My dog is almost 17. She's in fair health and quality of life is good. She seems to have some cognitive problems which I consider dementia. Shes gets stuck in certain places, zones out sometimes, wanders the house if things are not 'right' for her, has forgotten hand signals, and has accidents in the house regularly.
Can anything be done about this? I play with her every day, but since she's just a pet, it's impossible to determine how bad, or what to do. Anyone have ideas?
2006-11-09 18:30:32 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
thank-you for still taking care of your dog 'in her senior years. i'm like that too' if you own a pet you own it for life......my dog is 9years old and has congestive heart failure.i hear thats quite comman in little poodle dogs.. i;m giving my dog all the love i can till that day when he passes or gets so ill i have to make that hard desision..... good-luck to you and god-bless
2006-11-09 20:20:13 · answer #1 · answered by Cami lives 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a baby gate (the collapsible ones you make portable yards with) and confine her near you. That way she can't wander off and get into trouble. Put a bed down, and maybe some piddle pads, and she should be OK.
For the bathrooming difficulties, consider diapers or get her on a strict schedule. Eating and bathrooming at the same times everyday will cut down on accidents.
This is what I did when my elderly cat started acting like you describe. She was only with us for a few more months after that, and was completely blind, but I want to believe I did the right thing and she was comfortable during that time.
Good luck to you and sorry about your doggie.
2006-11-09 18:40:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you seriously need to evaluate her quality of life. By reading your descriptions it sounds like she doesn't know where she is or why. That can be extremely stressful. The accidents are fairly common for senior dogs that old.
I have read of some medications they give dogs that can help with dementia or preventing it, I can't remember which. You should talk to your vet or get a referral to a geriatric canine specialist.
Good luck.
2006-11-09 18:36:49 · answer #3 · answered by dog's best friend 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your vet - there is medication that can be perscribed. It DID help a friends dog considerably.
2006-11-09 22:36:06 · answer #4 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋