Is this normal dog aging process or something I need to take my dog to the vet for?

Lounge
1

My dog had a weird little episode a few weeks ago.

She was just sitting down snuggling with me like she always does,

But when I went to pet her, she flinched.

And she did it every time I pet her so I thought maybe she was hurt.

I tried get a good look at her and she totally freaked out.

She was scared of me.

I picked her up to take her outside and she just kind of wondered in circles,

Not walking well, like she didn’t have her balance.

After much confusing time she finally went potty.

I took her inside and just let her rest.

A few hours later, she was fine.

Last night it happened again.

I picked her up to take her outside and she freaked out again, then stumbled under the lawn furniture and peed out of fear.

Not because she was trying to go.

I felt terrible.

But it was bedtime, so I put her in bed with me, checked on her all night,

She was her old self this morning.

My parents said their dog of a similar age has some dementia and does odd things like that too.

I’m definitely taking her to the vet about it,

I just don’t think it’s an emergency vet type situation.

If anyone can share their knowledge I’d appreciate it.

5 Likes
2

My Stepmother’s dog had dementia actually accidentally killed herself because of it so just stay on top of it and do what you can to be there for your dog when she has an episode but I don’t think there’s going to be that much you can do. Eventually she will require supervision

3 Likes
3

Yeah, I’m already scared to leave her too long.

I just don’t want her to go out scared and not knowing who I am.

I always imagined her being put to sleep, comfortably with her people by her side.

She deserves that much.

I’ll talk to the vet.

4 Likes
4

Unfortunately this is pretty common with older dogs.
Yeah it’s best to take her to the Vet

3 Likes
5

Thank you, @Wave

That is unfortunate.

I will make her an appointment soon.

4 Likes
6

@Charles_Foster take the dog to vet. It might be many things, but best bet let a proffessional, and your in fo help your pup.

2 Likes
7
3 Likes
8

Poor doggy must be scared while confused like that. :frowning: I feel bad for both of you

3 Likes
9

My dog had dementia. She would walk in circles for hours. The doctor couldn’t do anything for her. She would also stare at the wall.

2 Likes
10

So after researching she’s definitely experiencing dementia.

I got real freaked out early this morning and worked myself into a panic attack.

But, I did my breathing exercises and felt better after a shower.

I talked to my husband and he agreed to let me take her to the expensive specialist vet to see if there’s anything we can do.

If there’s not,

We’ll just have to judge how her quality of life is as we go and make our judgements from there.

I can’t afford to be a wimp about this, I have to be strong for our Lilly.

6 Likes
11

I had an Australian Shepherd who lived to be 17. By the time she reached that age, she was having issues with senility. Mostly it was confusion as well as some potty issues. It definitely happens. I’m glad you’ll be checking with your vet. Hugs to you and your pup.

2 Likes
12

sorry you’re experiencing this with your dog. sad.

1 Like
13

We had a schnauzer with dementia…he did fine for a while but eventually started going behind furniture (like the couch) and couldn’t figure out how to get back out, and he’d wail in terror at being “stuck”…we knew then that it was time to put him down, cuz he had no quality of life anymore.

1 Like
14

I hope there is. But if not, hopefully you can give her the best life possible as long as you can before making the tough decision. Maybe make a doggy bucket list just in case?

3 Likes
15

This topic was automatically closed 14 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.