My dog is very sick, she's 13 years old which I know is old for a dog but she was fine yesterday as she spent the day playing with a 2 yr old labrador which she has done everyday since we got the labrador 20 months ago,but last night it seemed that she got very tired, her heart began to race and she's panting a lot and when she's not panting she's taking very deep breathes, she's not responding to me when I call her or pet or even if there a loud noise she doesn't even blink, she also doesn't seem to be able to stand up, its like she has no energy. I took her to the vet last night and he said that it could be that she's old and that her heart is failing but even he didn't sound too sure of that and I felt that I got nothing concrete from him. I was wondering if anyone could help me and help her, is it just the fact that she's old and nature is taking its course or could it be something else that we could help her with.
I would appreciate any advice on this matter.
Thank you
Catherine

I don't have great advice for you but a lot of empathy. I have had several dogs reach this stage and it is hard to watch them suffer. I would press the vet for more advice.

I doubt anybody here can help if the vet couldn't. Sometimes when a fairly old dog gets sick, it is something the vet can fix. My 13 year old Lab, Aster, had pneumonia last year, and antibiotics from the vet made a big difference. Still, she is an old dog now, and not as active as a couple of years ago. 13 is old for larger dogs. She may or may not recover.