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Message
re: Dog dementia - when to let go
Posted on 7/8/25 at 8:42 pm to The Torch
Posted on 7/8/25 at 8:42 pm to The Torch
quote:
I think mine has congestive heart failure or something, he struggles to breathe at times
This was the issue with my 13 year old buddy a few months ago.
Diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Heart meds helped her live normally another 8 or so months and then it went downhill so fast in the last few days, and she let us know it was time.
2
Posted on 7/8/25 at 8:52 pm to TigahXX713
Friend, your dog will let you know when it's time. Until then, just make sure the old guy is comfortable. He knows that
Posted on 7/8/25 at 8:59 pm to John Casey
I’ll maybe go against the grain… but to those saying you will know are not my favorite as that’s usually because you’ve waited too long.
There’s rarely an obvious finish line and waiting until it’s so bad that it’s completely obvious that things can’t go on is letting it get too far.
If you are asking the question, odds are you are in the range. 10 years from now you’ll miss the guy but you won’t beat yourself up for making the call on behalf of your friend who is confused and hurting.
No shame in trying to get the most time with them that you can but the worst decision I have made with a pet is waiting too long and I absolutely have regretted that.
That’s not to say it’s tomorrow but… I think you know it’s probably sooner rather than later.
There’s rarely an obvious finish line and waiting until it’s so bad that it’s completely obvious that things can’t go on is letting it get too far.
If you are asking the question, odds are you are in the range. 10 years from now you’ll miss the guy but you won’t beat yourself up for making the call on behalf of your friend who is confused and hurting.
No shame in trying to get the most time with them that you can but the worst decision I have made with a pet is waiting too long and I absolutely have regretted that.
That’s not to say it’s tomorrow but… I think you know it’s probably sooner rather than later.
Posted on 7/8/25 at 9:01 pm to John Casey
quote:
Heart meds helped her live normally another 8 or so months and then it went downhill so fast in the last few days, and she let us know it was time.
I’ve had a couple of those and still wish I couldve spared them those last few days. Even if I was a shade early.
Posted on 7/8/25 at 9:02 pm to TigahXX713
Having had to put my buddy down recently, I’d live with that issue for sure. Honestly, I’d just put a diaper on him and roll with it. Doesn’t sound like he is in pain or suffering from what you said. Tough call and I still regret it.
Posted on 7/8/25 at 9:04 pm to TigahXX713
Put my 15 year old lab down when she could no longer do the the things she enjoyed. Walking was difficult, she couldn't walk to a tennis ball much less retrieve it. She had issues with bowel movements, she'd squat to pee or poop and fall down, and had early onset Cushing's disease. We made the decision after fighting it for 3 months.
Posted on 7/8/25 at 9:07 pm to NoSaint
quote:
I’ve had a couple of those and still wish I couldve spared them those last few days. Even if I was a shade early
She even fooled me and the vet on the morning I went in to put her down. I was convinced I was putting her down after a rough night and then she acted perfectly normal at vet and convinced us to see if new meds would start working.
I went home and was back at the vet 2 hours later to put her down since she used up what little fight she had left at the earlier appointment and just crashed when we got back home.
Still feel a little guilty about those last few hours but it did give me peace knowing that it was the right time.
This post was edited on 7/8/25 at 9:17 pm
Posted on 7/8/25 at 9:16 pm to TigahXX713
When its time you will know. I am incurring similar issues with our 20 year old mutt dog. He still has many more good days than bad. He is a part of our family. He will remain as long as possible. As long as he eats, drinks, and wags his tail, he will have a place in our home. As for peeing or pooping on the floor, to date it has been tolerable. Prayers for you and your pooch! Take care!
Posted on 7/8/25 at 9:28 pm to TigahXX713
quote:
Dog dementia
Honestly, I had no idea dogs could get dementia….
For what it is worth, every time I have had to put a dog down, in retrospect I have waited to long to do it every single time.
Honestly, I wish somebody could do it for me when my time comes.
Posted on 7/8/25 at 9:31 pm to Spankum
I do not like the thought of being without Stella. Before my mom died, she arranged for me to get a puppy, which is now a senior girl.. I guess she knew she was dying and I would need company.
Posted on 7/9/25 at 12:32 am to TigahXX713
I am so sorry to hear about your dear old friend! I feel for anyone facing that dreadful decision. Our beloved furries are never with us long enough!
I recently (May 19th) went through the same with my Golden girl. She'd been my guardian angel and sunshine of my life for 14 years. When she began displaying the same dementia type symptoms you described, I promised her that I would never allow her to suffer.
I knew over some time that we were getting closer to that day. I came home that Friday and her back end had stopped working. She spent the entire weekend lying in the same spot, my other furries and me loving on her. I prayed all weekend that she would go on her own because I didn't think I could make the decision. Monday rolled around and I knew.
I asked the vet about options, knowing there were none, but grasping at straws. After some discussion, the vet gave me this...Do you want to remember Maggie this way- still smiling and positive, the way she's been her whole life or hold on to her knowing nothing can be done and watching her decline? She also said she'd never had someone wish they'd waited, but lots who wish they hadn't waited so long.
I knew it was time and I let her go all the while holding her hand and letting her know how much I LOVED her with every fiber of my being!
People say you'll know when the time is right and you absolutely will. You know your dog, trust yourself! There is not one day that I regret making the decision when I did. Her quality of life had gone down and she trusted me to take care of her. I miss her so much!
Take care of yourselves and your furry pal. I'm praying for your wisdom and strength in this difficult time. God bless your family, human and furry!
SW Iowa Golden mom
I recently (May 19th) went through the same with my Golden girl. She'd been my guardian angel and sunshine of my life for 14 years. When she began displaying the same dementia type symptoms you described, I promised her that I would never allow her to suffer.
I knew over some time that we were getting closer to that day. I came home that Friday and her back end had stopped working. She spent the entire weekend lying in the same spot, my other furries and me loving on her. I prayed all weekend that she would go on her own because I didn't think I could make the decision. Monday rolled around and I knew.
I asked the vet about options, knowing there were none, but grasping at straws. After some discussion, the vet gave me this...Do you want to remember Maggie this way- still smiling and positive, the way she's been her whole life or hold on to her knowing nothing can be done and watching her decline? She also said she'd never had someone wish they'd waited, but lots who wish they hadn't waited so long.
I knew it was time and I let her go all the while holding her hand and letting her know how much I LOVED her with every fiber of my being!
People say you'll know when the time is right and you absolutely will. You know your dog, trust yourself! There is not one day that I regret making the decision when I did. Her quality of life had gone down and she trusted me to take care of her. I miss her so much!
Take care of yourselves and your furry pal. I'm praying for your wisdom and strength in this difficult time. God bless your family, human and furry!
SW Iowa Golden mom
This post was edited on 7/9/25 at 12:43 am
Posted on 7/9/25 at 12:48 am to TigahXX713
quote:
He eats and drinks like a champ. Gets excited when the family comes home, gets up to greet us, tail wagging. Still loves pets and ear scratches.
He's good to keep trucking then.
Once these things go and it seems like living is a chore for him, it's time
Posted on 7/9/25 at 1:02 am to TigahXX713
quote:
Have a 15 year old dog
it obvious you have been a great taker so you want he wants
Posted on 7/9/25 at 6:27 am to TigahXX713
Loss of bladder and bowel control at an advanced age is kind of the universal sign for it's going to be time soon.
What makes you think he's going to find his way around inside the house?
15 years (unsure of breed) is a good long run. Sorry man.
quote:
stress of moving is going to make all this worse, that’s even if he can find his way outside in a new house
What makes you think he's going to find his way around inside the house?
15 years (unsure of breed) is a good long run. Sorry man.
Posted on 7/9/25 at 6:49 am to Gris Gris
quote:
What does your vet say?
Thus. If you trust your vet they would be the one to ask.
I'm currently going through the same thing. I feel your pain bud.
Posted on 7/9/25 at 6:50 am to TigahXX713
Tough call. The move is probably the biggest hurdle there. You're probably right that the stress of feeding off yall packing up and dealing with the misc stresses of moving, then the actual move, then dealing with yalls stresses of just moved into new house and all that may set doggie off. That's all before the dog itself has to adapt to the new house and yard and everything else.
Without that I'd think doggie has a bit more mileage, but the move sounds like it would be kind of rough.
It's ultimately your call. I'd probably collect all of your "behavioral evidence" and consult your vet.
Without that I'd think doggie has a bit more mileage, but the move sounds like it would be kind of rough.
It's ultimately your call. I'd probably collect all of your "behavioral evidence" and consult your vet.
Posted on 7/9/25 at 4:37 pm to TigahXX713
If he's not in pain and happy when you're paying attention to him, just deal with his senior issues and love him until he begins to hurt.
Posted on 7/9/25 at 4:43 pm to TigahXX713
I've been there and had to do it a little over a year ago. She would get so lost and end up just running in circles. She'd wake up in the night and not know where she was. We fairly heavily medicated her with trazadone and she was ok for a while. It got to a point that she was worked up, restless, etc. a lot of the time and was so hard, but it was time.
You'll know. You probably aren't too far away from it. Be prepared that the new house might be the final straw. I feel your pain. We don't deserve dogs and the worst thing about loving them is that you will always out live them.
You'll know. You probably aren't too far away from it. Be prepared that the new house might be the final straw. I feel your pain. We don't deserve dogs and the worst thing about loving them is that you will always out live them.
Posted on 7/9/25 at 4:49 pm to DMAN1968
DMAN...Mine had all the symptoms you listed. The circles were the worst. It was so sad. When tranquilizers stopped helping, it was time. It was so sad to see her go that way. Just know you weren't alone. And we both did the best thing we could, being there for them.
Posted on 7/9/25 at 6:10 pm to TigahXX713
I am approaching this. She's going on 14. I love the companionship and everything she brought. Amazing times our family had with her. The day I don't see her roaming the house my life will have turned.
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