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Is my old dog's heavy breathing, weight loss, and mobility normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | 8 years and 7 months old

I am not sure if my dog is sick or just getting old ? He is breathing heavily and can't walk and go up and down stairs and he is skinny than usual and his nose is dry he has diarrhea

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lisa Mausbach, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2018

Hello! Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am hear your concern about Chance's health - it can certainly be scary as our pets start to age. From the picture above, although a little blurry, I am not as concerned about is dry nose (this can be normal) however, it looks as though he may have lesions below his eye on his cheek and below his nose as well?? You can certainly try some pure aloe gel on his nose to see if that helps. If he has not had a visit to his regular veterinarian in awhile it may be time to have him get a check up. Unexplained weight loss (the appearance of being skinny), difficulty going up/down stairs and heavier breathing can be indications that Chance is experiencing pain or discomfort. A check up would allow the veterinarian to listen to his heart and lungs and ensure that he isn't having any problems such as arthritis contributing to mobility problems. I hope you this information helps, and I hope that gets the relief needs. I wish you and the best of luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2018

    It sounds like Chance is sick. Old age is not a disease, and it's illnesses that cause the symptoms you are seeing. Diarrhea can be caused by a number of things such as eating something rotten, a GI illness, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer. He could be having trouble going up and down stairs because of arthritis. The breathing heavily could be due to a respiratory infection or heart disease. I wouldn't worry about the dry nose, it's not a sign of illness in dogs. A dog's nose can go from wet to dry simply by laying in the sun or next to a heat source. His other symptoms are very concerning and he does need to see a vet for them. I would call your vet right away to get him an appointment to be seen as soon as possible! I hope this helps!

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