Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My senior dog is weak, losing weight, peeing, and breathing hard. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male

Hi. My dog has been living for 12 years. My pet's name is Blue. And now he's been laying down all day and could not able to stand and walk. He is now peeing in his bed and breaths heavily. He has an ear infection before, and I believe it was called hematoma. But we wasnt able to take him to the vet. He still eats food. But he has lose his weight drastically. We could not take him to the vet because of financial problems. What medication will you suggest? Please help us. TIA.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2017

Oh my. Poor guy. The weight loss and his body condition score is very concerning. Gradual weight loss in older pets is highly suspicous of cancer unfortunately. Other possible causes are intestinal parasites, diabetes mellitus, etc. There is also possible arthritis which is causing Blue to become debilitated and unable to move around well; however, generalized weakness could also be a cause. You can try to feed Blue a high calorie diet (ie puppy food) to help with his muscle tone and try over the counter joint supplements (ie Dasuquin) to help with his mobility. Here is a website link with more financial resources to help you get him seen by a vet for further care because he really needs medical attention and testing to determine if this is something serious or not, and to pursue medical treatment. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
Best of luck to you and your pet Blue. I really hope he will be ok. Take care.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 21st, 2017

    I can't tell you for sure what is going on with Blue. Certainly, as dogs age, their vision and hearing can decline. Other than TLC, there is nothing that can prevent these from happening. Mobility issues can be difficult to manage, but often pain medications and supplements will take out the pain component and allow the pet to continue to move to maintain lean muscle mass. Common prescription pain medications use include NSAIDS, gabapentin, and/or tramadol. Other options for pain control include physical therapy, acupuncture, and Adequan injections.

    Weight loss can be caused by inability to eat (as in oral or dental pain) or from a decreased appetite caused by a change in metabolic processes (kidney or liver disease, diabetes, etc).

    Getting "stuck" is common in dogs with cognitive dysfunction. This is most closely related to dementia in humans. There are a few supplements that may be able to slow this down a little, like high-powered antioxidants (I like Cell Advance 880) or SAM-e.

    I am not sure what to make of the dried blood without a picture or additional information.

    I recommend that Blue have a thorough physical exam and senior bloodwork performed to determine if there is any internal disease that needs to be specifically managed. The bloodwork will also help determine what pain medications would be most appropriate to use.

    Now would also be a good time to read up on Quality of Life in dogs. Discussing this ahead of when it is really needed will help you evaluate Blue with a clear mind and heart to know what to do that is best for him.

    https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Determining-Pet-Quality-of-Life

    http://www.lapoflove.com/diseases/canine/Cognitive_Dysfunction_in_Dogs.pdf

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Food & Nutrition
Why is my senior dog lethargic, not eating, panting, and swollen?
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. These symptoms are concerning, especially coming from an older pet lIke Blue. His warm feeling body could indicate an internal infection or inflammatory disorder, and his panting and swollen stomach could indicate underlying heart disease, an infection, or even cancer has to be considered here. I would highly recommend taking him in to your vet to have some testing done as soon as possible. The vet needs to do some bloodwork analysis and an x-ray to find out the underlying cause for his symptoms, since there are several disease processes that can cause the same symptoms. I do hope that Blue is able to make a full and speedy recovery with a diagnosis that is readily treatable. I wish you all the best! Take care.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Is my old dog's heavy breathing, weight loss, and mobility normal?
Hello! Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am hear your concern about Chance's health - it can certainly be scary as our pets start to age. From the picture above, although a little blurry, I am not as concerned about is dry nose (this can be normal) however, it looks as though he may have lesions below his eye on his cheek and below his nose as well?? You can certainly try some pure aloe gel on his nose to see if that helps. If he has not had a visit to his regular veterinarian in awhile it may be time to have him get a check up. Unexplained weight loss (the appearance of being skinny), difficulty going up/down stairs and heavier breathing can be indications that Chance is experiencing pain or discomfort. A check up would allow the veterinarian to listen to his heart and lungs and ensure that he isn't having any problems such as arthritis contributing to mobility problems. I hope you this information helps, and I hope that gets the relief needs. I wish you and the best of luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my 14-year-old dog not eating, losing weight, and slowing down?
I would definitely recommend some blood work, if this hasn't been done recently. Older dogs are prone to a number of health issues that can cause decreased appetite along with being less active - chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism are two possibilities that are both very common. In many cases, these issues are treatable (at least to some extent) once a diagnosis is made, so it's well worth checking for them if you can - hopefully, there are some things you can do to make him feel better for as long as possible, even though he's getting older.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog is weak, losing weight, and having accidents. Is it serious?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and weight loss can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. He may be so weak that that is why it seems like he is urinating and defecating in his bed and laying on it. I recommend that you have Rooney evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. He may have something that he can get over and be fine after. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery! 
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My senior dog is coughing, not eating, losing weight. What's wrong?
Poor Dagul! I am sorry that he doesn't feel well. Looking at the blood work his white blood count and kidney values are all elevated. The kidney values could be elevated simply due to dehydration but I cannot say for sure since I cannot see him myself. The white blood count being so high makes me concerned about a severe upper respiratory infection or even pneumonia. These blood results look like they were done in February so they really aren't very accurate now. I would strongly recommend have him seen again by your vet if possible and recheck the blood work. Your vet will be able to do a thorough exam and let you know whether or not he has a good chance of making it. Your vet may even recommend x-rays to ensure there is no tumors in the lungs causing issues as well. I am really concerned about him. I would also make sure he is continuing to eat and drink to help keep his hydration levels up. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My senior dog is breathing hard and losing weight. What should I do?
I am sorry to hear about Pinta. These symptoms are unfortunately concerning, especially in an older dog. Difficulty breathing is a very serious condition and considered an emergency if she is struggling to get breath normally. Possible causes can vary from primary lung issues such as infections like pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and tumors in the lung. Heart disease can also result in breathing problems, as can sudden anemia due to bleeding inside the body cavity. I would recommend getting Pinta into the vet as soon as possible, and if she is struggling to breath then she needs to visit the emergency vet if your vet is closed. They will examine her and likely recommend x-rays of the lungs. This will help them determine if treatment is possible or if she can be made more comfortable. Best of luck to you and Pinta.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my dog losing weight, lethargic, and breathing heavily?
I am mostly concerned about the weight loss, lethargy (depression) and the labored breathing. This is certainly not normal for such a young dog. From the symptoms you are describing, a metabolic disorder seems most likely. Options are hyperadrenosorticism (Cushings), hypothyroidism (although this is not consistent with the weight loss), certain sex hormone disorders, and certain immune mediated disorders. Since this has been going on for such a long time, I would advise a consultation with a specialist at this point. You can find a veterinary internist in your area on www.acvim.org.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog FoodDog Health & WellnessDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Vitamins & SupplementsDog Blood Pressure MedicationDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Thyroid Medication & Hormone CareDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsUTI & Kidney Supplements for DogsElectrolytes for DogsDog First Aid & RecoveryDiuretics for DogsDog Asthma MedicationDog Lift Harnesses & WheelchairsWet Dog FoodPrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsDog Pain Medicine & ReliefDog Pill CapsulesDog Breath Fresheners & Mouthwashes
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button