Dog suddenly wants nothing to do with me

[Anonymous]

I am at such a loss - my previously very affectionate, cuddly dog who followed me around now seems to want nothing to do with me. He spends almost all of his time sleeping in his bed whereas before he loved following me around, cuddling on the couch with me and would object when I went into my own room/bed and shut the door (he used to ask to sleep with me every night).

I took him to the vet to make sure he wasn't in any pain - they did X-rays and found nothing, and he is walking/jumping normally. He also had a vet visit last month where he got blood tests, etc. and got a clean bill of health. He also eats and uses the bathroom normally.

I am panicking. Anyone have any insights? TIA.

[Anonymous]

What happens if you go to him? Will he wag his tail and kiss you? Arthritis won't show up in X-rays, right? Maybe it's that. Does he still have the same energy level?

Also, did you change soaps/laundry detergent? Do you smell different in some way? Are you cheating on your dog? Do you now have a cat or something?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What happens if you go to him? Will he wag his tail and kiss you? Arthritis won't show up in X-rays, right? Maybe it's that. Does he still have the same energy level?

Also, did you change soaps/laundry detergent? Do you smell different in some way? Are you cheating on your dog? Do you now have a cat or something?

So coincidentally - the vet couldn't 'find' any pain, but gave me an anti-inflammatory for him regardless in case (galliprat). I believe it is often used for anxiety. Wondering now if that is making him 'out of it'. Without getting into it, his breed is unfortunately prone to joint/back issues.

My S/O has been spending a lot more time over here lately and does wear a rather distinctive deodorant...but dog seems to like him?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What happens if you go to him? Will he wag his tail and kiss you? Arthritis won't show up in X-rays, right? Maybe it's that. Does he still have the same energy level?

Also, did you change soaps/laundry detergent? Do you smell different in some way? Are you cheating on your dog? Do you now have a cat or something?

So coincidentally - the vet couldn't 'find' any pain, but gave me an anti-inflammatory for him regardless in case (galliprat). I believe it is often used for anxiety. Wondering now if that is making him 'out of it'. Without getting into it, his breed is unfortunately prone to joint/back issues.

My S/O has been spending a lot more time over here lately and does wear a rather distinctive deodorant...but dog seems to like him?

Not anxiety, arthritis...

[Anonymous]

Arthritis will absolutely show up in X-rays of the limbs, joints and spine.

[Anonymous]

How old is your dog? Any changes in your household or work schedule? My dog went through something similar when we brought our first baby home. Once she realized she was still "in the pack" and we still gave her plenty of attention, she was fine.

[Anonymous]

this also happened with our old guy. We were so worried. Vet figured out he had arthritis pain in his hips, gave us some anti-inflammatory meds and pain meds. He slept more, but also rejoined the family. It did totally hurt when he seemed to want nothing to do with us, but we knew it had to be something physical and/or mentally draining.

[Anonymous]

He's only 5 years old - feel like this is early for arthritis pain?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's only 5 years old - feel like this is early for arthritis pain?

Depends on type of dog. But it could also be paid due to any number of things. While awaiting your vet appointment, keep a diary to see if you notice any patterns.

[Anonymous]

Are you pregnant?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you pregnant?

Uh...hope not!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's only 5 years old - feel like this is early for arthritis pain?

Not early. My dog was diagnosed at that age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you pregnant?

Ooh, hadn't thought of that explanation. Might want to check, OP!

[Anonymous]

Have you had the dog since puppyhood, or was he a rescue?

Did you feed him ANYthing different, give any different flea meds, any changes at all?

Have YOU changed in anyway. New bc pills, anything? You mentioned the change in S/O visiting. Somewhere there is a connection.

[Anonymous]

What happens if you try to be affectionate with him? Does he come when you call him?

Maybe now that BF is over he doesn't like coming into the bedroom because its no longer "his"?

It sounds like a touch of depression, because of the withdrawal and sleeping alone.

No need to take arthritis meds if there is no arthritis and if its not helping...?