baffled

Parent Cafe
1

<p>This is such a strange problem…I (we) have a 16 yr old cat (which 3/4 of us are allergic to) but # 4 would be devastated if anything happened to the cat. We also have too many dogs…lol…but they are shih tzu’s supposedly not so bad for ppl with allergies if ur on top of baths etc. Ok…</p>

<p>We have a 15 yr old shih tzu, who is bonkers…for real. I realize it may be dementia, she sits and stares at space when u are calling her name, she is no longer potty trained…she whines and pants and pants day and night.</p>

<p>We have 't changed a single thing. I try loving her more, …scolding…etc…u name it…but as I type…she just jumped on the chair beside me and is panting for all shes worth…and the house is at 68</p>

<p>shes panting and staring at nothing…when I call her name, she looks at me, and keeps panting
…she’s now gotten dog # 3 to be clingy…lol
at least I thought she was clingy to start…now I know it is dementia…but, how do u deal with this:(</p>

2

<p>Take her to the vet in the morning. She has a physical problem that needs to be diagnosed and treated, if possible.</p>

3

<p>Dogs can pant when they’re in pain. I agree, take her to the vet tomorrow.</p>

<p>I know that our 14-year old mini schnauzer is going deaf, and her eyes aren’t as good anymore, so getting her attention has become a game sometimes.</p>

4

<p>agree- she may have a kidney or other infection that can diminish bowel control</p>

5

<p>Animals can become senile. Their pain and confusion can be heartbreaking. Don’t scold her any more…she probably can’t help it. Take her to the vet.</p>

6

<p>Panting is also a sign of stress. My english setter is quite old and has dementia. He pants and whines constantly. It is heartbreaking, you just need to have the vet assess whether theres any physical pain, and deal with the rest with patience and compassion. </p>

<p>I am so not looking forward to the day when the Vet says its time…</p>

7

<p>To me this sounds just like our elderly schnauzer a couple of years ago. We put her on the canine dementia medication (Anipryl) and three weeks later she was a new dog. Her day and night were no longer switched, she was playing and having fun, anxiety was gone. Physically she lasted only about 4 more months but her quality of life was so much better. I wished I had read the signs of her needing the meds much earlier.</p>

<p>There was another thread on this about a year ago. Good luck with your sweetie.</p>