To take their dog to the vets myself?

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DM and DF have a 12 YO dog who is not in good health at all. They took him to the vets a while ago who gave him antibiotics and said if he doesn't improve to bring him back.

I was visiting and he seemed to be fitting and unable to breathe, we managed to calm him but after that episode his breathing is very laboured and he seems to be clearing his throat with a horrendous cough every 1 minute or so.

I said he needs to see a vet but they want to 'see how he gets on' and that me making him is not necessary.

Could I take him in without their permission?

I'd take him.

Poor thing is struggling, I’d take him.

I’d also take him he’s suffering. 💐

I'd only take him if you're prepared to come out empty handed and break the news to your parents.

It sounds like your parents know that if the dog goes to the vet then there is a high chance that he won’t come back, so they’re trying to avoid it.

You need to have a serious talk with them and convince them it’s the kind thing to do. The poor dog is obviously in pain.

That cough could be any number of things but heart failure springs to mind.

It is highly unlikely this dog is going to improve, please just take him.

I'm going to have a serious word with them and take him if they refuse; thank you for your replies. I'll let you know how we get on.

Are they worried about paying the bill?

If you take him the vet may refuse to treat him without the permission of the owner. Is there a mobile vet who can come out?

You could also take a video and show their vet?

Please take him in now. Don't listen to your parents, honestly my parents dog died because they wouldn't take her to the vet and by the time they finally took her it was too late! He sounds like he needs help asap you have a chance to potential get him the help he needs before it's too late! You'll regret it if you don't. I know I regret not taking my parents dog all because they was being stubborn!

I'd wonder if they're worried about paying the bill, but also if they're very scared of what the outcome might be. Perhaps offer to pay if you think that might be the issue, but also be sensitive if they're fearful.

The poor dog needs veterinary attention. Please do take him.

I also wonder about heart failure, but it doesn’t mean this is the end, there is an elderly dog locally with heart failure and he still enjoys his walks.
He does need to see a vet though, he can’t be helped unless he goes in.

Sounds like heart failure. I would take him in.

That poor dog. I don't even like dogs but I couldn't stand to watch one suffering like that without medical attention.

You need to discuss this with your parents, and tell them that another vets visit is essential, as their dog is suffering badly. I agree with what someone else here has said, that they may be fearful of bad news and losing their dog, and sadly a big vets bill. But these things have to be faced for the sake of a dog in distress.

.

This happened to my dog last year. He died in my arms.
Best of luck at the vets.

That’s a yes from me - poor old boy

Please take him. My dog coughs a lot as she has a heart murmur. She has been prescribed vetmedin, a mild diuretic which helps. There maybe something the vet can prescribe to make him more comfortable.
They sound unsympathetic but hope you can do the right thing.

Honestly it's going to be very very awkward at the vets if the dog is not registered under your name and address, or if he is microchipped under another name/address. Unless you have express permission I think it might make it very difficult to get treatment or PTS if needed. Please try hard to get them to agree to take the dog to the vets themselves (offer to pay?) or to come with you, because they will have to sign a consent form if the dog is admitted for treatment. It does sound like it could be heart failure - is his abdomen very bloated/distended? Sometimes heart failure can cause fluid accumulation. It could be anything but he NEEDS to be seen. Failing their approval I would still take the dog to the vets and take it from there. Be honest and tell them it's not your dog but you are concerned for his welfare. They will decide what they can do.