Princess sleeping all the time

[belvin20]

My 16 plus girl is slowing down quite a bit, she sleeps about 20 hours a day. I took to the vet last week to have her checked out, all is well, still eating, all functions are normal. I am just concerned as Princess gets close to 17yrs old, she seems to be getting reclusive and just seems to not want to be bothered. I have 2 other Shelties (4yrs & 1yr), they just seem to bug her and just wants to be left alone. I realize at this age she is likely getting near the end of her life. The vet said that as long as she is eating and is sleeping confortably, and is not sick, I should just go with the flow and take care of her as she wants to be cared for. She is a house Sheltie, she finds her spot and she seems happy to be there.
Anything else from you who have had old Shelties can think of I should do or look out for Princess.

Princess was a rescue that I adopted 11 years ago and she has been a great girl. no problems, just normal aging proglems, hearing going, eye site going, a little arthritus, etc.

[Sumac3890]

Our Maggie just turned 16 in December, she sleeps alot and can't hear well. She seem's to be pretty good, but some nights she wakes up and wanders- get into odd places and can't get out. She does get into the vertical blinds.
I have ordered an x-pen for her to sleep in at night.
I think it is a normal age thing for them to sleep alot.

[ortegah]

Our Lacy was almost 16 when we had to put her down. Her last year or two we just were extra careful to not bother her too much. And because her hearing was almost all gone, instead of touching her while she was asleep to wake her up, we'd tap our foot on the floor next to her so she'd wake up smoother. If we touched her while she slept, she'd flop around like a fish out of water, freaking out.

The vet told us about 2 years before we lost her that her vitals were slowing down and every time she'd see the vet they'd get just a little slower.

That's about all I can think of.

[Jaynie]

They just don't stay with us long enough, do they?

My Neechee lived to be almost 18. Those last few years, he would sleep so deep, I'd have to wake him up to make sure he was just sleeping. His hearing was bad, and he went blind about six months before he died. As long as your senior still has quality of life (i.e. enjoys food, interacting with you, being petted, etc.) I'd say just let nature take its course.

About a year before he died, Neechee had either a stroke or a seizure. He was always a little feeble after that, but he still enjoying barking at hubby while he was trying to eat! I took him everywhere with me that last year - he even attended church every Sunday and Wednesday. He had another stroke or seizure a year later, and told me himself that it was time to go.

My advice would be to keep a good eye on her, and enjoy the time you have left together. She'll know when it's time and so will you. Keep her as healthy as possible, give her a few yummy treats (Neechee loved baby carrots and canned green beans), and a good vitamin with a daily dose of glucosamine chondroitin (to help with the arthritis). Try to keep her on as strict a schedule as possible. As time goes by, you may have to keep her in a confined space as her eyesight deteriorates or if she gets into the habit of wandering.

[Shelby's mom]

Hollie was almost 14 when we had to put her to sleep. She was fine until her last 3 days. She did sleep a lot and also lost her hearing. We would gently blow in her face to wake her otherwise she would be so startled she would snap.

Like stated previously give her all the love and attention you can. Treats are nice too. You will know when it is time to say good bye. She will let you know. Enjoy every minute you have.

[missjenneygirl]

I think the greatest thing for our old friends is a very thick (6"to 8") dog bed...large enough for them to stretch out. It is so comfy for their old bones, and gives them a safe place to rest.

[Chris]

I agree with Connie. Our dear old Collie, Lassie, slept her days away blissfully on a memory foam bed. Think of all those wonderful dreams!

[sable]

I agree with Connie too. These little shelties as they age go on a journey and we travel that journey with them.