I have a very old dog and just yesterday she has started to run off. We have to chase her down because she will not stop for anything. She has never run off from us before, as a matter of fact she is always at our side when she is outside. Why would she all of a sudden just start running off?
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Well, I have 2 ideas. Maybe she's got the dog version of "old timers" and maybe she's sick and lots of dogs want to go away when they're ill. Maybe you could ask your vet by phone.
I hate to say this but she maybe trying to go off to die. I have had 3 dogs do this over the years and I have learned that old dogs will leave their pack when they are ready to die because in the wild they do not want other predictors to realize that there is a weaker animal in the pack.
We had this happen to us, and I agree that she is ready to go and is looking for a certain place.
We brought our dog home twice and the third time we went for him he had passed.
It was very heart breaking, he was 17 and was missed terribly.
My Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix has managed to go off to a very busy street several blocks away when inadvertently left outside for a few minutes. She is evidently suffering from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which is the canine equivalent of Alzheimer's in humans. My last little dog also had this at the end of her life. Maggie is probably about 16 to 17 as near as the vet or anyone can tell, since she came from a shelter with no info.
My dog is now 15 and has doggie dementia. The last few days he's been running off as soon as the door is open and our backs are turned. Today he took himself off to his old walking route. Luckily a lady stopped him. He's deaf so we can't shout him.
Sometimes you have to outsmart them. When they successfully run off, they realize how easy it is. I would try keeping her on the leash so that she cannot run off. Anything could happen to her. You will never know exactly why she is doing it. Now all you can do is protect her. I know how challenging older dogs can be. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I agree you should phone your vet. He or she may have an answer for you without a visit, or may want to see your "fur baby."
My dog just started doing this did you ever why? And it's the exact same thing. He's always by my side he's 14 and he just today he won't stop leaving.
My dog has started doing this over the last week. His only 6. His behaviour has changed dramatically. I'm not to sure what to do. His out smarting us at the minute.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!