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.
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.
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.
Democrats?
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.
In before the dog-faced pony soldier comment...
Thanks for posting. We had a dog who suffered dementia after a seizure and (possibly) a stroke. Nicky would walk around in circles, just as you described. Broke my heart when we had to put him to sleep. Nicky now lies with his running buddy, Nora, who preceded him with Lyme disease. Two very good friends which are greatly missed.
Thanks for posting. I had to put down my 10-year old shih-tzu last week and it was quite traumatic. He had Cushing's Disease and was on long-term steroid treatment for torn CCLs. I swore he was getting dementia - staring off into space, barking at things that weren't there.
A few days before the end, my husband tried to get his meds in him the usual way by opening his mouth and tossing in the pill. He bit my husband's finger hard, through the glove. Little bit had never, ever shown that kind of aggressive behavior before.
Dog dementia explains a lot of what went on at the end. Finally, all his little systems crashed and the vet could no longer save him. Very sad! But we had 10 wonderful years together. And today, I've got a rescue dog ready to go home from the shelter and a new pup that will be ready in mid-August.
Can't imagine my life w/o dogs.