I own a shih tzu that is 15 years old, soon to be 16. I've noticed within the past two weeks she hasn't been herself. She refuses to eat her food, the only time she will eat is when its "human" food which she wants all the time. She will lay near me and weep for no reason. I try to see if she wants a cookie, dry food, water, to be let out but nothing. She seems very depressed and sad (which really upsets me) and recently she will be let out to the bathroom and then come inside and use the rest room in the family room. (which she knows is a bad thing espically when my parents are home). She was brought for me when I was 7 and I am really attached to her. With her recent behavor and depression makes me think she is dying. I personally dont want to think that way but I then again am not sure how to tell when a dog is dying since she is my first dog. Any information or suggestions would be really appreciated!!
2007-03-14 13:40:07 · 17 answers · asked by Aj 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have no answer but I'm so sorry to hear about this. I can pray for you and your dog, losing them is a big big deal.
I have to say that refusing to eat, play, or follow the house rules about bathroom, is a pretty big indicator. Most dogs know when it is their time to go. Animals don't just quit taking care of themselves for no reason. And the weeping thing is just breaking my heart for you, it has to be horrible thing to witness.
You probably should take the dog to the vet, and see if she is healthy, the vet will be able to tell you if she is losing her fight with age or if she has a health problem.
If there is something wrong with her and she is old and in pain, please be kind and put her down, esp if you can't help her, or even afford to help her. It would break both hearts to even give her to someone who can take better care of her. You are her family and she wouldn't understand being given away. Man, I feel for you. I'm blubbering right now for you and I don't even know you or your dog!
I hate you are going through this. Again, say your prayers and I will too. You know what though? All dogs go to heaven. You will see her again.
2007-03-14 13:46:23 · answer #1 · answered by musicimprovedme 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
when a dog is laying near you and weeping, she is trying to tell you that she is in pain and something is wrong. She needs to go visit the Veterinarian. Another sign is that she is using the inside of the home to go to the bathroom. She is suffering. Imagine if you were lying around in pain and crying. Wouldn't you want somebody to take you to the doctor to find out what it is? She may indeed be at the end of her life. I am sorry about that. Still you must help her to the end by visiting the vets to see what is wrong. She is very much an elderly dog that has been loved so very much. She sounds like she has had a really great life and a long one. It is time to be her mom and take her to the vet. Blessings to you and your doggie.
2007-03-14 13:47:09 · answer #2 · answered by yowhatsup2day 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
1st things 1st. Have you taken her to the vet lately to get her checked out? She is very old for a dog, and she could be experiencing some health problems that would cause these behaviors. She may have a stomach problem, but I personally would rule that out since she is still eating "human food". Human food is not healthy for dogs and if I were you I would try to break her from this. But anyways, you really need to take her to a vet.
The last dog I had that died of old age had seizures and became very lethargic and "weepy". We had to put him down. The dog before that, he was an old mutt and he quit eating and then one day just died peacefully in his sleep.
There is no sure fire way to tell what is wrong with your dog. As I said before, your best bet is to take her to a veterinarian and let them decide and tell you what is wrong.
2007-03-14 14:10:58 · answer #3 · answered by yellow 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say if she's had any recent medical problems and been to the vet lately etc... When our dog passed, she was having health problems but her age was a factor too. It might be a good idea to take her to the vet just to assess her health status. Toward the end they do get very clingy and certain behaviors change, like soiling in unusual places,and just being disoriented at times. If she is otherwise in good health, with no major problems, the vet will most likely leave it up to you if you want her to go naturally or with the vets help. I feel your pain, cause it reminds me of my own. I'm sure you're giving her extra attention now, and you will be glad that you did. Whether it happens now or 6 months from now, she has lived a long and happy life. TC
2007-03-14 14:01:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say that your dog is showing signs of senility. Just like with people, elderly dogs will start to do strange and absent minded things. We had our little dog for 13 years, and the last couple of years of her life I noticed that at times she would loose her appetite, or wander to the back of our yard, and seem to act like she was lost. As for the whining, she probably has her aches and pains, more than likely arthritis. This is all to be expected with elderly dogs. I can't really say that she is dying right at the moment, but it's something you need to prepare yourself for the best you can. If it gets to the point to where she is suffering, the kindest thing would be to have her put to sleep. Believe me, I've been in that situation, and it's very hard to go through. Just keep an eye on her, and help her out and keep her comfortable.
2007-03-14 13:58:38 · answer #5 · answered by Starscape 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to take her to the vet,they'll be able to tell you for sure what is going on by running some tests.She my just have an infection which is causing she to feel bad.I have a 14 year old Cocker Spaniel she was having pee accidents my vet put her on incontinence pill and she's doing fine with that now. At this age everything scares me to she been with me a long time,seeing your vet could ease your mind so you know one way or the other what is going on.
2007-03-14 13:56:24 · answer #6 · answered by brneyedgirl70 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My heart goes out to you in this situation. She is quite old for a dog. It is difficult to say whether she is dying or not, only a vet could check her out and tell you if there are problems such as organ failure or kidney problems that may be causing the problem with her going inside. Have there been any major changes in her routine lately that may have precipitated her mood change? Older dogs tend to be quite sensitive to their routine and the introduction of anything new could affect her. Difficult to say, but I would say you should have her checked out.
2007-03-14 13:46:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Dogs do get depressed like people do. Usually when their behavior changes there's a reason. Instead of speculation, you should have her checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Hope everything goes well for you!
2007-03-14 14:05:12 · answer #8 · answered by kiki 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like she may be indeed coming to the end of her life.It is a hard thing to face, but please know she has lived a long and happy life When dogs are elderly they tend to slow down and can't do the things they could do when they were young. They can also be in pain, because of Arthritis and their body shutting down. Just try to keep her warm and comfortable and enjoy her while you can. Good luck!
2007-03-14 13:59:48 · answer #9 · answered by cathy h 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear about your dog, but it sounds like here body is shutting down. I've known a few people that have had there dog go hide when its about to die. If u see him hiding in some unusual spots then u know its about that time.
2007-03-14 13:50:41 · answer #10 · answered by GRANATA A 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋