Elderly dog stress

[Mumteedum]

I'm really struggling with my dog. He's 13,a terrier and is slightly deaf and blind as well as suspected doggy dementia to some degree. He can't get upstairs but can go down. Our garden is down steps to grass at bottom.

Im sat in tears at the end of my tether today. We're going on holiday tomorrow taking him with us but I can't even pack. He's constantly yapping and whining. Nothing I do stops him. Neighbours must hate me.

If I'm downstairs with him he follows me constantly and I'm tripping over him.

I honestly don't know what to do. He has me up in the night. I can't get enough sleep. I'm a single working mum and I can't cope with anything today cos of the dog!

People think it's a joke but he's making my life a misery. I love him very much but I am really struggling. I wish I could put him in an old folks home for dogs and just visit sometimes just for respite. I don't feel I can kennel him, he would be stressed by it. He doesn't like other dogs much either and I've not found anyone who can have him so I can go away overnight without him.

No idea why I am posting. I just need to get it off my chest. I'm exhausted.

[BiteyShark]

Have you taken him to the vets to see if there is any medication that can help with his symptoms if you suspect dementia?

[TomHardysNextWife]

Have you ever crated him? Make a soft safe space for him - even wandering around the house must be terrifying for him and he's desperate for reassurance from you. Put a t shirt or something that smells of you in there, and he may feel a bit more secure?

We had an elderly tibetan, and his last few months were really hard work so I can understand how you're feeling. I'd also talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medication, that really helped our old boy.

[Bananarama12]

I second the trip to the vets to see if there's any medication he can have otherwise you will have to think about his quality of life. It can't be any fun for him either

[Lynne1Cat]

I had a cat that was the same.... she was 18, had medication for thyroid problems and kidney failure, then developed dementia. She used to meow and cry all the time (no pain anywhere) and wouldn't leave my side, day and night. Seriously, she used to wake me up 6 or 7 times a night for the past 2 years. I was knackered.

In the end, she had heart failure, and I had to have her put down in April.

Your dog sounds the same - dementia, losing his senses (hearing and sight) and feeling scared/alone and in need of reassurance. Is it fair on him and you to keep him going? Some would say not, as he hasn't got a great quality of life if he's like that.

[Mumteedum]

Thanks for replies. Yes I have been yo vet and the only medication he gave us was nutra calm and nutramind. They're basically herbal supplements and I don't think they did much. I thought they worked for a bit but nit dramatically.

He has a crate and whines like mad if I put him in there although he will happily go in and sleep there of his own accord if we go out. Other people who have babysat my son tell me that he is absolutely fine when I go out and is calm. It seems like it's all for my attention.

He's finally calmed down now. The difference it makes on my stress is huge.

[Mumteedum]

Physically he enjoys a walk and is OK with others as I say. He's not doddery at all. He's physically in really good shape. I'm not totally sure he's unhappy which is what makes it so hard. Sometimes he's yapping in garden and if I go to get him in he's surprised by me. I'm not sure he can himself bark.

If I thought he was really suffering of course I'd have to make that call but when I'm the one who's suffering it feels like it would be because of me. I'm in tears again even considering it.

[Bananarama12]

It's a long shot but a website called all natural pet (she also has a Facebook page if you'd like to ask her more about it) that sell a calming tincture. It has some very good reviews, it may help?

[Lynne1Cat]

My cat was prescribed Tramadol, to relax her. I did - but she behaved as though she was a bit "drunk"... which I didn't think was very kind to her so she only had it twice.

Your dog is blind, you say, and a bit deaf. Poor thing. I wouldn't like to be like that, and it can't be very nice for him. Can your vet advise?

[BiteyShark]

I think I would get a second opinion from the vets just to make sure there is nothing they can do to help.

[Mumteedum]

Thanks everyone for suggestions and for letting me offload.

No he's not fully blind. He can see just has cataracts so not as well as he did. He's just an old boy physically. A bit deaf, eyes not so good and a bit stiff at times but is quite spritely on his walks. I will ask the vet again to make sure there's nothing else. He's been better this afternoon thanks goodness.

I have however just been stung by a wasp on my back to cap off my great day!

[Dottierichardson]

OP apologies if I've missed this, but has he been checked for arthritis? Dogs mask it well so slight or intermittent stiffness can actually translate into a lot of pain, it makes dogs whiny and restless and affects their sleep. This happened to one of my dogs as he aged. Medication made a huge difference for his sleep and mine! He also got more clingy before the meds as the pain made him anxious.

[Mumteedum]

Dottie thank you. I'm sure he has got arthritis but never thought that they'd be able to do anything for that. I'll ask the vet. That's hopeful x