Getting old? Sick? Hot?

[Brody the Newf]

Hi all

Brody will be FIVE next week. Can you believe I haven't killed him yet? (I kid). Anyway the pooch has me worried. He wants to be outside nearly all the time and he's sleeping a lot more.

I'm really not sure how five year old Newfs behave.

 

[JDH2]

Has his thyroid been checked?

 

[Brody the Newf]

Has his thyroid been checked?

I haven't brought him to the vet yet.

 

[wrknnwf]

I figure a 5 year old is in his prime. I think it's worth having him checked out.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Yesterday Snuffles had no energy on a sunny 70+ degree day, as well as earlier in the week, but Monday and Tuesday it was like 40s and low 50s and overcast, and we walked to the park just fine. Weather effects Snuffles a lot, especially when it makes a dramatic change toward warmer.

 

[NessaM]

Hahahahah! Oh Heidi! Who would have thought you'd ever be coming to the board and saying, "HELP! Brody is being calm!!!"

*laughing*

I'm sorry - it's not really funny but I remember your first year with him and whoooo! Big hugs.

My guys get lazy as the weather gets warmer, but it's been pretty cool the past few days here and I've got to figure it's been cooler up north. Is he eating and drinking normally? Is he eager to go for his favorite things, (playing with his toys in the back yard, rides in car, walks to school?) Can you take his temperature and check the color and capillary refill on his gums? Is his mouth dry/sticky? Check the poop! Sniff his breath and check his ears and belly for infection. Those are all the things I do when I think one of mine is acting wonky. :shrug: He MIGHT just be settling down, but if you're worried a blood test or two might put your mind at ease.

 

[sara722003]

Throid checks are a good thing as they age. It was 90 degrees for one day last week here in KC. BossMan went into an immediate decline (he'll be 5 in June). I had him at the dog park while it was still 'only 75 degrees', but it wasn't working for him. He appeared to have aged overnight. Cooler temps came back and with it, his fun temperment. So no telling, but blood checks are always worth the minor expense.

 

[Brody the Newf]

LOL Nessa

I emailed Curt yesterday to see if he thought Brody was acting weird. He replied "What are you talking about? I got mauled when I came home from work and Brody tore around the yard like usual."

If he's acting weird this weekend, I'll bring him in to be checked out on Monday. How does one check for thyroid problems?

 

[JDH2]

It is a simple yet somewhat expensive blood test. It is highly recommended that it is sent out to a lab. I asked for Gypsy's to be tested after her platelets and clotting factors were off before her spay. The in house test said that her thyroid was low and I requested it to be sent to Dr. Jean Dobbs which it came back normal from her lab.
It may also be the warming of the weather. Has anything changed in the household? IE, spring break with his boy home more or anything like that that may have him a bit depressed?

 

[Brody the Newf]

I want to rule out Lyme before anything else because if he has a problem, I suspect it is that AGAIN. I found a deer tick on him and he tripped getting into my car the other day. Otherwise he's eating and pooping fine.

 

[JDH2]

Aww man! He's had that before too right? I hope he feels better quick and you get some answers.

 

[jane]

Hope Brody is ok...I do have to say that at 4 even Merlin has calmed a little. Still up to his bad boy tricks, but not as crazy as he was!

 

[Brody the Newf]

I think I found out the problem. I changed my work schedule... I work for three long days and I'm off for four days. While I'm awake, Brody is awake. He wants to make sure he's ready for anything good that might come his way

I think by the 4th day of only sleeping at night, he's tuckered out. This morning I had to coax him awake. Otherwise he was fine all weekend.