Senior boy

C

Cathy

Forums Novice
Hi there sheltie lovers. I have a soon to be 16 year old sheltie. For his age he is healthy. Still gets around, runs around the back yard, has a good appetite. He does have some kidney failure beginning but my concern is that he has started going to the door, he rings the bells to go out. I carry him down the deck steps, he wanders a minute and makes his way back to the door to come back in. The problem is that he circles the den for a few seconds and rings the bells again as if he hasn't been out. He does this over and over and over. Really only in the afternoon. It's just unusual behavior. Could he have some sort of dementia?
 
He could have dementia, Cathy. There have been recent studies that show senior dogs can have cognitive difficulty. There's a human form called "sundowner effect" that occurs in the afternoon...I don't know if dogs can get that too. You may find some of the articles online. I'd speak with your vet about it.

You are so fortunate to have him for 16 years! I hope you have lots more time with him!
 
Thank you. I have heard of sundowners. I hadn't thought about that though. Yes I am so fortunate to have him. My other sheltie passed away before his tenth bday from complications of a accident four yrs earlier that left him paralyzed. We did rehab and I taught him to walk again! But the injury eventually took him from us. My heart is still broken and I can't imagine life without this guy!
 
What a beautiful thing to be blessed to have him so long. I just loved my senior and now have a soft spot for the committed older ones.

He may have some starting. My boy didnt until the very end. I do admire that he still rings the bell! Or he may just need to pee more often or not emptying all the way
 
Wonderful to have your boy for 16 years. May he have many more with you to enjoy.
 
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