Something is wrong with Jill

[P3tm0m]

I can't explain it. She's been like this the last coupe of days. She just stands and stares into space-not at anything in particular. Since she is deaf, I have to go up to her and get her attention. It usually startles her and she jumps. My mom and Carl seem to think she's depressed. She's been pacing a lot lately too. Carl said she's having a delayed reaction to Susie's death-will be 6 months on the 5th. I figure it might just be her age but sometimes when she's so zoned out, it's kind of scary. Anyone have any idea what could be wrong?

[borzoimom]

Well short of a check up at the vets, let me toss this out for what its worth. If she is standing and you are trying to get her attention, thus she gets startled- then does it more or longer next time- my guess would be that she is trying to figure out why she is getting startled. In other words- she is like internalizing so to speak. After a check at the vet, I would not try to get her attention. Let her figure out for herself there is nothing to worry about- i.e. nothing is going to startle me- I may as well lay down..
The only other thing I can think of is maybe her eye sight is changing and again- she is trying to figure that out as well. Or can't figure out her environment for a few seconds. Notice if its occuring more during the day or night. If night time, could be failing eye sites. If day time, her own shadow could be confusing her- or even your shadow coming up behind her. I had a dog that had PRA and as her sight faded, shadows confused her..

[fairlight]

Just give a slight tap on the floor with your foot and she will feel the vibration, this way she will be less startled. As for Jill's focusing.....she's a wee bit of an older dog. For example, ever walk into a room and totally forget as to why you came in there or what you were even looking for? That's called one of two things...A Senior Citizen's Moment...or a CRS.

[EmmaGirl]

Originally Posted by P3tm0m

I can't explain it. She's been like this the last coupe of days. She just stands and stares into space-not at anything in particular. Since she is deaf, I have to go up to her and get her attention. It usually startles her and she jumps. My mom and Carl seem to think she's depressed. She's been pacing a lot lately too. Carl said she's having a delayed reaction to Susie's death-will be 6 months on the 5th. I figure it might just be her age but sometimes when she's so zoned out, it's kind of scary. Anyone have any idea what could be wrong?

I can imagine how scary this may seem to you. I loved what Fair said about stomping your foot, just for the vibration. See what her reaction is.
Could be a lingering depression. Could be some senility setting in, some memory loss...it's so hard to say.
I would have her checked out to rule out anything that may outstanding. If, given a clean checkup, you may just have to be the one to adjust to her way (and not she to yours).

Best of luck.

[Reyven]

I would say it is probably nothing to be too concerned about, but a check up at the vets wouldn't be a bad idea.
I would check her eyesight, since you said she is old, it may be starting to decline. It could also be neurological, or memory relapses, or possibly depression. Most time, with depression also comes other symptoms such as not eating, lazing around, acting out of character, etc.
I'm sure it's something simple to deal with!

[BratBoxers]

Originally Posted by fairlight

For example, ever walk into a room and totally forget as to why you came in there or what you were even looking for? That's called one of two things...A Senior Citizen's Moment...or a CRS.

LMAO thanks Fair Those moments happen quite often for me and Im far from a Senior.

[P3tm0m]

Jill is old (14) and she is going blind-I've thrown treats down and she doesn't even see!! I just wonder what she's thinking or if she even is. She looks like she's really watching something and until someone comes up to her, she'll just stand there-kind of reminds me of a hunting dog. I've paid extra attention to her and even let her up on the furniture, with help of course. It probably is just her age!

[fairlight]

Yes, age has a lot to do with it, but give some consideration to tapping your foot a bit on the floor. It will not startle her. It will get her attention.

[P3tm0m]

Originally Posted by fairlight

Yes, age has a lot to do with it, but give some consideration to tapping your foot a bit on the floor. It will not startle her. It will get her attention.

I'll try it and see what happens and let you know what she does.

[fairlight]

Please do!!! Start with a small tap and then work your way up. This way it will also determine how hard or strong your stoms must be. Just because a dog is deaf does not mean she/he cannot be productive.