beta fish -sick ?

Question
1 beta fish, 1 fish bowl with rock in bottom. spring water with treament stuff for beta fish from store.
My fish is sleeping side ways or even upside down lately. What should I do before he dies, if he is... I've had him 1+ years.
kathe

please email response soon.  thanks

Answer
Hi Kathe;

He may just be an old little fella. Bettas live to be 2 or 3 years old and are already about a year old when we buy them. The best thing you can do is keep him very warm (80 degrees f) and keep his water clean. If he is still eating he may have gas in his belly from constipation. Feed him tiny pieces of green peas and add a pinch of epsom salts to his bowl.

If you feel you may need to euthanize him here is an excellent web page about it that can help you;

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm

I hope he gets to feeling better instead, but you have to do what you think is best......

Followups Welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins