My daschund is turning four this Dec. 15, and she's having problems that aren't becoming of her personality. Meaning, she used to be active, and very energetic, but nowadays she's very lethargic, and has a habit of "sitting" everywhere. I hope it isn't her back, but I can't find a lot of information on it - she's overweight, but not obese. She's merely quite plump. What should I do? What's going on?

Dogs' personalities mature at 3 years old and they do settle down at that time. She may show a little more life if you get her weight down, not only being able to see a waist, but easily feel the ribs. Keeping her overweight is a sure way of bringing on back problems.

You could try giving her half a 325 mg buffered aspirin a couple of times a day. If that seems to bring back her liveliness, likely she is in pain from something, and needs to see a vet. The aspirin only will be relieving the symptoms, possibly leading to more damage. Do not neglect her.

A vet check up might be a good idea in any case. Something other than pain could be slowing her down.

When our Miniature Dashchund was six he ruptured a disk in his back. He was not able to jump up onto the couch or the bed like he had in the past. I can't remember if it was the up or the down but there was one direction of the stairs that he could not do. I don't know if you have ever allowed your dog up on the furniture, but if he isn't going up like he used to he is in pain. Our vet took nose to tail x-rays and located the rupture. He was treated with steroids and anti-inflamatories. The vet thought he would be on steroids for the rest of his life, but he did recover. I would take your dog in to get him checked out - you don't want to risk something serious.

Good luck.