What behavioural signs do dogs show when they are dying of old age?

Question

I have a sheltie - born in 1996 - and she doesn't do anything. After a walk, she comes home and sleeps for hours. Never affectionate anymore, throws up frequently, doesn't answer to commands and walks very slowly.

Answer 1

Both humans and animals don't die of "old age" they die because a disease, parts of their bodies are shutting down, cancers, etc... Therefore all of these are treatable to an extent so if you would like to prolong the life of your animal see your vet, if they can't do anything for your pup they may be able to prescribe medications to make your dog feel less pain. If your dog has an irreversible condition they may suggest you put your pup to sleep because sometimes that is the most humane thing to do. Either way you owe it to your dog to see that he/she is in a little pain as possible and has the most peaceful death possible. Sorry to hear about your friend :(

Answer 2

The good news is that this is a fairly common problem. But it will take a lot of work. A Shepherd is an intelligent working dog who needs a job. But a Border Collie is a genius obsessive dog, who is a rocket on legs. Between the two, you need to exercise the dog to tire him out... just to get him to normal. Then you might also train him. 1. Walk or jog with him for 30 min. twice a day. You might also walk him for 10 -15 min just before bedtime. 2. After you finish the walk, start teaching him, sit, down, stay, come, 3. Then teach him other things, like agility, catch, fetch, frisbee, left/right.... and so on. Keep him occupied and busy. 4. He may be too old, but try to socialize him with lots of friendly people and dogs. If he isn't good with dogs, see if you can get a friend with a Lab... they can be the socialites of the canine crowd. Accept the fact that he won't calm down until he is about 3 years old, but he will start to mellow quickly at that point. Everything that you say points to not enough exercise. BTW, if you take him out and it is hot... that may not be enough exercise. Healthy Dogs do not breathe hard , because they are tired, they breathe hard because they are hot. You dog should calm down dramatically after one or two days of walks... if he doesn't then either increase to 45 min. twice a day... or start jogging... a tired dog is a good dog. Look at it from this perspective. Imagine an 18 year old athlete. Now imagine that it rains for a week... He'll go stir crazy trying to keep busy... fidgeting, fretting, playing computer games... and maybe making a pest of himself.... This is what is happening with your dog... Exercise your dog for the next 10 days... and see what the specialist says. If your dog calms down....you will have learned something that many people never learn. If this works, and the behaviorist tells you to stop, or suggests anything harsh... then you might consider someone else. Ideally, the behaviorist should tell you that exercise is good, and that gentle, positive training is important. (read any tapes and books by Ian Dunbar)

Answer 3

My dog was born in 1992 and he doesnt move around so much eithier but that doesnt mean your dogs dying dont put her in her grave by thinking that way .Its a term but see what your dog is doing is aging .My dog started throwing up dog food at age 8 because hes body couldnt handle the dog food anymore.Alot of dogs will do this.The slow walking is arthritis stiffnness. And the elderly dont like to get up for commands.I started making homemade dog food for my dog lean hambergur boiled in water to pull the oil out and than rinse the oil out when your done mixed with white rice and vegies.He also gets 200 mgs of glusamine for arthritis and cottage cheese and denta sticks .Its all easy to digest.He also has ortho beds all over the house so he doesnt use the floor.I dont know how large your dog is and I know that the larger breeds live less time but I think your dogs just being old

Answer 4

That is just 10 nears.... I'd *think* that your dog should have a little more energy than that....
My Lhassa died last March of kidney failure/old age. He has gotten pretty mean, didn't want to be bothered, ate less, drank less, had accidents occassionally in odd places. And his eyes looked sick, almost sad..... He could be sick, I'd go to the Vet. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Does she have gray hair around her face? This ofcourse doesn't mean that she is dying, I was just wondering. Slowing down can certainly be a sign. I recommend taking her to the vet for a check up.

Answer 6

Sounds like old age to me. She is an old dog...start preparing your self for her death...believe me it helps...my 11 yr old rotti showed no signs when he passed on 6-29-06...I told him he was a good dog, he licked my face (out side dog), I patted his head, shut the door, and left for work...when the kids called him for supper that night (around 5:30pm) he did not come. We found him dead under a shade tree.

If she is loosing weight from vomiting, you should see a vet...if she is really thin from this, you may need to make the decision to euthanize her.

Answer 7

Well my dog died when she was 9 and there were no signs that she was dying. It happened suddenly. She sounds like shes sick. You should take her to a vet.

Answer 8

Why don't you take the dog to the vet and see if there is something wrong with the dog that is treatable. Shelties can live much longer than 10.

Answer 9

Dogs are are most likely to show signs of blindness and arthritis, they also tend to sleep a lot more often.

Answer 10

she's just getting old. If she's purebreed, she probably has medical problems that need to be found out about and addressed. Usually if a dog is ready to DIE die, they seclude themselves by laying in corners or under beds, so they can die in peace and away form attention.