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Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1  As our darlings age, they can easily become more dependent, or "insecure" with their surroundings, much more needy.....something as "simple" as a changing eye sight issue can really affect their personality.....they realize there is something that is not right, but they don't have any idea what is going on. Changes in hearing or eye sight is very noticeable to them, but it is confusing and frightening. That could explain this "neediness" you see in your aging baby now....realizes changes are happening to her eyesight and hearing and even movement in aging joints, but she doesnt understand what in the world is happening and it is frightening to her....she wants her mommy to make it better and keep her safe.
A good vet visit is the right thing to do. Hopefully, your vet is a good vet, compassionate and sensitive to changes due to aging, as well as issues that may be caused by system failures secondary to aging organs and systems......painful joints due to progression in age can be alleviated with medication and could make a world of difference. It may not be anything that simple, and it is necessary you have a concerned, attentive vet assessing your senior. Make sure the compassion as well as attentiveness to what YOU are relaying to him, and a genuine concern for your senior is clearly obvious to the vet, not just a "get 'em in, get 'em out, take this pill, let me know" attitude. Let us know what the vet sees as the issue with your aging little lady! |
Totally agree.
As our kiddo's age, their senses can change (sight/hearing etc) and this can lead to feeling some fear and neediness. Like us humans, dogs can also have mind/memory/cognition issues as their minds age too...and that can be scary for them. Some dogs even get dementia, and there are meds to try for that.
But you also mentioned her being more greedy about treats and about her breathing. On the treats -- does she have a marked increase in hunger overall? Does she seem desperate about food? On the breathing...is she lethargic, breathless, panting, less energetic....?
And on top of that, *any* other random symptoms like fur loss, drinking/peeing a lot, pot belly shape, recurrent skin infections, ear issues, overall lethargy, panting, heat intolerance, hind leg weakness....just anything...?