Chuck asked:
My dog is 14 years old. He is a mutt, around 30 pounds. His
age is now bothering me. I can tell that he is losing his sight and his
hearing. He has trouble with steps and as you can imagine, he does not
have a lot of energy anymore. I'm not sure how to begin preparing for
what I fear will happen in the near future. Is there something I can do
for him to make him more comfortable, and what kind of things can I do
now to ensure he is taken care of when IT happens?
Dr. Tracy Barlup of Longmeadow Animal Hospital responded:
Chuck asked:
My dog is 14 years old. He is a mutt, around 30 pounds. His
age is now bothering me. I can tell that he is losing his sight and his
hearing. He has trouble with steps and as you can imagine, he does not
have a lot of energy anymore. I'm not sure how to begin preparing for
what I fear will happen in the near future. Is there something I can do
for him to make him more comfortable, and what kind of things can I do
now to ensure he is taken care of when IT happens?
Dr. Tracy Barlup of Longmeadow Animal Hospital responded:
The question from Jerry:
I have a 2 year old female Rottie and she is having problems with her skin. We have had her to the vets numerous times with no results or answeres. She is very itchy, and sucks her paws continuously! and she is now starting to lose hair. We had her on Nutro all her life and just switched her in hopes it would help and put her on Beneful by purina. This has been a problem for about a year or more, can you suggest anything to help? Thank you
Response from Dr. Tracy Barlup:
Elizzabeth Asked:
My beagle Larry is thirteen years old. He is arthritic but was getting around well for his age. Yesterday afternoon very suddenly his leg 'went out.' He could barely stand & kept falling & stumbling around the house & yard.
This morning his mobility is better but still not very good. I can tell it hurts him due to him whining just from getting up from his bed.
His breathing is pretty heavy, almost like he is dehydrated. He drinks so much water; if I fill up a bowl he will stand there & drink half & then come back 10 minutes later to gorge himself again. This has caused his bathroom habits to change & his bladder is not doing it's job very well.
I am very worried about him & would like to know any ways of making him more comfortable until I can take him in to get a check up.
Euthanasia is also weighing heavy on my mind & I would like to know any ways of preparing in case the worst happens.
Dr. Tracy Barlup of Longmeadow Animal Hospital
Responded:
Pat wrote to Dr. Barlup:
Hi. I have Chewie, she is 4 years old. When she sleeps she
does snore loudly. She also sounds like she stops breathing for a short time. This really scares me. Is this normal in a Pug?
Dr. Tracy Barlup of Longmeadow Animal Hospital Responded:
Jennifer Asked:
I have just recently moved to the area and have taken in two stray kittens we have had them since nov 1 they look like they are from different litters by their sizes we have decided to keep them for they have become part us. They are wonderful kittens. I would like to get them spayed and de-clawed, as well as their first visits. I think one kitten is about 16 weeks and the other 8 weeks(her eyes were still closed and we had to bottle feed her when we found her) how old should they be? When should i bring them in, and are their any programs/discounts for them? Thank you
Dr. Tracy Barlup of Longmeadow Animal Hospital Responded:
Vet
Talk 
Hagerstown, MD 21740 
