Is this normal for an 8 year old...

[justgeton]

Almost 9 year old cocker spaniel.

Over the last 6 months she's really slowed down... not keen on going out for a walk and when she is persuaded refuses to go far. Sleeps even more than usual

No obvious signs of pain or illness... just seems to be suddenly old 😢

Is this ok do you think?

No, any changes need a vet visit.

How strange. My Cocker turned 9 and it was like she aged over night. Slowed down and slept 20 hours a day. She’s still going though at nearly 12. Nothing wrong with her. Now she has slowed almost to a stop and sleeps 23 hours a day!

@FlibblyFlobblyFloo

How strange. My Cocker turned 9 and it was like she aged over night. Slowed down and slept 20 hours a day. She’s still going though at nearly 12. Nothing wrong with her. Now she has slowed almost to a stop and sleeps 23 hours a day!

I really don't think there's anything else wrong with her. She has the occasional mad moment still, is as greedy as ever, just suddenly old.

Love her to bits

I'd speak to your vet. She may have a condition that's making her feel rubbish.

I would be wanting a vet check.

No obvious signs of pain or illness...
Having seen how my WCS masks pain when I know he is suffering but acts like everything is fine I wouldn't assume that.

Agree with the vet check. My 9 year old lab turned lazy earlier this year, he has diagnosed hypothyroidism but his bloods were in range. No obvious pain or joint issues. Just wouldn’t come with me & younger dog.
Vet suggested Yumove. About 8 weeks on and he is a different dog. He still likes a snooze but is much happier and keen for his walks.
I am amazed.

I agree to take cocker to the vet. I took mine and listed all the symptoms. The vet did bloods etc. all normal. Did it again when she turned 11 and the the vet just said she was an old lady and to leave her be!

I'm very happy to take her for a check up. She was seen by a vet earlier in the year and nothing was untoward then (unrelated reason) and is on youmove.

She doesn't disguise pain well.. she's a mummy's girl and a trembler, so nothing much gets past me, but even so if this isn't normal for an older dog of course she can be seen.

I think it can be normal - it seems to massively vary from dog to dog.

I'm a dog walker and have 10, 12 and 13 year old dogs on my books who can run and keep up with 3yo youngsters with no trouble whatsoever. I also walk a pair of 9yo's who are like snails and wouldn't run if their lives depended on it

If it's unusual for her it's worth getting her checked over to put your mind at rest, but it's likely to be nothing :)

I’m just wondering if it’s something like underactive thyroid. A full blood screen and a going over wouldn’t harm.