My dog Sam is nearly 14, and a collie-cross.

He hasn't been his usual self since Wednesday, his tail won't wag much, when it does it stays low and just moves side to side slightly.. he's sleeping all day, the only time he's a bit more alert is when he's out walking.. when I lift his chin or paw they feel really 'light' as if he's really relaxed or tired. He's also walking very slowly. He is still eating but doesn't have as much interest in food in general. I know he's an old dog so his slowness could be attributed down to that, but he was as fine as ever two days ago, happy and playing about etc.

I only have one thing I could put it down to, on Tuesday someone was walking their dog past the garden and Sam ran fast alongside 'chasing' him from the other side of the fence. He has injured his legs in the past doing this, but usually he just walks slower the next day, and was fine after that.


I want to take him to the vet but my mum and dad think we'd be better waiting till Tuesday to see if he improves.


I know it's only been a few days but I really hate seeing him in this sorry state

My view would be that I'd rather take him today and pay normal vet rates, rather than have to take him as an emergency over a bank holiday. You might be able to sell it to your mum & dad on that basis. I hope he's okay.

as above, after all - he is an old dog.

your parents may be putting it off due to his age though, my mum did with our older dog
but after talking her through it she finally took her to the vets.

I agree. A vet visit asap ~ you can't take chances with elderly dogs showing behavioural changes like these. It could be down to lots of different reasons so see if you can persuade your parents that a vet visit soonest is the best thing. I hope he is ok.

I would agree with taking him to the vet today.

If you can't take him today, is your vets open on Saturday morning.?

He sounds like our collie cross Meg, she is 13 and has injured her legs before by chasing after kitties down the garden, she always feels sorry for herself afterwards. She is on daily Metacam for arthritis anyway and we just put the dose up (we have had advice from the vet as to how much we can safely give her) and this usually sorts her out.

In summary, I would do as the above posters have suggested and take him to the vets, but (and I am only speaking from my own experience) it sounds to me like he has injured his legs / pulled some muscles and is feeling a bit sorry for himself.

Hope he feels better soon

Even if it is just a pulled muscle the vet can prescribe a pain killer/anti inflammatory like Metacam to make the healing process less painfull. I'd pop to the vet tomorrow if there is no significant improvement.