AboutLabman Expertise Housebreaking, chewing, feeding Most medical questions are best handled through a local vet.
I try to base my answers on carefully proven methods confirmed by my own experience. Much of what I know about dogs, I have learned raising a puppy every year since 1991 for a large dog guide school. I am familiar with several similar programs. Nobody is in a better position to know dogs, need ones with long, active life, and share what they know, than the service dog schools. In addition I have done extensive reading. My answers have much more to back them than the limited experience any one dog owner can have.
PLEASE DON'T SEND ME MEDICAL OR BREEDING QUESTIONS. An internet forum is not the appropriate place for them. Even if I could tell what was wrong from a handful of symptoms, you would still need to get the medications from your local vet.
Breeding should be left to those not needing to ask simple, basic questions. Books have been written about it. Rather than ask me a question, start reading. Those unwilling to do the work it takes to produce quality puppies should spay/neuter their pets at 6 months. I will not answer questions that sound like a poorly prepared breeder.
Experience
Past/Present clients Been around the net a long time answering dog questions.
Expert: Labman Date: 7/6/2008 Subject: 15 year old lab suddenly urinating in house
Question Our 15 yr old yellow lab who has extreme arthritus has recently starting urinating in our dining room. She has started drinking alot more than normal also. Her appetite seems fine, and we were contributing this excessive drinking due to hot weather. Even though she is inside. She is getting up in the middle of the night now.
Due to financial reasons we cannot go to the vet very often with her, and if my husband finds out he will want to put her down. What do you suggest?
Answer I have been spending a fortune on pain medicine for our 14 year old Lab. At 15, if you can't afford pain medicine and other care. perhaps it is time to put her down. Do you think she is enjoying life?
It is possible the urination could be easily treated, but you would have to go to the vet.
