My 16 year old chihuahua seems to have lost most of her sense of smell, only being able to smell food items if they are within a half inch or so of her nose, would like to know if this is common?
Also, anyone who has suggestions or advice for making her life as good and healthy as possible. She has cataracts on both eyes, has just a small field of blurry vision, and has also lost all her teeth but a few molars, and is hard of hearing.
She seems happy, content, and spends most of her time sleeping burrowed in an electric throw next to me on the couch (I am homebound). Other than the things mentioned above, she has a heart condition, but still gets around well and does not seem in pain. Any helpful advice welcome! she is my sweetie. :)
2007-01-09 22:34:44 · 4 answers · asked by Pichi 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thank you lady ... I am prepared to let her go when the time comes ... whether that be today or months from now ... she sees vet twice a year, as well as when needed, and so far, seems to be going strong. So long as she is not in pain and seems happy and full of life, I want to give her as good a quality of life as I can!
2007-01-09 23:11:35 · update #1
It's not uncommon at all for a 16 year old. But dogs can cope with their disabilities amazingly well. Make sure she's eating and drinking well, getting as much exercise as she wants and can handle. She sounds like she's very comfy and not in pain, so enjoy whatever time you have left with her. She'll let you know when the time comes that you need to let her go.
2007-01-10 01:50:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure they don't because first, I've been feeding my dog cheese for a long time and he sniffs at everythig normally. Second, all the websites that tell you how to make homemade dog food or treats use cheese. Third, I cannot find a website that lists cheese as one of the things that dogs should not eat.
2016-03-14 03:55:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The aging process is of the entire body breaking down. Any sensory can deteriorate. That's what aging is. So yes it is not only common but, expected.
The best way to comfort your dog is, stay by her, keep her as pain free as possible and remember sometimes letting go is the most loving thing you can do.
2007-01-09 22:42:53 · answer #3 · answered by st.lady (1 of GitEm's gang) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can, along with their vision and use of joints and so on. She is getting old and what you can do for her is love here. She is a senior citizen and needs extra attention. God bless your Chihuahua, she has an excellent friend in you!
2007-01-10 00:01:20 · answer #4 · answered by crested_love 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes its common. i feel sorry for your dog better take it to a veterinary to heal the cataract. and feed in lots of vitamin c(this will heal him) take a capsule then either make the dogswallow it or dissolve it 1st in water then make him/her drink it..... it will make her a little healthy. as for the teeth, u cant replace it. as for the hearing, u can put a dog hearing aid (now available) or an ordinary hearing aid. for the cataract either do the vitamin c or the veterinary
2007-01-09 22:55:05 · answer #5 · answered by Goblin Techies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋