Sorry for the ramble.
I am so sorry to hear your news of Finn , and yes I am convinced that when they hurt , it worries them greatly that other dogs may inadvertently hurt them . You did right to warn the owner of the Yorkie , the fault lies entirely with this owner for ignoring your request to keep the dog at bay . Its very difficult to avoid all other dogs , but if they approach when warned , it is the owners fault fair and square . It would be a different kettle of fish if Finn was the one approaching other dogs for confrontation, but it clearly isn't like this , I really am sorry for your predicament x
Just re read and see that Finn has had confrontation with other dogs , in which case maybe he would be best on lead unless you can be absolutely sure that no other dogs are around , time his walks early morning and early evening ? Must be so hard x
I keep him on lead at all times, cross roads to avoid other dogs, etc., I no longer trust him and perhaps he picks up on my nervousness. So sad for such a lovely lab to change like this, am I being selfish keeping him going?
I'm sorry to hear about your problems. If Finn has good quality of life, then I don't think it's unkind to keep going with treatment, it just may need a bit more management and assertiveness from you in order to keep him safe from other dogs. You can get brightly coloured slips to go over the lead, and vests for your dog to wear that say "No dogs" or "My dog needs space". http://www.friendlydogcollars.com/product-category/no-dogs/ and https://www.amazon.co.uk/Requires-S...0802&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=my+dog+needs+space I use the lead slips with my reactive dog and I find that they do make a difference in that people give me a chance to move out of the way with him. Chat to your vet again, though, and see if he can reassess the amount of pain Finn is in. It may not be that he's currently in pain, just that a dog was too physical and it caused him a fleeting pain, which he remembers now. I think you have to trust your instincts; when the spark leaves your dog's eye, that's when it's time to say goodbye.
I am absolutely no expert on dogs with arthritis but we have a 10 year old Lab who has arthritis in her front legs (I too have arthritis so she has my sympathies). I go every month to the vets and see a very experienced nurse there who works in conjunction with the vet and myself to monitor Sky’s medication. We have had to ‘play’ around with the dosage to get what seems right for her weight. I think what I am trying to say is - are you happy with Finn’s meds? If you feel he is in more pain than he lets on, is further discussion necessary with your vet?
Oh crumbs. Arthritis is MIGHTY painful - I have rheumatoid and osteo versions, awful and sometimes almost unbearable. I totally understand Finn trying to avoid contact - even gentle contact can hurt, bless him. Thing is, these dogs of ours are far more tolerant of pain and all sorts of problems than us humans will ever be. They put up with pain until they can't go on. If I was in your shoes, I'd let him lead you away from any contact if he shows the slightest reluctance, then once the other dog is past, go on with your usual walk. I understand what you are saying about the inevitable, you will know I think. Best wishes to Finn x
Thank you all for your kind comments and advice. We will take life at his pace for as long as he wants to, luckily there are lots of quiet places we can go. I will also have another chat with the vet to see if anything else might help.
Please have a chat with the vet as for me it does feel that he isbwarning dogs because he hurts. The problem with our dogs is that they are so stoic and don't show pain well so we have to rely upon other signals. The warning to other dogs for me is one of those signals. Fingers crossed the vet can help by increasing medication or changing the meds.
