Why is my senior bulldog drowsy and struggling to walk up stairs?

Poor Luna! Because she is 8 or 9, my first thought is that she may be suffering from arthritis. That would cause her pain, and from your description, it sounds like she is painful. It could also be that she injured herself. Arthritis is common in older dogs. I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from arthritis, and can give her some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving her glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjunction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from her symptoms. Give her vet a call today to make an appointment. Best of luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Zellie. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian to investigate this sudden change in behavior. She sounds very sore. She could be experiencing pain in her back or hindlimbs that is limiting her mobility. Her veterinarian will carefully examine her and try to detect any sore areas. If found, x-rays may be recommended. In the meantime, do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

It sounds like Rose is in pain, and I see she is a senior dog. It could be arthritis causing her pain, or she may have injured herself. I also see she isn't spayed, and a pyometra (an infection of the uterus) could cause these symptoms as well. I would take her into a vet immediately to get checked out. I hope this helps!

In senior dogs, arthritis is common and that could be causing Poppy's reluctance to climb the stairs. It may be painful for her. I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from arthritis, and can give her some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving her glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjuction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from her symptoms. Good luck, I hope this helps!

The most likely cause for your dog's pain would be arthritis based on her age and the description of the problem you provided. Arthritis is an extremely common condition in dogs. I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. There are definitely good medications that can be used to make her feel better. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8896028 )

As a 16 year old dog it is almost a given that Nokie has some serious arthritis and that while she probably has been having pain for a few years now but did not show it, the pain now is so bad that she is afraid to jump up on the bed or climb stairs. In severe arthritis cases like that the quality of life can be significantly improved by giving NSAIDs which take inflammation away and therefore pain. Make an appointment with your vet for an exam and a blood test to verify that her kidneys and liver are working properly and then your vet can prescribe NSAIDs or pain medicine for Nokie. At the same time the vet can rule out other causes of weakness.

It sounds like Tia is in pain, which what caused her to be subdued and walk slowly. In a senior lab, there are a couple reasons why this is happening to her. She could have arthritis, she could be suffering from hip dysplasia, or she could be suffering from problems with her joints. I recommend taking Tia into the vet first thing in the morning for an exam. The vet can do a lameness exam and x-rays to diagnose what is causing her pain, and can treat her for it. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.