Dog looks sad ...

[christmascalypso]

My elderly dog (13 yrs) has heart problems (on Vetmedin, Cardalis and Upcard). She coughs quite a bit now. Has had blood in her stools on and off over the last 4-5 days. Vet not too concerned though he hasn't examined her yet (sent photos of stools). She does not seem keen on her walks now - very very slow.
My worry is she looks sad but doesn't seem in obvious pain (hence vet didn't feel it was urgent to see her). Still eating but has sometimes left some of dry dog food now which is unheard of for her. No accidents in house.

Could she be in pain and not showing any signs? When do I know it's 'time'? She does wag her tail still.

They do not show pain unless it’s bad. Look into her eyes, that should tell you.
Remember the saying ‘better a week too soon than a day too late’.

Leaving dry food could be her teeth hurting.

I'd get her to the vets and ask them to be frank. Sometimes a medication tweak will help them and sometimes it won't. A few dogs are complete prima donnas (looking at you DDog) many are very stoic and don't show pain.

If she can only manage a short walk, make sure it is somewhere good and sniffy.

Dogs often seek out a dark enclosed space when in pain - my mothers dog used to go under the bed when it had cancer. Does your do that? Being listless and not wanting to walk - maybe because it's painful.

@mondaytosunday - no she doesn't do that at all.

I did think it could be her teeth and have booked a teeth check up with vet next week. Will have a chat then with him.

@KangarooKenny - I tried looking in her eyes, wasn't sure ! She just looked a bit confused .

So sorry pooch is unwell. If her teeth could be sore and she eats kibble / dry food, why not try to soften it with some warm water for a couple of minutes before you give it to her? Might make it a bit easier xxx

@Shoemadlady - thank you. I have started to do this now. She's trying to get some of my chicken korma st the moment so not quite on her last legs yet! Have appt with vet Monday evening.