We had been treating him for years for anxiety and thought the lack of vision was making it worse. Nerve cells in the brain also die off as a result of CCD, and the dead cells are replaced with spinal fluid. My 14 year old Yorkshire Terrier has been diagnosed with ‘doggy dementia’ just a couple of days ago. So hard….I take brief relief from belief thst after I made the decision to send Sophie over the . Bridge she is romping and free with many, waiting and happy! But I believe that it is the greatest gift we can give them when life has gotten so hard and unpleasant for them. Thank you for letting me know my words helped. her eat as much hot dogs as she wanted went for a short walk and held her all morning.. if only I had done this or that………… on the last night before my old friend was booked in to pass on,she tried He sleep most of the day and thankfully through the night; I have to wake him to go outside and every time, my touch startles him… when he goes outside, he seems lost and confused;he doesn’t go for walks any more. Like your fur baby, she still love her food and treats though drinking water can be a challenge. He started only a few months ago though. As a result of CCD, dogs will lose their memory: they may forget you, their owner or forget tricks and training that they learnt earlier in life. I really am in so much turmoil . Mark,I will be praying for you and family and most of all Peri,God bless you little one lots of hugs. That life for him was becoming just to much. Stunned. He didn’t sleep much at all for three days and even during the day when he used to be fine he seemed frantic and panting n unable to sit or relax. I feel tortured worrying I should have tried harder or given her longer Perhaps she was still ok enough?? Need guidance. I am more grateful than I can put into words to find this article. The actual euthanasia was very peaceful and quick and I know she did not suffer. Joined the Facebook groups online and with the help of our vet had him on trazodone and senelife omega threes arthritis meds. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. All these symptoms were ok with us. I don’t mind cleaning up after her daily messes, but we can’t keep her clean anymore. Yet ended up doing the same just a few months ago, with one of my all-time favorite dogs, with a similar problem, hoping for just one more day, one more sign that things will get better. I should have helped her move on. Susan, He was destructive at night, trying to climb on the coffee table, knocking things off shelves. Roberta. Afterwards, the vet left and we had a couple hours before our cremation appointment, so we spent two hours petting her body, thanking her for being the best dog ever, and let our other dog say goodbye. He barked all night last night, he’s current on 2 medications but nothing is working so far I have a 16, nearly 17 year old Maltese who has dementia, is deaf and probably 95% blind. But I had friends tell me it isn’t fair to her, to live a life spinning in circles, running into walls, and soiling her bed if I over sleep. We too wonder how long till we know and this is after having to put four other of our beloved pets down due to old age or illness. Holding him tight was one of the most important things I did. This has been happening every couple days and getting worse every time. Hugs from this internet stranger if you want them. I still need more time. Please know that you are not alone. It always leaves me a bit gobsmacked. Shorty has been dealing with his illness of Cognitive Dysfunction for about 1.5 years and over these last 2 weeks he has really reached his lowest point. Friday next, Sophie Girl will be gone over the She started pacing all day about a year ago. It allows for more intervention, therapies and medication which can’t stop the disease, but can at least slow it down. This decision takes courage and compassion and a willingness to walk head first into pain. He got an infection in his eye and then an ulcer a couple of weeks ago. Much appreciation for helping us with this beautiful dog longer than I can say for sure you a... Sam is my experience to maybe help others health issues much of the time,. Ahead of time for her in body but not miserable dementia in dogs when to euthanize and has me. To 10, I noticed was he would sleep all night and turned... Of him or he ’ s so great during the day he is right. 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