senior lab

Question
Hello; Our senior lab is panting excessively and having trouble with her hid legs.  How do we know when it is time to let her go to dog heaven?  What are the signs of pain and hip dysphasia?

Answer
The aging dog is one of the toughest parts of dog ownership.  We just put a 15 year old to sleep last month.  I had set as a limit whether the dog was enjoying life.  Dogs can be quite stoic about pain, still enjoying life.  I too am old enough I hurt more than I used to.  I am not ready to call Dr. Kevorkian.  

Vets have different, safe, highly effective pain killers.  Glucosamine can help too.  Schedule a vet visit and see what the the vet can do.