My dog has dementia. Any advice please.

I lost my little dog to dementia almost 2 years ago,she was put on medication,which helped and out walking she walked very close to walls,as she had a cataract and another was developing
I took her for a check-up and more medication, but the vet said her organs were failing and she had gone blind
The vet said she needs to be put to sleep,i was shocked and burst into tears
I wanted to take her home and he said ok, but you might need to bring her back tomorrow,
I had her on my bed next to me, and heard her crying at around 4am, she was in the bathroom trying to get behind a radiator,or seemed to be,she was pressing her head against the wall,
I know now i should never have brought her back home
I took her the next morning as soon as they opened,
Please don't let your dog suffer longer than she should
I feel guilty for insisting on bringing her home
It was the shock and i should have let her go before

My first thought was she's doing this at night so perhaps try leaving a light on where she sleeps. i had a terrier who went blind and a friend suggested leaving a light on which helped her to settle. I have another dog who is blind and I leave the hall light on, with the doors open because I think that they do sense light and dark.

I'm not suggesting that your dog is blind but do try it. Otherwise, I agree with Smileless2012 and you should consider euthanasia. It is hard but may be the best thing for her.

We had a cat that had a stroke in the middle of the night - on my birthday! The only thing that settled him was for me to cuddle him, which I did until the morning and we could take him to the vet.

Another cat developed a tumour behind his eye. The vet gave him an injection - a temporary treatment. For about 6 weeks he was like a kitten, no arthritis, happy and content. Eventually it caught up with him, and when he started to go downhill we knew it was time he went back to the vet to be put to sleep.

I suggest that you see how the treatment goes for a few days. If it helps, try to spend a few quality weeks with your much-loved dog knowing that it's an opportunity to make happy memories.

I do hope the treatment helps and allows you some sleep!

My cat was probably suffering from dementia when she died at the grand old age of 22. Nothing like this of course, no obvious noise from her, but she seemed to get forgetful. I'm sorry, I didn't want to read and run, but you might have to think about when enough is enough for your canine companion. I know it is awful for you but be guided by your vet and remember that you are definitely doing the best for her.

Hi katsue I've never experienced a pet developing dementia but over many years, as all animal lovers have to do, had to make that awful decision to have a much loved pet put to sleep
because it would be unkind to allow it carry on.

I'm so sorry but wonder if this wouldn't be the kindest thing for your much loved dog.

With such little time being settled and most of the time wondering around barking at nothing, scratching at doors etc it does sound as if she's stressed.

Your vet will of course make the appropriate recommendation so perhaps you should discus euthanasia with him/her.