older dog, whining/howling at night and other weird behavior
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Anonymous
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We are visiting my parents’ house for the week and our 14 year old labradoodle is with us. He has been here before but only like once a year so I would say it is an unfamiliar setting for him.
He is acting unusual in the evenings - whining and howling, and pacing around the house sniffing everything. When he is in this state he doesn’t respond to our calls to him or our attempts to pet and comfort him. Tonight he made a BM on the kitchen floor, in our presence so like he didn’t even know it was wrong (and we just had walked him). Historically he has never had accidents, even when sick (my mother who is very quick to judge even has said he is not acting like himself). Other times in the day he’s acting great - happy, snuggly, enjoying walks and hanging in the yard. He doesn’t otherwise seem ill or in bad spirits. I am very worried about him and would appreciate any thoughts or ideas of what may be going on. It has crosses my mind as to whether this is dog dementia, but it came on so suddenly and dramatically which is not how I have read it typically presents. Also it seems triggered by being in my parents’ house? |
Anonymous
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Dementia happens in stages in dogs as in people, and with mild cognitive decline it is common for elder humans to feel agitated and uncomfortable in less than familiar surroundings including ones they’ve visited before but not regularly. And late in the day the sun downing effect exacerbates these mood dysregulations.
So yeah, a 14 year old dog likely has some mild cognitive decline and what you’ve described is just a manifestation of your dog’s declining ability to roll with the punches of visiting away from home and feeling confident and settled in less than familiar surroundings. Just love him extra and give him grace. |
Anonymous
| It’s normal for old dogs. They sundown and have doggy dementia. The vet can either give trazadone or they now have dementia meds for dogs. My 16 year old dog gets up to bark at nobody at the door every night at 2 am. |
Anonymous
| Thanks to you both from OP. So do you think this came on suddenly because of the change in environment? Our dog has been acting this way on and off this morning, too (so not just after sundown). |
Anonymous
It’s most likely the environment change was too much for him at his age. When you get home I’d just make a vet appointment to discuss it and they will prescribe you something for him if you want it. |
Anonymous
| Everything is harder on the old guys. Plus tummies get upset from travel. |
Anonymous
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I feel so guilty - we specifically brought our dog with us because boarding has become stressful for him - apparently now travel with us is stressful, too.
- OP |
Anonymous
Don't feel guilty. You are caring for him and keeping him close. If he were in boarding or home alone (I know unlikely) he would be more afraid. |
Anonymous
| Have him checked by you vet if the behavior persists. Sudden onset does not seem consistent with dementia. Some health issues can present as new or worsening anxiety and it is really better to check. |
Anonymous
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Another thing to consider with the whining and howling...my senior dog did that a ton, and then she was mostly silent. I thought she had developed some sort of anxiety, or that something was bothering her that I couldn't find, etc. She was going deaf, and that was an early sign. It is likely worth asking the vet if hearing loss is kicking in.
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Anonymous
| Our dog barks at night, but usually when she hears other dogs barking. |
Anonymous
Maybe you can get someone to stay in your house next time? |