Posted on 07/20/2020 12:55:53 PM PDT by Red Badger
Pacing back and forth or in circles (often turning consistently in one direction)
Getting lost in familiar places
Staring into space or walls
Walking into corners or other tight spaces and staying there
Appearing lost or confused
Waiting at the “hinge” side of the door to go out
Failing to get out of the way when someone opens a door
Failing to remember routines, or starting them and getting only partway through
Sundowning
Read more at dogdementia.com
“’That is the toughest thing a dog caretaker has to address. It usually comes down to what the caretaker defines as ‘quality of life.’”
I love dogs to the Moon and back. We raise Treeing Walker Coon Hounds and Plott Hounds for hunting, fun and no profit. ;)
My DARLING Basset Hound, Rufus, was with me for 15 years and there never was a day when he didn’t make me laugh, sooth my soul, or be The Best Dog Ever.
He was healthy and happy up until his last day on earth. Massive stroke right after we got up that morning, and that was all she wrote - I had him put down that afternoon.
I’ve had other dogs, but Rufus was my Dog Soul Mate. I miss that guy. :)
We had an Irish Terrier that turned vicious and senile. It would let anyone in the house but try to bite anyone leaving. After 6-7 chomps dad had to have it put to sleep.
We have a female Chihuahua who is at least 18 years old and has all the symptoms as listed.
We should have her put to sleep, but my wife will not hear of it.................
Is this a Joe Biden thread?
Our dog hasn’t gotten that bad yet, but I am keeping a sharp eye on her for when she starts being aggressive..................
LOL!......could be!................
Affects cats as well. Had a 14 year old that started crapping randomly around the house and other issues. Like he had forgotten how to be a house cat.
My beloved black Lab went completely spaced out one day and did nothing but pace. She didn’t seem to recognize us. We took her to the vet who said she thought Belle had a stroke and we had her euthanized that day. It broke my heart. I have heard since then of a condition in older dogs that can cause this, but it resolves in several days. Guess we will never know for sure.
As for the “holistic” vet and the nonsense about commercial food, that is a bunch of hooey. People need to stop falling for these completely unscientific fads.
We lost our Ruby to DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) last fall - nursed her along until she couldn’t stand anymore. DM is the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Dogs get old too.
I love my pets and are considered family, but, when the time comes, the humane thing to do is have them, the pets put down. Pets don’t go to sleep at night thinking about what they are going to do the next day, they live for the moment.When they no longer enjoy life as they know it, it is time to cross over that rainbow bridge.
My extremely old guy is starting to stand and look lost, like he can’t remember how to move forward, it breaks my heart to watch him, then suddenly he’s OK. He has already outlived most dogs of his breed.
Democrats?
My BIL did that to their elderly little Scottie Dog. It’s just too cruel to let them suffer when it’s not necessary.
In 2017 I took on two Senior Basset Hounds, Sisters. One died a year later from Lymphoma (put her down) the other a month ago from a deteriorated disc in her back that paralyzed her. We also had her put down. They were 14 and 12, which is OLD for Bassets.
I’m glad I could give them a good end-of-life out here on the farm. They were City Dogs and were never off-leash and always slept in their kennels. They had acres to roam on out here, bunnies to chase and plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Their original owner was in her 70’s and died unexpectedly; a friend that is a Vet Tech BEGGED me to take Pearl and Belle.
Wish I had the heart to help some more senior dogs, but it’s so bloody hard...and I’m really tired of cleaning carpets, LOL!
Meh. Who am I kidding? Another dog in need will show up soon enough. ;)
I can relate to that statement. My Teddy (black labradoodle) was mine. Never be another like him. Been a little over two years since I had to say goodbye to him. Miss him terribly. I baby sit for friends dogs when the friends go on vacation now. that's how I get my "fix" and honor my Teddy. I spoil my friends dogs rotten and the dogs go happy-crazy when they see me now. :-)
We have a 14 year old Lab. Other than a failing hip, her mind seems in pretty good shape. The only real annoying behavior: she barks constantly when she is asleep . . . right outside our bedroom.
I’ve only had that one dog become mean in their old age; my GSDs and my Rottie just got sort of confused towards the end.
I’m so glad you had a good dog in your life, too. :)
My sister does cat and dog sitting gigs and she really enjoys it, too.
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