My 17-yr-old springer is in some kind of obsessive-compulsive rut. >

[mr_hat]

This is Charlie. He turns 17 in a week. He's got arthritis in his front left hip, so his walk is this weird, head-bobbing limp. He's deaf, and near blind. Can't control his poops.

Other than that, he seems fine. Tail wags, still on his food, still gets excited to come in the house.

The bad thing, though, is that he ceaselessly limps around in the same pattern: family room to kitchen. Stand by the back door. Look confused. Repeat. Again and again. The only variation is when he plops down to lick his forepaws, also obsessively.

I've never had a dog who's lived this long. I guess it's senility, but it's painful to watch. Wish I could wind him down somehow and give him peace.

Any ideas?

[CottonBear]

1. Have you spoken with your vet?

Perhaps an alternative therapy vet could help. They offer acupuncture, accupressure and massage therapy. He could be made more comfortable with homeopathic medicines and joint health supplements. How about a soft dog bed where he lays down in the house? Good luck. Very pretty dog.

[HEyHEY]

2. I used to have a springer - I hope he's better soon.

[Southsideirish]

3. When my 22 yr. old kitty started going to sleep in her litter box

- along the problem of her her failing kidneys - I had her put to sleep. We stayed with her and held her in her favorite "blankie" until she died. It was very quick - one shot and she was gone.

[madison2000]

4. there's some good medications for arthritis that might help

I love my old dog too.

[hatredisnotavalue]

5. My 14 yo Buffett died this year

Every morning, went downstairs peed, came up the stairs and barked to be let out side to go pee. Except he had already done his business in the cellar. Every morning for almost a year. Never had an accident in his life before this. Deaf as deaf and almost blind and lots of arthritis.Your pup is just getting old.

Humor him, I did. I miss my guy so much. Make him a special dinner every night. My Buffett loved hamburger grease poured over Little Friskies. I swear that kept him going another six months.