Dog Tired

[Trillipse]

I have 2 litter-mate Golden Retreivers, approx 3.5yrs old. Both happy and content and seemingly healthy. However...

...we've started taking them out on walks more over the past 2-3 months (admittedly, we were somewhat lax previously), and the larger of the two now seems to tire more easily, though for the first month or so he was fine. One would expect his fitness level to increase as he got more excercise over the weeks, not vice versa. D'ya think there might be a problem?

[tinkingumble]

You may want to consider things such as have you gradually increased their exercise? Have you managed their diet in response to increased energy requirements? Is he a bit lazy naturally, ( witnessed a retreiver go on strike recently mid walk, not alot the owner could do really) ?

[bluejonjo]

The breed (ours included) suffer from hip displacia and arthritic related hip joints. I would go to the vets and make sure the hip isn't causing the dog discomfort and slowing it down. Not common in a dog of this age but worth checking, cos it will lead to real problems long term.

[quibbmedusa]

i have a jack russell with hip displaysia a nd unless you catch him on a bad day you wouldnt know there was anything wrong, his energy levels are worryingly fine!! he just doesnt know when to quit!, but yes get him checked out at the vet, but dont assume its something bad, he could just be a couch potato xx