I'm getting worried about my dog. He's all I have right now, but his symptoms are so vague.

[Mike 03]

He used to pull me on our walks; I couldn't walk fast enough. This morning he seemed so winded, fatigued, gasping. He's a young black labrador (approx 3 to 4 years), and I can't put my finger on it, it's so inchoate, but he's lethargic, sad... I can tell something's wrong.

But I would feel stupid going to my vet and saying "I have a hunch something's wrong."

My plan is to give him a couple of days off from walking (we walk a lot, and it's getting hot here in Phoenix), then see how he is feeling on Monday and if he still seems weak, exhausted, apathetic, to take him to my vet anyway.

I also worry that I'm not feeding him enough. My vet stresses weight so much that I'm concerned he's not getting enough food.

[InternalDialogue]

1. If you can go to the vet, don't be ashamed of saying what you suspected.

I've taken my cats to the vet on no more than a hunch and saved their lives more than once. Saved them from just plain old pain and suffering as well. If you know well enough what your dog's odd symptoms are and what's different from his usual, that's plenty to go on for a good vet.

[Mike 03]

3. I think I will follow your advice. Something is not right. Maybe my vet can figure it out.

Thank you.

[Dangerously Amused]

8. Yep. Agree completely, good advice.

And same experience here, I have taken pets to the vet with nothing more than vague symptoms and "a hunch"; I've been right and I've been wrong, but I've never regretted it.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out, okay?

[alphafemale]

2. You try this

http://www.justanswer.com/veterinary/veterinarian?r=ppc|ov|1|Pets|Veterinarian&JCRN=Vets+and+Pet+Experts&JPRC=1&JPKW=vet+line&JPKD=281103585011&JPDC=S.adv&JPAD=52244480011&JPRQ=aspca+vet+line&JPAF=txt&JPCD=20090223-1

[femmocrat]

4. Please see your vet on Monday anyhow.

Then please let us know what the problem was, OK?

The symptoms you described don't seem all that vague. Your pup cannot tell you what is bothering him, but his behavior indicates that something is wrong.

:hug:

[flvegan]

5. There is no "stupid" when suspecting something is wrong.

Take your dog to the vet. Let them run some blood, if for nothing else than to be SURE nothing is wrong. If something is wrong, and you wait, you may learn regret.

[InvisibleTouch]

6. Such a change in energy level is a definite warning sign.

You know your dog best, and if you feel that something's wrong, you're not imagining it.

As to his food, is he underweight? For a lab, you should be able to put your hands on his back and against his sides and feel his spine, but not his ribs. If you can easily feel his ribs, increase his rations a bit. If you can't feel his spine, he's probably overweight and could stand to cut down a bit.

[underseasurveyor]

7. Have him tested for heart worm ASAP

In the mean time keep him as quiet as possible.

[Whoa_Nelly]

9. You would feel stupid...

...am speechless.... :wow:

[pengillian101]

12. Me also. n/t

[Creena]

10. Seeing the veterinarian because something is off with your dog is completely normal!

When I work reception at the veterinary office, I can't begin to count the number of clients who come in because something isn't right with their animal.

Please, please, please take him in to see your vet. Describe everything you just wrote and your vet will have an idea of what to look for in your guy.

[Shell Beau]

11. This is what your vet is there for? Don't be scared to go in and

say something is off. How much do you feed him a day?