Recently I had to say goodbye to two of my dogs that were suffering from dementia. She's been pretty spacy for about a year prior, but happy and content on whatever planet she inhabited. This lab, pure, is 13 years, 9 months now. First of all, my heart goes out to you. These changes may affect the quality of life of both the dogs as well as the dog owners but by better understanding what is really occurring, owners may be able to lessen the negative effects of this issue. My parents influenced me to put my dog to sleep when they put their dog down. Think about how your pet feels, Nguyen said. Many pet owners wish that their dog could stay a puppy forever. When or if a dog develops dog dementia will vary, depending on your dog’s breed and other health conditions. The Quality of Life Scale allows you to evaluate your dog’s well-being to help you make difficult end-of-life care decisions. And, how wonderful you were to adopt an older dog -- sounds like she had a great home with you. Euthanizing your dog should be the last resort. Ask your vet what your pet is feeling. I did put her down and had her cremated. If you are considering putting down a dog due to aggression or other behavioral issues you should do some specific steps to give your dog every chance at life before making the decision. I have lost a dog to to an accident, one to heart failure as a result of anesthesia, and one due to health problems, but I have never faced putting a dog down due to age. Another sad fact is that many dogs are put down because there is noone to look after them and they become strays. Dogs can exist with dementia for a long time, but that existence is without joy, eventually is filled with fear, and can’t be called living in any true sense of the word. 1) Kidney Failure In Dogs: Acute (IRA) normally it is spontaneous. Sadly, incontinence (both bladder and bowel) is one of the main reasons people put their dogs down. I put the dish away and he just barks for his water, so I am just between a rock and a hard place. But there are helpful considerations that can provide guidance during this emotional time. However, just like humans, they inevitably will age and eventually slow down. Cushing’s disease in dogs can prove to be fatal if proper care is not taken. The dog is skin and bones regardless of how much we increase the food, the dog does not gain wt. I have many months of sleepless night just caring for her listening to her crying and being so disorientated. I think dementia is the hardest thing to deal with in our animal companions. The other two were lab cross, and we’re both 13 years old when they were put down. But that was not my choice. She has been incontinent (both pooping and peeing) for the last year or more. We have a 16 1/2 year old dog who we think may be time to put down. Only in such an extreme situation, you should seek an answer to when to put a dog down with Cushing's disease from your licensed vet. Dog euthanasia is the hardest decision that one ever will face as a dog owner. Anyone had to put a dog down solely for bowel/bladder incontinence? It's totally normal for your dog's nutritional needs to change as they age, according to the website Pet Coach. It is more of a funnel really as one leads to the next. Your dog may be dealing with a disease called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD. As it does in humans, dementia generally occurs in older cats, who might simultaneously suffer from other health issues common in elderly felines. While advances in veterinary medicine are allowing your pet to live a longer, healthier life, the most difficult decision you can make regarding your best friend’s care is when to let her go.There’s rarely a clear-cut answer as to when is the “right” time to put your beloved dog down—rather, it’s a culmination of a variety of factors. I wanted to try and save my dog. Her dementia was getting worse. Animal charity Blue Cross states that if you have a dog that’s being put down, you shouldn’t feel ashamed if you feel you’re unable to stay in the room. That is how much she was loved. I may have rambled a bit, but I guess the key points are I am so sorry for you and her, but from your post I can tell you loved her and you have spent a great many years together. Neighbor kids that had grown up around her,,,,, hand made a polished box for her ashes. Whether your dog has physical problems or dog dementia the question of when to put down a loved pet always revolves around the same issues. 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