What Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Can Look Like
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ย. 2012
- This video shows what some canine cognitive dysfunction behaviors can look like. For more information see my book: "Remember Me? Loving and Caring for a Dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction" on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B018224Y5Y
Cricket was a rat terrier who was 16 years old at the time of this video and started displaying cognitive decline a year before. For many dogs, at first it can be hard to identify these behaviors, since they come on gradually and also could be due to other conditions such as sensory impairments. Cricket was diagnosed with the condition by my vet and on medication. If you think your dog might have this condition, please talk to your vet. Cricket passed on May 31, 2013. She was well loved and had a good life to the very end.
It's now 2022, and I know Cricket is long gone. But it warms my heart seeing how much she was loved in her sunset years. Older dogs are such a treasure
When it was dark, my 15-year old Miniature Schnauzer would get into a corner, and not know how to get out. I had to sleep with the light on.
I just put my 16 yr old senior chi w Dementia & Cushing Disease to sleep 3 weeks ago. Still grieving😢. She had all those symptoms including not sleep during the evening. I had to leave the lights on. Towards the end she was barking/screaming while sleeping. The reason I made the decision was because her back legs started to give out.? I didn’t want her to suffer any more than she already did. It was so hard. I have 3 others chi’s who are Seniors too but are relative healthy so far.
My condolences to all who have lost a fur baby. I have a 15 year old Yorkie. His name is Gizmo. He has Dementia. He sleeps a lot during the day and wanders quite a bit at night( I put a gate from the entrance of my hallway to the end of the hall or else he'll stay there all night). I have night lights plugged in so he can get around safely. Eventually he goes back to his bed, which is next to mine. He stares at his food so now I have to sit by his side(on the floor) and feed him a little at a time because he has no teeth. I'll find him staring at a wall or lying by my shoes in a closet. Many times he stands back when I approach him in the situation until he realizes it's me. His hips and back legs are getting weak. I give him a nice massage and stretch his legs every morning then take him to the wee-wee pad. I'm pretty versed in caring for someone with Dementia, my mom had it for 7 years. I hope I won't have to make the decision to put him down. I pray to God about this among many things.
@@darlyne9079 My girl Bongo was exactly as you described. Legs giving out, not sleeping at night, leaving the lights on. I had to make the decision last week. She did make it to 17 and only went downhill in the last few months. Still sad to watch though. Thanks for your comment, it made me feel better knowing I did the right thing.
@victoriaguidici5574 yes they are a treasure.
It's great that Cricket had such a loving owner.
Thank you!
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Great video content! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your opinion. Have you considered - Nonadison Ageing Abscissa (do a search on google)? It is a great exclusive guide for caring for your ageing dog without the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my buddy got great results with it.
Fuck off you parasitic bots.
Skeet Skeet u need banned!
My dog is almost 16 and is doing everything the dog in video is. It makes me so sad to see her like this. I will do everything to keep her happy and loved.
I want to assume that she has passed over the rainbow bridge now since this post was two years ago? :( I wanted to let you knwo that It is very sad but don't ever forget about the good things! You gave her a long and happy life. :)
@@be2utifulme516 My dog has dementia and he has had it for several years now. Hopefully Melinda Hills's dog is still with her. Ot is a long suffering disease. I hope my boy lasts a lot longer. I am here for him he is rarely alone. We have another dog and a cat for the rare times I need to go out. Most of the time I take them with me...
It may not seem like it sometimes but they really appreciate the kindness
Melinda Mills mine is exactly the same! What can we do?
Don't assume, this is a horrible comment for you to make shame on you.
Its nice to know that even though shes old, forgetful, and easily confused, she still thinks about you and finds comfort in being with you hence why she seeks you out. Also she probably wants to keep you safe(: even though she is the sick one
I looked up information on older dog dementia and got this video. I'm crying so much, because my little baby (she's almost 15) has started doing these things and I can't even begin to be okay with this. I don't know how I'll deal with her not being around anymore and I know dogs don't live that long, but...I've had her since she was a few weeks old and this is just heartbreaking to see where she is headed.
EbbtideCheque Sorry about the delay in responding. Do you still have your dear old dog? That is such a hard thing for a caring dog owner to go through. Peace and good wishes to you.
Thank you.
I feel ya, I’m there too.😞
Zina Tibbetts
It’s natural! If your dog is happy it doesn’t matter!
I know you’re pain this is really hard for me I also got my dog when she was a puppy. At first I would cry and cry on it but I want to be strong for her because she is sad
Pets are selfless and forever loving creatures
This sort of thing is so heartbreaking in any species, humans or otherwise. Seeing your buddy going through such changes is awful.
Thank you so much for this video. I am sitting here crying my eyes out as we have an appointment at one for my 17 year old chi/rat terrier mix with CCD. I am struggling so hard with this decision. It’s been over a year of sleepless nights, finding him stuck in odd places and scared out of his mind. The past two nights since I’ve made the call have been measurably better. He also has an enlarged heart. I know it’s time, but this goes against every instinct I have. I love him so much.
I wen through what your going through last year. Frankie had all of the same things Cricket did. I would stay up with my Frankie all night when he would roam around getting stuck behind furniture, the toilet, and my bed. He would walk in circles. At first I thought he was playing when he would walk around me over and over. He was 16 and he was totally blind and deaf. I knew it was time, but I was selfish. Then one morning I woke up and he was in the kitchen lying in his own urine, I knew I had to take him in. It broke my heart but I did the hardest think I ever had to do, I just want to let you know that I know what your going through, I cried seeing this video too. My thoughts are with you🌈🌈🌈🐕🐕🐕
@@patricenagel9442my heart goes out to you and everyone else who has gone through this. Just last week I had to do it for my 17 year old girl Bongo. Her legs were gone, wouldn't sleep properly at night, cataracts,etc. It was time but also the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Also frustrating at the end. If anyone reads this and finds themselves getting angry at themselves for getting frustrated, you are not alone. It's hard to watch a once active and smart dog go downhill.
Cricket is lovable - still had youthful spunk at meal time!
Must have been really cute as a puppy
Yup. That’s my old girl. As long as she cuddles at night, remembers how to eat, and shows some engagement with her surroundings...we’ll keep on going. She’s 16.5 yrs old. I keep towels handy when she piddles on the floor.
My guy has just started and it’s heartbreaking 💔-we have changed his diet based on advice from vets and take everything day by day-I’ve even changed my work schedule so that he’s with me constantly! He gave me so much love and companionship that I’d do any for him! 😭
Thank you for this. I let my lovable 15 year-old miniature schnauzer (Kiki) cross the bridge yesterday. CCD had been ongoing for year or so but really magnified in the last month. Constantly walking in circles, getting stuck in furniture (to the point I had to dog proof the house), lost sight, going into a corner and staring down for minutes at a time, staring blankly into a wall, restlessness and pacing (only changing direction when she bumped her head into a wall). Putting my face next to hers usually resulted in a tongue bath but no more and I hadn't heard her bark in months. Plus many others: she lost her hearing 2 years ago, could barely stand up to eat/drink (I had to steady her), constantly stepping into the water bowl, wiping out while eating from the food bowl. Unable to steady herself while pooping -- she had a hunch that older dogs get and she couldn't climb back up a steep hill. A 20 lb dog virtually all her life she was down to 11 lbs. The thing that kept it going was she kept her appetite to the end and she would have a slight bounce in her step on some walks. But that was a small part. It was painful to watch her. A shell of her former self. It's a difficult decision to make and you wonder in the back of your mind if that's really the time.
Sounds like you chose just the right time (although it never feels like there is a right time). Cricket kept her appetite until the end as well. I'm sorry for your loss.
Once again...thanks! Sounds like Cricket led a great life!
My pom was 17 and had dementia. It was 10 pm when I watched for the last time my baby girl trying to drink from her water bowl but couldn't. I called my vet who was a woman and she came out and put her to sleep. Hoover(her nickname) was my girl til the end. Before she died we would go for long car rides and she would ride high on the cushins belted in the seat next to me. She loved it. She was and still is my forever girl. Her real name was Princess. We lived life together, travelled together, and still love each other forever.
My Sam (JR X corgi) is approximately 13 years old, a Dogs Trust boy, and he does these things constantly. He is almost totally blind and deaf. He's now started to sit at his water bowl staring. We have to limit how much water we put in the bowl because otherwise he'd drink it all, it's almost as if he forgets that he's just had a drink and starts again. I'm concerned that he has no quality of life anymore as he never wants to go out and can't see to play.
Is it time?
You described EVERYTHING my 12 yr old Andy is going through. It's been a steady decline since February, which began with hearing and steadiness loss. He already has a bad back so that just makes it worse. Then the circling started, falling into his bowls and off the bed, getting stuck in places and howling...He often can't sleep through the night, and will wake up circling until I have to grab him, wrap him tight in a blanket and push him down. I grappled with it being a possible brain tumor as he's a Boston Terrier and prone to glioblastomas, but considering there's been no seizures or vomiting, I've leaned more towards dementia. He's also down to 9.5 lbs, from 11.5 in May. Can't put on a pound yet eats the same amount of food. I know the time is coming, but I feel like as long as he's eating, maybe it's not his time yet..but seeing some of the other comments, relying on having an appetite is not the best indicator sadly. Thank you for this
Hi, thanks for posting this video. My black lab, Ashley, is 14 and has been declining for a little while now. I don't notice all of the symptoms of CCD, but I do see similarities. She circles but usually outside, and she doesn't seem to understand when I take her out, when it's time to go in. We live in north central WI where it's quite cold this time of year, and even when it is -10F out there, she walks with me up to the porch and promptly lays down on the ice and wants to stay there, as if she isn't feeling the cold.
Additionally, instead of turning away food or water, she compulsively will eat and drink. Nonstop. She also has gotten into the cat's litter box (something she never did before) and will snack there too (yuck) until I moved the cat box to a spot she can't get to. She'll eat the cat's food too (another thing she never did before) so now their dishes are also out of reach. She drinks from the toilet, so the lid stays down. A lot of changes!
Today while she was napping on my bed, her bladder let go in her sleep. That's the first time she's gone in the house since she was housebroken as a pup!
She doesn't come when called anymore, doesn't approach me to go out like she always has done, and I've had this girl all her life, so I know her very very well. But she's a different dog these days.
My baby Darla also a Rat Terrier will be 15 at the end of April and has been showing signs of Cognitive Dysfunction for alittle over 6 months now. It's been quite a challenge to adapt to her new behaviors. It's heartbreaking watching her pace back and forth with no intentions in sight. Her appetite is still great and she has pep in her step sometimes too, even leaps over an area she used to leap over when we would play fetch in the house. Her blood and urine workup come back ok but she's been drinking tons of water, which leads to messes. She's confined to the kitchen while I'm at work. She paces thru her messes leaving peepee paw prints throughout any area available to her. I'm definitely exhausted and stressed. She stares into corners and waits to be let out by the hinge side of the door like Cricket did. She crawls under and behind the oddest areas. I got home from work today to messes, fed my girl, cleaned up and attempted to give her a bath. Worse decision ever. Once the water hit her her anxiety shot thru the roof. I've never heard her cry like this. I had to check to make sure the temp was ok and it was. She just hated it, I had to take her out soaking wet with soap still on her. I should've never even put it on her or even tried bathing her. I just wanted to freshen her up. Clean her peepee paws. I will just use a cloth from now on. No more baths for my girl. She has been pacing in the kitchen for a good 2 hrs now. Next week we start her old gal 'anxiety' meds. I'm not a fan of such meds but I have to give in and try it. See how it goes. Super stressed furmomma over here. Thanks for sharing ur video. Feels better to know we're not alone. Read ur blog first.
My 14 year old miniature poodle, Angel, is going through this right now. She is diabetic, 2 injections a day, and has lost about 90% of her vision. It's hard to watch her like this. She still has a lot of moments of clarity but I've seen her display this behavior 2 times in the past week. She's been losing and finding me for many months now, especially with her being mostly blind, she'll think I'm still in the room and stand, stare, and wiggle her puffy tail, at what she thinks is me! Bless her little heart. Thank you for posting this video. I'm sorry you lost your sweet Cricket but she is helping other senior dogs, and their loving owners,
Thank you very much, Laurie. I'm so sorry about Angel's decline. I hope she lots of good times left with you. Have you talked to a vet about medication? Sometimes it can help.
You can be pround for giving Cricket such a wonderful loving, forever home.
I adopted an 18 yr old dachshund last year whose owner had died. Max isn’t showing these issues yet, but when I leave the house for any length of time, he thinks I’m gone forever. His joy when I return, alive, is heartwarming but I hate he has to go thru that fear.
Special people adopt older dogs, thank you. Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing a senior dog listed on Craigslist whose owner died and nobody wants them.
@@FranktheDachshund Yes seeing that at the shelter where I volunteered made me want to adopt senior animals. Nothing sadder than their faces when surrendered to a shelter after their owner has died.
Thanks for this video. I had to put my 17 year old beautiful girl Bongo to sleep last week, just before xmas.Been watching her go downhill this year with her legs, confusion, not sleeping at night, peeing in her sleep. She went downhill kinda fast, was still running around and jumping in July, then hurt her leg and everything seemed to kick in harder. Had her on the bed with me to help her sleep, but would wake up every 5 mins. I started leaving a blue light on at night so she wouldn't freak out as much.
I couldn't watch her not being the active, smart girl she once was and had to make the hardest decision of my life, even though I knew it was coming for a while. My heart goes out to everyone who has to watch their loved one go through this.❤
My little guy Caesar has just turned 17 and is definitely slowing down. He's forgetting where I am and has started pacing around the garden at night when he goes out to do his business. It's just so hard to know if it's just not fun for them anymore.
I'm so sorry. I totally understand what you're going through. My Chow Chow-Lab mix Pepper just turned 17.8 years old and he's definitely not himself. I wish they could live forever.
my dog Patch has been acting strangely the past couple of months and was diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction a couple of days ago. he's a 13.5 year old Toy Poodle. I've had him since he was 6 weeks old and it makes me so sad to see him going through this. It honestly is like losing a family member (almost worse) and he exhibits all of the symptoms that Cricket showed. I can't help but to find myself becoming emotional just thinking about one day having to let him go. I had always thought he would live until he was 20 years old and never imagined at 13.5 we would have to deal with this. One of the first things I noticed was his hearing and vision seemed to be off, followed by him not showing his teeth as often when we came home. yes, he actually smiles like a person (which is part of what made him so cute and unique). He's also become more aggressive towards our other dogs at feeding times. He seems to be progressing at an alarming rate and I feel like I can almost see him worsening daily. Our vet wants us to wait a couple of weeks before starting him on any medication. Of course I want to start him on any and everything now to see if it will help him live a longer and better life. The thought of having to put him to sleep is so hard. He has been my best friend since I was 11 years old and got him as a birthday present from my grandfather. Thanks for your videos and information online.
I found an old dog abandoned today. She’s covered in fleas and weak, saddest thing ever. She’s staying with me for the time being.
You just described my Jack Russell/Corgi. She is 16, paces constantly, pretty sure she mostly deaf, know her sight is going. But I love her so much!
My 11yr old Border Collie is starting to show signs with increased anxiety and confusion. Still love him though and he is still enjoying life to the full! He is now starting to forget to greet me when I get home which is a little sad because I loved his happy welcome home cuddles!
I'd just like to say I think everyone here loves their dog as much as i do. You are the people that I respect because you understand. My dogs would judge you and approve
Such a cute pup. My old dude Leon is startin to barely show some of these signs. He has to look a bit when I come home to make sure it's me. He sometimes goes outside to go potty and just stands there until I point and tell him to go potty. But he does the same dancing and jumping at food time and always has. He still knows when it's time too and will get up and stand or sit there staring at me until I get up to get his food ready.
Cricket sure looked like she had a good life!!
This breaks my heart seeing this, especially number two. But I guess at the very least she got to experience that joy of finding you over and over again, right? I'm sure that must have been nice for her at least
We let our sweet doxie, Gina, go today.. She was 13 and had slowly exhibited all of these behaviors for the last several months. But the big red flag was she no longer wanted to eat or drink. I would spoon feed her like a baby and squirt water in her mouth to keep her hydrated. After 2 trips to the vet in less than a week we made the decision to euthanize her. She was not even the same dog anymore, it was heartbreaking for us, but we felt like we owed it to her to do the very best for her. It was obvious that she was suffering, she stumbled around like she was drunk and panted and paced until she was physically exhausted and would drop anywhere and fall asleep. As hard as it was for us, it was the best thing for Gina.
Made me cry because I recognise that my best friend has some of these symptoms
My 16yo dachshund has some of these symptoms but not all, and mostly not to this degree other than forgetting what he was doing if not directly engaged, and then walking slowly for a few feet and then just standing there, looking at nothing, for a few minutes, and then slowly walking a few more feet and doing it some more. If there are people in the room moving around, he's more engaged and a bit more focused.
He has that same old-man narrow rear area as Cricket. He has also become pretty fanatical when it comes to eating. He was always non-discriminating and would try to eat all sorts of things he shouldn't. But now, he is pretty much only motivated and focused when food is involved. I honestly think he's forgotten that he may have eaten quite a bit just minutes or hours earlier.
He is also beginning to forget how to use his dog door properly.
He's still my boy, though and isn't in pain or any of that.
Thank you for the video. My little girl is 16 this year and a year ago we suspected that she had dementia, she has all the symptoms. Still though, like your baby, she has energy to walk and trot, and to eat her dinner. I know she won't last that long, she seems to get worse as the days go on. But Im so happy, I adopted her and spent all these years with me. She's just a beautiful dog.
+Anthoka Espiritu i'm right there with you sister. blessings on our babies.
Anthoka Espiritu ii
Thank you so much for this. I've shed a lot of tears watching it, but my little dachshund, Simon, is displaying all of these symptoms, and it's been a great help to know I'm not alone. It's a beautiful thing that you've done reaching out to folks going through the experience of watching the effects of CCD on our beloved pets.
Good luck with your little fella. If he's like my dog, the symptoms probably bother the humans more than they bother him.
God bless this cute dog and her loving owner. ♥
glad I found this video, though its a bittersweet comfort. My poor sweet girl Molly is 14 and recently began showing cognitive signs of her age, and all I can do is watch :( She's still a puppy in my eyes
Bless her heart. My dog is going through now. It’s so very hard to deal with.
Me too. I'm keeping him happy and loved but it's grinding away at me. He'll just stand in the middle of the room like the "off" button has been pushed. Good luck!
Your Cricket looked like a darling a perfect companion.. R.i.P little one
Can't thank you enough for posting this video. It's very clear and has given me insight into my old girl's behavior. I can tell Cricket is a good girl and a very lucky dog!
Lisa I'm glad you found something that worked so well for your dog!
our dog did the same thing , she was 16 also we loved her very much and miss her.
This is beautiful - to see the relationship between the two of you, and how you make her Golden years, truly wonderful ones.
This made me cry. When she kept forgetting you and greeting you again and again. Broke my heart. Little Cricket, such a cute dog.
Oh I'm so glad I came across your video of cricket!my dog merlin is also 16 and exactly the same issues ,getting stuck,standing by door etc.However just like you say,there is still life in my beloved Merlin and I intend to make his life beautiful to the end.As he has shown me endless love and loyalty. Thankyou.Tina.
Thanks for posting! My dog is doing similar things, but he's much younger than Cricket. It's helpful to see it "in action."
I'm 25 and witnessing my dog from childhood going through this. I adopted her when she was a puppy when I was 11. We both grew up together. She is the best friend I ever had. Sadly, she is reaching the end of her life. I know this and I feel like she also knows this.When I moved out I couldn't take her with me. My apartment does not allow dogs and she cannot jump onto or off of my bed or my couch anymore. Every time I visit my parents she stares at the wall, will walk into my old room and it will seem like she completely forgot why she went into the room until I call her name and let her smell me (she has gone blind in her old age). When I am there she gets my full attention. I'm talking ear scritches, belly rubs, head pats, chin scratches, the works.
It devastates me to watch my best friend go through this. I honestly don't know how I will handle the news when she passes.
I have a 16 y/o little poodle and he Just today woke up looking a bit odd as if he didnt know where he was or where to go. He is deaf and has clouds in his eyes but he is full of energy and loves his walks. Watching this video and reading the comments made me cry and comforted me at the same time. Love for all those elder pups.
She's beautiful RIP baby girl.
So cool to see her loving her food!
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for this . It really helped. Much more enlightened seeing video of these behaviours rather than reading a long list. I noticed you said she was looking for you and it made me think more that this is what my darling little doggie is doing. Going off to find me. Like Cricket she was always with me. Found this so helpful.
God bless you and Cricket! You have no idea how much you helped me with my beautiful Spike. Once diagnosed I found you both and was able to understand and support my baby boy until he left to be with the creator. I can’t express how grateful I am to be able to provide for him and understand how beautiful his mind changed. Many blessings and my Eternal Gratitude.
My little 16.5 year old Gizmo has started doing this and it's been hard to see but I will be here with him until the end! Just have to find what makes him happy and be very patient ❤
Thanks for sharing! Cricket looks so happy ❤️ I hope all is well
This video really helped me with my canine friend. You are a wonderful owner - an angel on Earth. :) Thanks for making it and uploading it!
What an adorable little dog she is. I can see why you called her cricket...that hopping at dinner time was really sweet.
Oh she is so darling... breaks my heart! Thank you for loving her so much that you wanted to help others like me- my Bull Terrier is almost 14 and displays every one of theses behaviors! I am trying Ginko, Melatonin, and a diffuser called Comfort Zone to see if she can feel a bit more like herself. Thanks so much.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with Cricket. My Chow- Lab mix dog "Pepper" is 17.8 years old. I got him from a pet rescue when he was only 8wks old and for the past 17.8 years he and I have been inseparable. Over the past few weeks I've noticed he has not been acting like himself. Lately he's been circling a lot and his hind legs have been giving out. I've been having to pick him up and carry him outside several times a day so he can poop and pee. Once he's outside though he forgets why he's there and starts circling again. I hate seeing him this way. But I can't imagine us not being together. I love him so much.
We recently lost our 17 year old dog Penny to this same disease. Your video did help us with the transition. While I often thought of posting my own video, Penny's progression was much worse. The walking in circles would continue to the point of exhaustion. It became so bad, her paws begin bleeding from walking the circle pattern on carpet. Running into walls, the problem with vision and finally unable to eat properly. Her final days were spent eating green beans and drinking Gatorade. Then, in the middle of this, she had a couple of good days. We were with her for all of her final days of life, making them as comfortable as possible. On her final day, there was no walking, eating or drinking. It's a terrible thing to experience.
Thank you for sharing this BEAUTIFUL video! My Furbaby is 15 and has shown the same behavior, but it's a part of life that not just dogs experience so do humans. We still have to LOVE them UNCONDITIONALLY just as we would our parents or any other love one🙏❤
It's sad watching our beloved canines getting older. My dog (Sheltie) will be 14 years old this month and her behavior has changed tremendously in the past year or so. She exhibits the same behaviors as your dog. She's always happy when it's "kibble time", and that seems to be her only enjoyment now, sadly. She has no interest in toys anymore. My dog has not shown any aggression, which is a good thing. In fact, she does not even bother to bark anymore and she used to be very 'vocal' in the past. Getting older is just a sad reality of life.
Thank you for this little video. It makes things much more clear. I have started to see some of these behaviors in my 13-year-old doggie. I love how you cared for her.
This made me cry. You are a wonderful person for taking such care of her. She will always be a beautiful soul. I won't ever forget this video. So Cricket lives on. In our hearts. Beyond heartbreaking.
Thank you Michael. She was a wonderful dog and yes, a beautiful soul. Your words warm my heart.
Thank you so much for making this video for everyone.
My poor baby has this extremely bad. He’s had severe separation anxiety and now this. He hasn’t been able to be left alone for 3 years.
Love the little suppertime dance! She is adorable, thank you for this most helpful info
My dog passed away in 2021. He had dog dementia and displayed all of these behaviors.
This video is 7 years old, dont know if cricket is still with you,
But i just want to thank you for whatever you have done this beautiful dog. You are a loving person
I wholeheartedly wish that people like you get everything in your life at utmost priority
Love for cricket
my 15 yo dog is doing all of these things and it breaks my heart. today i was cleaning the house and he just came and peed in my leg like i wasn't even there. i'm getting prepared for "the end", but oh God, it hurts so bad. i just hope he doesn''t suffer and has a quiet and peaceful passing. thanks for sharing. x
My Dino is doing this too. He’s a rat terrier that’s 14. But as long as he’s happy, eating and still likes to play and be his goofy self - I’ll be there for him no matter what! He’s always gonna be my puppy love!….. it’s so sad that the best things in life are given such little time with us on this earth.
Brilliant capturing of my 16 year old collie's behaviour and cognitive decline. You have put into words what I was struggling to describe. Thank you.
Chris McAteer, glad to help but sorry you’re going through this with your dog.
Thank you, my baby was just diagnosed and I wasn't sure what to expect. Knowledge helps.
That is heartbreaking to watch. As long as she gets pleasure out of life and not in pain, makes me feel better bless her.
Thank you, I needed this quite badly as I was feeling very guilty. Now, I know I loved my pup to the fullest.
I'm sure you did. Hugs.
Thank you. My peke is doing all these things now. But he is happy and responds to being held and petted. So I make sure he knows he is loved.
I'm glad he is still so responsive and you will have some more good time with him.
My 10 year old Shepherd mix has been acting weird for several months and I almost cried watching this because it looks a lot like her behaviour. Thank you so much for making it though, it's convinced me to take her to the vet tomorrow morning. Do you have any more advice on dealing with this? Your dog was so sweet and well loved.
My dog began wandering day and night a few days ago, she is a 16 year old poodle. It is so hard to get used to the idea that she won't be around sometime soon. We'll take her to the vet in the next couple of days, hoping to find something that will make time more enjoyable for her.
Your pup was adorable, makes me happy that she was so loved. Thanks for this, helps a little with the transition.
Thank Eileen for posting this video. My little Bailey is 15 this year. He's a shih tzu who's been with us for 5 years. He was already a senior when he moved in, and was extremely unfit at the time. Over the first few months he got a lot stronger. He went from not being able to walk up the two steps up from the backyard into the house, to jumping them; he became very playful and has been going to 2 or 3 walks around the neighborhood every single day since he arrived. He became stronger and very youthful in just a short period of time eating the best food and sleeping in his five beds around the house. Last year he started acting strange, and the last 6 months, after we moved to a new apartment, his little head has declined substantially. He has gone almost completely deaf, and his eye-sight has become poor. His back is stiff and his little legs are tired, and we had to put big rugs all around the house because he was slipping on the hardwood so badly he'd just fall over. The house now looks like a rug shop, but this way he gets traction. Sometimes he cries and whines for no reason, goes into the bathroom or the closet and sleeps there for a few minutes before realizing he's not where he thought he was...it's very sad to see him get less and less capable, and I only wish life had sent him my way a lot sooner. I'm looking at him right now, lying on the floor, looking at me with his big bulgy eyes and his little tongue half sticking out, and he's looking back at me in way that I can tell he still can recognize me.
Thank you Eileen, this was very helpful although painful. I watch my old Mate doing these exact same behaviours and am very anxious that I won't know when enough is enough. He still loves life mostly, but God it's hard to see him deteriorate. He's been such a smart alert boy. And it's very difficult to go out and leave him at home when I know he'll spend the duration of my absence looking for me…
My 8 year old chihuahua/jack russell mix was recently diagnosed with Dementia. I didn't realize at the time he was showing signs of the disease because it started as small things that just seemed lrrelevent. Everything in your video my dog does.. and it breaks my heart. We're going to a vet for a second opinion and to see what treatment plans we have. Thank you for posting this video!
This made me cry ❤️❤️
This was one of the best and eye-opening videos I came across about doggy dementia
The hinge side of the door was one of the first things I noticed with my old lady
Thank you for your video Eileen. :) What an incredibly fabulous Fur Mum you were to Cricket, I know she would have brought you much joy and you certainly made her life as wonderful as it could be. Your video is a great help as I suspected this with my 17 year old girl Phoenix (she has cancer, kidney disease, liver 'issues', pancreatitis... fading hearing and eyesight but still happy, eating and not in pain!). It's helped confirm that yes she has dementia as I suspected and some of her behaviours are not just due to going deaf and failing sight, but also given me faith it is not a death sentence and so long as she has quality of life and my help she can still enjoy her time here. Thank you for taking the time and effort to help other dog parents. From one dog Mum to another you know I understand the heart ache at the loss of one of our Fur Kids, so please accept my sincere condolences on Cricket's passing - gone but not forgotten, forever in your heart. Lots of love and hugs to you Eileen. XxXoOo
Thank you so much! I'm sorry I didn't see your lovely comment until now. I hope you still have your dear Phoenix. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you for this as well as your book, which I just got. It's very helpful, informative and seems like you did a lot of research. I have a Maltese rescue who is around 15. He started having anxiety about 1.5 yrs ago. He paces a lot at night and barks more. After reading your book I am better prepared to help him with the future symptoms.
Thank you so much, this really helped. Cricket loves you and it's so obvious in the video, sweet dog, good dog.
My mini poodle is 15 and a half and is like this. We thought it was his eyes but the vet said he can see well but the messages are not getting through to his brain. He doesn't let me out of his sight but often loses me in the house. It's difficult because he is completely deaf too so I have to tap him or wave at him sometimes to let him know I'm there. He still goes for his walks and the highlight of his life is breakfast and dinner time. We try to have someone home for him as much as possible. After all the love, loyalty and fun he's given us, he deserves it.
I am going through this exact same thing with my 16 year old Yorkshire Terrier, Sassy. I am crying so much as I type this... I haven't left my house in a while and I check every morning to see if she's breathing. I can't remember the last time I slept in my bed. I love her so much and it's breaking my heart. She's my first dog and I've had her since she was 8 weeks old. Although it's killing me, thank you for sharing.
My 17.5 year old German Shepherd Dog had a few senior moments before she passed away. The door hinge was one if them. She did it twice to two different doors. Bless out senior pets. 😊
This video shows exactly how my 16 yr old miniature poodle acts at times.. Thank you so much for posting!
Cricket is such a cutie. Sorry for your loss.. I am sure you did give her a very good life. She was very lucky to have someone so caring to look after her. Does this cause them anxiety?
My dog is 18 and has been showing signs of this for the last 2 years or so, but over the last few months it's gotten so much worse. Just a few days ago she had a severe seizure and she has become incontinent. She still walks around although not steadily (and aimlessly walking up and down the hall, surprised to see me sitting in bed when I hadn't moved at all). It's very sad to see her like this, but she still greets me, still begs for people food, still wags her tail and still sleeps soundly through the night with a peaceful look on her face. The vet said all of her vitals are very strong, it's only her mind that is going south. I'll never be ready to say goodbye :(
Thank you for sharing this video. I'm going through this right now. My little one is going to be 15 in a few days and has started displaying this behavior. Thank you as well for sharing how hapoy she is at rhe end of the video!
She's so cute. I love how she hops when you give her dinner . Bless her. Always be there for her. Dogs are our guardian angels .
This is exactly what my little 16 year old Jack Russel, Dodger is going through at the moment. I’ve had him since I was 5, and it hurts to see him confused and disoriented. He had a vet visit yesterday and they gave him some medication to help calm him. Thank you for making videos like this to help others ❤️
This hit home with me my little buddy Jake who is also a Jack Russell started showing these symptoms suddenly the past few days hes 17 this year and like you have had him since I was 5, I can't help but ask how your little Dodger is doing these days?
Thank you so much for posting this video @eileenanddogs. I am using your video as a reference on my gofundme campaign that I have recently started in an attempt to shed some light on the underlying causes of these behaviors.
My Toy Fox Terrier will be fifteen on September 11th, and she is just starting to show signs of CCD (mainly getting stuck). She is also blind and has other health problems, but she is still such a happy little girl. Thank you for the video. It helped me to see what to expect and look out for.
Very well done!! I was looking up dementia and found this. That cricket!!!
It gives me hope for my sweet old boy Blop - thank you for sharing
Cricket is very adorable when she hops in anticipation of suppertime ❤
Another brilliant video!!! Will be sharing on facebook. Thanks!!!
I used to work with people suffering CD/ dementia / Alzheimer.
Seeing Cricket's behavior makes one realise that the species aren't so far apart after all..
Thanks for sharing and caring.
I'm so glad to see Cricket's devotion to you and memory of you seeming to be mostly intact at the time of the recording.
You show and prove genuine love and gratitude for years of loyalty by standing by Cricket's side when memories start to fail.
Thanks ❤️
I am 75 and live alone quite happily.
i wonder when this starts to happen for me whether I will know.
I think my old dog had that... He did a lot of this stuff... So sad :(
This was very helpful for me with my 17 year old pet. Thank you for the video.
Such a sweet dog and wonderful owner. I love how u r patient with cricket
Thank you for posting this video.