How can I help my senile dog

[bennymum]

I just wondered if there is anything I can do to help my poor old dog Ben. He's a golden retriever and has been my 'baby' now for 11 happy years. Unfortunately he has cataracts in both eyes, his hearing is impaired, he has arthiritis and is now doing some very 'senile' things. He sits out in the rain, yelps until I go running to him, and he acts very confused. staring into space etc. I have taken him to the vet so many times regarding his senility and all they do is prescribe more drugs which just aren't helping. I am dreading the day he has to leave us, and I really want to make his last months comfortable. Any help would be appreciated as I hate seeing him so distressed. The vet assures me he is not in any pain.

[tombrandy]

You can only do what you are doing, plenty of love and hugs but personally I would,nt bother with the drugs if you feel they are not helping....been through it, Good luck and god bless.

[bennymum]

Thank you for your kind words. I just took him for a short walk now, and he kept collapsing poor boy. It's heartbreaking. I don't even know if he knows who I am anymore - he looks at me blankly and he has always been such a happy-go-lucky boy, tail always wagging. Not sure how I am going to get through the inevitable.

[tigwig]

Not a very helpful answer Oh No Know.
bennymum I really feel for you, we went through this with a cat so I can imagine how worse it must be for a dog. I think as long as he isn't in pain just carry on as you are loving him. Does he still need to have walks? Maybe he could just be let out in the garden instead. When the day comes to say goodbye you will at least know you have given him a wonderful life and he will know that too. Take care xxxx

[chas2008]

im on my second retreiver ,also called Ben, hes about 12 and getting a bit arthritic, we lost our first at 9 and believe me he was in such a state the decision wasnt difficult..you will know when the time comes...

[blackcat77]

I really do feel for you - it is a horrid decision to make but if he is starting to collapse and not really know who you are then the end is not far off. I knew with my elderly labrador that the end was on the way and vet was very helpful and we made all the arrangement beforehand and she put my dear old dog to sleep in the back of my car and it was peaceful and a relief in a way. the practice I went to then were very considerate and sent me an invoice later because after that you don't want to have to deal with details. Please know that my thoughts are with you.

[bennymum]

Thank you tigwig for your kind answer. Ben only goes out for very short walks - he still gets excited when he hears his lead jangling so it's nice to take him out for a short slow wander. On days when he is very lame, he just goes in the garden. Sorry to hear about your cat - it's so sad as pets are so loyal and their love is unconditional.

[paddywak]

This is the terrible situation that pet lovers often find themselves in but as everyone has already said all you can do is spoil him and love him while you have him, As much as you love him you will know yourself when it's time to let him go, it' never easy but please don't let him suffer, let him go and remember him and all the good times you had together

[ruthann58]

sorry to hear your old boy is getting old we lost or gsd in april she was nearly 14 ,deaf and had bad hips her legs went completly and i knew it was time to let her go i had the vet come out to us and she was put to sleep on her quilt in the kitchen with my son and me with her so she had no stress of going to the vets it was heartbreaking for us but best for her my thoughts are with you and if you need to chat there are lots of good people on here Ruth

[lankeela]

I know its difficult but you have to consider what is best for the dog, not for you.

If he is at the stage where he is collapsing, then I think you know what needs to be done. Better a day too soon than a minute too late.

[bennymum]

I will always put his needs first - if he is suffering I know what I have to do, but the vet says he is in no pain whatsoever. He has his good days and bad days - today he seems perkier, greeted me wagging his tail when I came home etc and he still loves his food. If he ever stopped eating then I would know it was time.

[lankeela]

Sad as it is, I have had dogs that would have laid down to eat even if they could not get up. My criteria is for a dog that can go out to the toilet on its own, and knows where it is, you can tell if they are disorientated and that is such a sad sight, as is a dog that cannot get up from its bed without help. May not be in pain, but I know when my dog's quality of life is such that I need to do the one final act of love for it. Only wish we could do the same for humans.

[terambulan]

Dont let the dog suffer more.....he's old and time to meet his pals in the ever-after.

Take him to the vet for the final goodbye.

[gelda]

You know your own dog Bennymum and you will know when the time comes, when it does get the vet to come out to you to put him to sleep, it's distressing enough for a dog to go to the vet anyway and it's unfair to put him through that in his final hour. I'll be thinking of you both. Gelda x

[abstibus]

I used to work with old people and found that drugs impaired their quality of life. They made them confused and restless, and it could be the same for your dog. I really don't know of any drugs that help with senility, so all you can do is love him for the joy, happiness, love and loyalty he has given you all his life him and make sure he is as comfortable as his tired body allows.
My old Jack Russell had cataracts, was deaf, had fits and was incontinent when he woke suddenly, but just went on loving life.He died at 17 - I had had him since he was three weeks old.
Thinking of you.