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16 yr old mini dachshund

1209 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  hanksimon
Hello, I have a 16 yr old mini dachshund who have had since she was 8 weeks old.... she was my very first dog so senior life is new to me. She went to the vet in march 2020 and I was told she was in good health aside from arthritis trying to set up in her little legs.
Over the year her eyes have gotten very cloudy, weight wont seem to stay on, and she sleeps 95% of the day, barely makes it to the puppy pads on a good day but shes my baby.....

I guess my question is how do you know when to do more for them? I dont feel it's her time to leave me just yet but I don't know what to do to help her see or anything to help... shes ran into a few doors and then it's like she gives up and goes back to her bed

I have her food and water semi close to her bed so she can find it, and she sleeps in my room so I can hear her pitter pat (haha) she has helped me through so much I just wanna help her now....
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If she were mine, I'd get a second vet evaluation to make sure that none of what you describe is caused by something easily treatable or potentially painful. A lot can happen with a sixteen year old dog in a few months, and if she were mine I'd want to be sure there isn't an underlying condition I needed to be keeping an eye on - the weight loss would be my biggest concern if she's eating normally, less so if her appetite just isn't as good anymore.

Otherwise, so long as she seems bright and enjoying life, I'd keep doing what you're doing. Make things as easy for her as possible, feed her whatever she'll eat, and cherish every day you have with her. The general rule I've heard when it comes to vision impaired and blind dogs is to try not to move anything in her space as much as possible - chairs always get pushed in the same way when not in use, no putting boxes or other obstacles down where they might confuse her, and no rearranging furniture. This can at least help make it easier for her to mentally map her living space, even if she's not active much anymore.

It sucks to think about, but I'd also start considering at what point you feel is right to make the call for euthanasia. Some people find that making a list of their dog's five favorite things, and when they can no longer do or enjoy at least three, it's time to consider that they no longer have quality of life. It's good to think about this in advance, because it's easier to make clear decisions and not wind up in a position where you feel you waited too long - which is always a horrible thing to experience.
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