Seems like Beagles get Lipomas commonly. They are just little benign lumps of fat. Both my Beagles have had a rare seizure, which, I read, is also common in Beagles, so I’m surprised nobody else has mentioned it. I do have medication from the vet, but since they are rare, and occur without warning, there is no reason to ever give the medication. My 3 y/o female Beagle has a lipoma, but my 14 y/o baby is the one I’m concerned about now, as he is now showing signs of senility, besides being quite deaf and practically blind. I don’t want to have him put to sleep, unless he shows signs of pain because we both love him to pieces. He has an old broken hip, so he has to be lifted up onto the couch and into the truck, etc. I currently give him 1-2 doggy Glucosamine chews daily. His teeth are in excellent condition from having occasional bones to chew on.

Loved your post!! I posted a reply about my saying goodbye to my first beagle, a girl named Baron. She was 15. My other beagle, a boy, Snoopy, was so very special to me. He would sleep between my legs at night. I was close to him, but lost him after knee surgery – probable reaction to the anesthesia. They tried to save him but were unable. That was 7 yrs ago and it still hurts. My current beagle is almost 6, Linus. (Notice the theme?) Linus is just this month starting to do that air-snapping, refusing walks twice now? What’s that about? I know he’s not crazy about getting the harness on but once on he’s usually raring to go. Even though he’s not yet “senior”, he’s showing similar signs, and I’m wondering if it’s related to his liver shunts. Medically managed and done great since 8 mos. He has extra-hepatic And intranasal-hepatic shunts. Gonna make earlier vet appt to discuss things. I’m not prepared to lose this boy too at an early age. Oh the joy beagles have given me.

God bless you and Roxie. I’ve raised 4 beagles. The first lived to be 15. I think she may have made it to 16, but the last year she was suffering from kidney disease and was incontinent of urine, as well as in pain from arthritis. Medication kept her fairly comfortable as did preparing a special place for her bed close to the door to go outside for potty breaks. I finally knew when it was time to gently say goodbye and take her to the rainbow bridge when she had so much difficulty just standing up one day, crying out in pain, which was in itself unusual. And she couldn’t make it to the door. I had to carry her outside to do her business and carry her back in. I called my son, who grew up with her, and when he arrived we took her to the vet. The vet confirmed it definitely was time. Very difficult and painful, but a fact of life. The vet made the process as easy on all of us as possible. But we will always have the memories of many great years. I think Roxie will let you know when the time comes. Just keep communicating with your vet and be aware of what Roxie is telling you. Enjoy the golden years with your beloved girl!

We take each challenge as it comes, but I cried when she didn’t hear me last night. At first I wasn’t sure if she was just snubbing me because I went to work yesterday or if she genuinely didn’t hear me, but I startled her when she finally realized I was home. I cleaned her ears and gave her a bath (which didn’t help my case, she HATES bath time). She definitely had some gunk in her ears, but I think we’ve cleared it out.

She’s on appoquel for her allergies and when I go to the vet to pick up her RX I’m going to schedule another appointment for her. I try to do best by her and give her the best life, she’s my baby girl, my little love bug. According to this article, 13 is a mile marker for her and I’m doing my best to accept and adjust to the changes so that I can make things as easy for her as possible. I can’t imagine my life without her.

How will I know when she’s had enough? I’m not big on euthanasia, but I also want the rest of her life to be comfort, quality and pain free.

That’s amazing

Despite his age, he is still quite playful and active but I suspect he has begun losing his hearing and his sight may be impaired. If I reach over him or try to pet him from above (like next to me on the sofa) he wakes with a startle and over the last few months, he’s added a grumbled snap. Nothing that actually makes contact but the “air bite” is a new development that we all have learned to be mindful of.

I have always fed him fresh food that I cook and provided filtered water. I genuinely believe this is why he has never had issues with his kidneys, bladder, skin, joints or teeth so far. Its definitely not because I brush his teeth–that has never been an easy task! He’s had a heart murmur since 8 weeks, but even to this day, his vet is astonished that it has never progressed past that stage. I think the key is to listen to your beagle. I talk to him like a person everyday and just trust the thoughts that pop into my head as his answer. So far so good, but one day I will miss my boy. Thank you to all the beagle families for allowing me space to share my love for Griffin. Wishing every family, every beagle love, love, love.