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senile doggy dementia wwyd

6 replies

hazeldog · 21/08/2012 10:08

My partners beloved old mutt is 15-16 (he was a rescue so not sure) and although his physical health isn't terrible he really has lost his marbles
, He runs out into the road barking at nothing, is obsessed with being in one particular spot which is the most in the way he can possibly be. He is becoming quite aggressive since we had our baby son. Last night every time one of us stirred in bed he leapt up and ran up and down frantically and woke the baby. We have always said that while his tail is still wagging we wouldn't put him down. He is a bit arthritic but still continent and steady on his feet. I feel like we would be putting him down because he is inconvenient but on the other hand his aggression is worrying me as it has been aimed at a couple of children recently. He hasn't bit a child...yet. wwyd?

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Crosshair · 21/08/2012 10:23

I would put him to sleep. In the long run I dont think its fair to keep an animal that will keep deteriorating getting more confused and scared as time goes on.

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Wiggypigs · 21/08/2012 10:51

I have a 16 year old mongrel who is also starting to go a bit senile. We have all agreed as a family that once she starts becoming distressed then we will call it a day. Your dog sounds distressed. You have nothing to feel guilty about it you do choose to have him out to sleep. 15-16 is a very good age for a dog.

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ChickensArentEligableForGold · 21/08/2012 11:07

I'd take the dog to the vet and discuss his symptoms and go from there. I don't think putting a distressed, senile dog to sleep is just PTS for your convenience. At all. Good luck.

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hazeldog · 21/08/2012 11:18

Thanks for your responses. Its such an emotional issue I get so annoyed with the dog I feel like I'm wishing him dead cos he is a pain in the arse. OH is talking about getting the vet to come out to us so he can bury him in the woods. He thinks he will keep him going until his birthday in a month or so then do the right thing. We had been hoping the dog would make things easier for us by taking a physical turn for the worse but it seems he could go on for years like this.

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ChickensArentEligableForGold · 21/08/2012 11:21

If he is senile, and badly affected, then his quality of life has to be taken in to account. Just because he can run around doesn't mean he's happy, iyswim. I do feel for you though, it's never an easy decision :(

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hazeldog · 21/08/2012 12:47

I agree chickens. Until the last few weeks he did still seem to be enjoying life but he just looks confused now. Its harder for OH really. The dog was kind of dumped on him when he was homeless many years ago. It was a vicious dangerous dog when he got it and he had the patience to work with it and it became his closest companion. :(