My bella
- I just found this web site..I didnt realize that dogs could get dementia but my lab, Bella has many of the problems that have been described by others on this site. I assumed because of the cancer in her lungs that was the cause of the pacing and panting at nite, but when she couldnt figure out how to get in thur her doggy door I knew it was something else. Its 1:30am and I watching her pace from room to room hoping that she will soon settle down to sleep. The pacing has been pretty bad this week but with all the other things she has been doing like just standing and staring at the walls, peeing in the house I'm sure that dementia is the cause. I'm calling her vet to get her treatment and hopefully she can hang on a while longer.
- —Mbrown6
When am I sure?
- My vet said little 13 year old Yorkie Lilla would not go peacefully - her dementia could last for years as she is otherwise healthy. I would have to make the decision of when her quality of life was no longer quality. But our lives are so intertwined that neither of us have a good quality of life any more. Neither of us are sleeping, both of us are frustrated and sad when she has multiple accidents in the house. Both of us are confused and scared when she runs from me instead of running to me when we are outside. We don't cuddle any more and it makes us so alone together in this terrible disease. She cries, I cry. She screams at night to be let out of her crate - she wasn't crated before but her accidents demand it. I'm not getting any sleep and I cry all day from exhaustion and sadness. When - please tell me - is it time? Do I hang on for selfish reasons to keep Lilla with me or say goodbye for selfish reasons to regain my own sanity?
- —Guest Lilibean2000
My first love "Tank"
- My 15 year old lab mix is getting old and I know it is time but I am scared. He had a stroke about 6 months ago and some how recovered with only a slight limp so I thought. Recently his stomach is bloated, he has incontinence and he has no appetite. My vet said she could do every test possible but she thinks that the end result or answer will still be the same. He has been deaf for awhile and going blind. As I write this I am shaking and crying thinking about putting him down. He has been there for me for 15 years, through life threatening illnesses and more. I know I need not be selfish but I keep hanging on to the hope that he is going to get better. As I have been reading all of your posts I know I am not alone and that sucks! When do you really know????
- —Guest Wendy
Kitty Dementia
- I've been joking for awhile that I thought my kitty, Thor, might be suffering kitty dementia or Alzheimer's. A concept that once seemed amusing has just become sad, because it's true. I didn't think it possible, not sure why, but I recognize the behavior and the look in his eyes very well after caring for my grandmother with Alzheimer's for many years. He's so forlorn and needy, it's like having a new born baby in the house. My sons and I noticed he was PERFECTLY normal for 2 whole weeks after catching (and eating) a rat! Ordinarily I would have taken it from him and not allowed him to eat it, but he snuck it in and left only the ears as evidence. Pretty gross, but I wonder what nutrients he got from eating a rat that seemed to be a cure-all for 2 entire weeks. He's progressed now and too afraid to hunt as he once did, only wants to be held. That's the only time he's not afraid of whatever is going on inside his head. :( I am am happy that my love makes him feel better though!
- —Guest JC
Have old 15 year old Shitzu
- always a picky eater she now won't eat at all. and hardly drinking water. Wanders thu the house in a daze. stands at one place a stares. I am worried about her not eating. she does not appear to have any pain.
- —Guest Mary
my 2 shih tzus
- I had 2 older dogs and a 3 yr old pup. the eldest dog=14 aged gracefully and really did very well until about 6 weeks before he went to sleep--the day he was diagnosed with kidney and liver disease. He could have been given meds but I couldn't let him suffer any more. His 11 year old brother shoed signs of blindness. He started walking into walls several weeks before the oldest became outwardly ill. The vet and I attributed it to depression and mourning - WRONG!!!!! the younger of the 2 older dogs developed signs of dementia before I was really aware how close to death the oldest was. Now, 6 weeks after one dog was put to sleep for old age, I'm left with the question how long do I let that poor dog bang into the curb, fall off the steps leaving the house, walk into the door, the walls, etc. How do you know when it's time? He's disorented, blind and somewhat agressive when faced with what he can't see but he forgets he's eaten and steals his sisters food after finishing his own....
- —Guest mminnj
My hollie
- We've had Hollie, a terrier cross for 15 and a 1/2 years. She has been such a wonderful dog and companion. Over the last few months her behaviour has changed. She appears anxious and wanders around the house unsettled. She has problems with her back legs yet insists in going up and down the stairs looking for something. She has occasional incontinence and often looks lost. A few days ago she got herself in a strange position in the garden and didn't seem to know how to get out so my mom had to help her. She went off her food a while ago but her appetite seems ok at the moment. I can't really see any enjoyment from her, nor even went she goes for walks but on the odd occasion she will play for a shor time. How long do I let this go on for? I am 7 months pregnant and need to think how a new baby will effect Hollie. As a mental health nurse I related hollies behaviour to that I had seen during my nurse training on a dementia ward. Is my dog suffering as they were? :-(
- —Guest Spaffy
15 yr. old min pin CD (compact dog)
- It has helped me to read of others misery over their aging loved one. Thank you all for sharing. We've had CD for over 15 yrs. now & she is most definitely a member of our family. I'm having a hard time determining if she's in pain and when we should let her go. My baby used to sleep w/my husband & I and we would wake up with three heads on the pillows & she would be snuggled up with blankets up to her neck too. Now she doesn't want to be touched. She walks all over the house like she's looking for something-very similar to me when I go in a room to get something & forget what I went after. We've taken her to the vet of course but didn't want to have to leave her. But Friday morning we take her for tests. I just want to say how lucky we are for God to put these wonderful creatures in our life and provide so much love. CD's had a very charmed life and has known great love throughout her life. Peace to all going through the same situation.
- —Guest Barb
Living with Dementia
- I have a 16 year old cross, who became incontinent over 2 years ago and we thought nothing much about it. Putting her in a cage at night and treating the incontinence with drugs worked. Then about a year ago we started to consider dementia, as she had many of the symptoms described. However again with the help of a very good vet, we're treating her for this now using Activait and Vivatonin. Together these two drugs have reduced the symptoms, and even ended her need for the incontinence drugs. The problem is I don't think vets all consider treating dementia in this way, so I implore any of you considering your options to talk about treatment. What's more the insurance company has picked up the costs!
- —Guest Alec Bowman
knowing when...
- our 19 year old mix had many of the symptoms i've read about here. i asked her vet how to know when it's time to let them go. he told me, you will know when it's time. he said most parents of old animals wait too long, putting their own needs ahead of what is best for our beloved animals. the decision to have a pet put down is difficult to face. as my 14 year old standard poodle has begun displaying some signs of ccd, and her hind legs are becoming weak, i realize that my decision on euthanasia is coming. i know it will be heartbreaking, i've been there before, but i have never had to make such a difficult, yet responsible, decision with such an incredibly intelligent dog that has held such a "presence" in my life. but, as the vet advised, i will know when it's time and i will put my dog's needs above my own. it will be so very hard, but i will not let her linger when it's clear to me that her time has come.
- —Guest ms.whippet
My 24 yr old cat & Dementia
- My 24yr old cat Mafia exhibits signs of dementia too. He also has arthritis & muscular atrophy. His vet put him on Metcam and glucosomine pills which has been helpful. Mafia is Siamese/Himalayan mix so he has always been very vocal. As he aged, he has become extremely loud vocally especially at night (very annoying) and very demanding (cries for mom to give him water from cup even though he has water bowls everywhere. My fault for spoiling). When we go for walks he sometimes appears confused and will circle a few times until I reassure him I'm there. We believe he is now deaf and his sight is failing. His sense of smell is excellent and still loves to eat grass,live catnip,blueberries and banana suckers. He demands I take him out at night so he can spray his territory and still attempts to fight with dogs,male cats +raccoons. Overall, Mafia is a lot more work in his old age yet worth it.Even though his vet from birth has made a lot $.The love♥ he gives back is precious & worth the $$$.
- —Guest Tamara
bonnieb
- My border terrier Bonnie has reached the grand old age of fourteen and a half, she has been a fantastic family pet and a friend to my 3 children since they were small. Bonnie is now blind and deaf and is constantly losing control of her bladder whilst in the house, she is unable to go for walks as she gets tired after not many steps we got another dog a year ago Alfie who loves her to bits and cant understand why she wont play with him, I do feel guilty about getting another dog and hope this has not contributed to Bonnie's deterioration.I am in so much turmoil at the moment wondering what to do for the best, I pray she will fall asleep and pass away peacefully as I feel I cannot make the choice to put her to sleep. Bonnie seems disorientated is this because she is blind and deaf or is she confused? Is she in pain, is she sad and unhappy. Is it time to say goodbye to my sweet little Bonnie.
- —Guest Belinda
18 Year Old Lasa
- After reading many of your stories they sound so familiar to me. My husband and I have had our dog for over about 17 years. She has provided us with so much joy, but last year she began with a severe eye infection. We could tell she was beginning to lose her hearing, but she still seemed to be the same dog we had known for years. After struggling for months to control her eye infection, we had to make the painful decision to have her eye removed. She seemed fine until her eye infection, and then her behavior began to change slowly. Now she wanders continously around the house, getting stuck in corners. She still has a good appetite and drinks occasionally. My husband and I are struggling with the tough decision to put her down. She still seems physically strong, but is not the same dog anymore. I doubt if she even knows who we are. We keep hoping for some sort of a sign. Maybe it is already here and we are just ignoring. How do you really know it is time? Tough decision.
- —Guest Terry
Poor little Lucy
- Ever since I found her laying in a pile of snow 16 years ago my 19 year old cat, Lucy has been my best friend. No matter what I've been through in life I could always count coming home to her waiting at the door for me. She doesn't do that anymore. She now spends her time either sleeping or wandering the apartment making very loud, continuous meowing noises. She stares at 'nothing' and doesn't even notice me when I walk up to her untill I touch her, then she sort of jumps as if startled. Sometimes she can hear me, other times she can't. I had my sister's dog over here last night and Lucy, who normally would his and swat at other animals, walked right up to the dog as if she didn't even recognize what it was. She eats and drinks much more than normal but before she'll even take a drink of water she will put her head in the glass and meow to it for a long time as if she's singing it a song. I don't know what to do. I love that cat.
- —Guest Sean
Charlie
- My lab turns 12 this month (5/11) and began showing signs of dementia about a year ago, but in the last few months it's gotten worse. His vet is the one who suggested that it was demenia when I told him he would just look at his food bowl and walk away without eating. He now needs to be walked to the door to be let out, and only by me. I don't think he recognizes my husband. When he's out, he'll often bark right away to come back in. I think he might think I've left him. He's physically healthy healthy, but it's hard to watch him get worse each day. He does have his good days when he's his old self, but I wonder when he'll leave me, or when I have to make that decission. I joke with my husband that Charlie is my longest relationship. But until he leaves me (hopefully in his sleep) or I have to make that tough decission, I'll just do what I can to make him comfertable and happy. I owe him that for all the good years he's given me.
- —Guest Jenn
