Do dogs lose their marbles??

[walesblackbird]

My 13 year old dalmation is getting quite wobbly now physically and finds it all a bit of a strain getting on the sofas or beds! He can just about manage with a bit of a shove but it's getting harder.

I'm wondering though whether he's actually going a bit senile? Or maybe just forgetful in his old age? I feed him and 5 minutes later he's back looking expectantly at me - he's always been a greedy pig but he seems to have forgotten that he's already been fed. And he's starting licking the kitchen floor on the off chance that he'll find a bit of leftover food from the children's meal times!

He's getting very slow now so I suppose it's possible that his mind is slowing down as well?

Yes, definitely. our old dog had a total personality change- aggression where there was none before, not hearing properly, following other people round the park as not recognising us when out and about. it's hard to say for sure, but I don't see why dogs shouldn't go senile just like people do.

Oh, my poor old doggie . He's coped with so much since the arrival of our three lovely children and been an absolute darling with them. He's still very patient but very wobbly. We keep thinking he's not going to be with us for much longer - and then surprises us all. Still here, still thieving food ... but not able to go for his much loved walks any more.

Yes, unfortunately dogs can suffer from dementia. Common symptoms include being confused about space, e.g. getting stuck behind a door or in a corner, confused sleep patterns, change in behaviour including aggression or being very anxious and forgetting training they previously knew very well.

As long he's enjoying his thieving wales he's obviously enjoying life!

Is it at all possible that he's telling you he's just hungry?

Could you take him to the vet for a consultation/discussion? As far as I know, there's no direct correlation between physical ageing in a dog and predictable mental decline to the level of senility. I've known a number of very elderly dogs who've been physically frail but mentally still very sharp.

Important to rule out any physical issues - could he be in pain? This would explain any grumpiness. Is his diet palatable, easy to digest? Teeth able to chew still? Is he bored, and not being stimulated? Even if no long walks, can he cope with a couple of short trots round the block each day for a change of scene and a chance to sniff the pee-mail?

If his quality of life is declining, then one of the issues to discuss with the vet is when you will have him PTS. If at all possible, your vet can come to your home to do this, and I think this is one of the best kindnesses that we can give our dear dogs on that day, if it is feasible.

I think you're right about there not necessarily being a link scuttle- our dog was physically in great condition at 13, but mentally totally altered.

Thank you. He has very recently had a check over by the vet and he's given us some guidelines on how to assess his quality of life. He has always been a greedy dog - and being a big dog has always been quite capable of stealing food from plates and work surfaces! And even with very wobbly back legs he still managed to lick dh's steak when he briefly left the table recently .

He struggles with walks now as he's lost the muscle tone in his back legs. It's not arthritis, just general weakness and loss of strength. He can still pad around the front garden and just about manages a short walk up and down the street, although struggles with the steps at the front of our house.

His turning circle isn't great now and so he tends to have to reverse out of a situation rather than simply being able to turn around!

I've changed his food so that's easier for him to eat and anyway he generally eats pretty much what we have - it's okay, the vet said that was fine as food was one way we could still spoil him and it's one enjoyment that he can still manage.

On the whole he's continent around the house and can still get out, although he did have an accident this morning on the landing. But one of the children had persuaded him to come upstairs before going out for a week so that was partly our fault.

It's so hard when they get old ..... he was our baby before the children came along and DS1, particularly, is really going to miss him when he passes.