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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Dementia?

2 replies

Freysimo · 29/10/2024 08:41

Our rescue lurcher is around 13 and we've had her ten years. For the past few months she's taken to wandering around the house as if she's looking for something. I'd say our cat, but he died two years ago! She's also messed in the house overnight a couple of times, the last sadly not on the puppy pads I'd put down "just in case". She will sometimes just stare at things looking a bit vague.

On walks she will often forget which way we're going but she still loves a lurchery zoom on the field and is active for her age.

Her appetite has decreased a bit, but she's not lost weight. She had full dental twenty months ago and I took her back to the vets last week as teeth weren't looking good. Vet advised she might need a couple out. I did mention the cognitive impairment but vet wasn't especially bothered and said she was otherwise healthy enough.

I'm now thinking a GA at her age is going to make the cognitive impairment worse as similar happened to another old dog of mine. Has anyone any advice/thoughts?

She is such a good girl and we love her dearly.

OP posts:
Killingoffmyflowersonebyone · 30/10/2024 07:41

Unfortunately, it is just an issue with older dogs.

What I would say is that many dogs with dementia can live happy lives and it’s very hard to know when to let go. My cocker is showing early signs (and has arthritis) and I’ve had the discussion with my DP already and we agreed that, given she’s such a clean bean and loves her walks, if she gets to the point of regular soiling overnight, crying/barking at things that aren’t there and/or unable to exercise properly, we’ll make the decision.

What I would say re. Teeth is that if you think she’s declining, then I would leave her be. My cockers are awful because she’s a grubby bitch who eats poo but I’ve made a choice not to get them done as at her age I won’t have work done that isn’t 100% essential.

Dementia isn’t life-ending but it’s about their quality of life. Everyone views it differently and every dog will be different so it’s a really individual choice. Medication can help (activate - is what my dogs on) but honestly, it doesn’t do much. I’m really sorry, @Freysimo it’s so hard.

Edits: so many typos

Freysimo · 30/10/2024 09:07

Thanks for your input and advice. I've come round to your way of thinking now and not contemplating dental. Fortunately she's not vocal at night yet. I'm contacting vet today to see if any kind of meds might help. She's still very active on her walks and appetite mainly good so we'll see how she goes.

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