corky
Ontario BSL rescue
I think Sam, my 11-year-old Kees, may be suffering dementia. He's not socializing with the family or his 12-year-old girlfriend anymore. He only wants to be outside. He barks at the door every morning at 6 am -- even on weekends *groan* -- to be fed and after the food is gone he does it again... and again. I think he forgets he's eaten. I give him raw veggies like carrots to chew on so he can continue to eat without gaining weight.
He has a massive, non-malignant tumor on his groin, too, that the doc said shouldn't be operated on; apparently its surrounding a gland and will just grow very quickly again. And he may not survive surgery. Unfortunately the tumor pushes on his bladder -- like a pregnant belly -- so he dribbles pee. I guess its good he prefers to be outside. I have to watch his weight because it affects the size of the tumor.
His 12-year-old girlfriend is ignoring him now. They were inseparable before, but Sam's personality has changed and she doesn't care to be with him anymore. The foster dog we've had since December will attack Sam, given the chance, so we keep them separated at all times which works well. Can the other dogs detect that Sam is unwell? Is that why they don't like him anymore? Or is it just because he's annoying with his inappropriate barking for food.
Do any of you have experience with a dog with dementia? Is there anything I can do? This is a new change for Sam; its been going on for about a week.
He has a massive, non-malignant tumor on his groin, too, that the doc said shouldn't be operated on; apparently its surrounding a gland and will just grow very quickly again. And he may not survive surgery. Unfortunately the tumor pushes on his bladder -- like a pregnant belly -- so he dribbles pee. I guess its good he prefers to be outside. I have to watch his weight because it affects the size of the tumor.
His 12-year-old girlfriend is ignoring him now. They were inseparable before, but Sam's personality has changed and she doesn't care to be with him anymore. The foster dog we've had since December will attack Sam, given the chance, so we keep them separated at all times which works well. Can the other dogs detect that Sam is unwell? Is that why they don't like him anymore? Or is it just because he's annoying with his inappropriate barking for food.
Do any of you have experience with a dog with dementia? Is there anything I can do? This is a new change for Sam; its been going on for about a week.
