My senior dog won't walk, is deaf, losing sight, and having accidents.

Question

Hi, I am looking for advice, I have an 18 year old JRT dog who has been going downhill for the past year, he no longer wants to go walks and has been deaf for a few years but is now starting to lose sight as well and is bumping into more things. For the past year we have been living with him doing the toilet inside the house now and leave puppy pads out at night, but for the past 6 months he has taken to walking in circles and spreading the mess around the floor, I know it won't get better. Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 18 years and 7 months old | 20 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Sammy has been declining. From your description, I sounds like Sammy may have several medical issues going on. It is hard to get a good idea of what all the issues may be without examining Sammy first and I would encourage that an exam be done on Sammy with his veterinarian soon to fully discuss and evaluate Sammy's conditions. Perhaps he has osteoarthritis, other degenerative joint or neurological dysfunction of his hind limbs making walking difficult and painful for him. It also sounds like he may have some vision loss or visual deficits making navigating around challenging. Lastly, the walking around in circles and defecating in the house may be related to canine cognitive dysfunction (canine dementia). He may also be experiencing some incontinence as well. Aside from the incontinence he may have from older age, there are medications and other holistic treatments that can help with the possible dementia as well as joint pain that may help make him feel a bit better and improve his quality of life. I think a good evaluation and discuss with Sammy's veterinarian would be a very good idea at this point. I hope this helps and I wish you and Sammy the best.

My senior dog won't walk, is deaf, losing sight, and having accidents.

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