Why is my old dog pacing, hiding, and won't come inside at night?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mugsy. As they age, some pets can experience something known as canine cognitive dysfunction. It is characterized by pacing, accidents in the home, vocalizing more, mixing up their days and nights as well as becoming disoriented. Some pets will get stuck under chairs, in corners or in small rooms such as bathrooms and closets. The disorder becomes increasingly common the older the pet gets. It is somewhat comparable to Alzheimer's disease in people. I recommend that Mugsy sees his veterinarian to see if this is the cause of his recent symptoms or if something else is bothering him. I hope this information helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The pacing could be due to his age. Older dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction and pacing can be one of the main symptoms. Pacing, confusion, staring off into space or at a wall, mood change, behavioral changes, etc. can all be symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. My own dog went through the the last 2 years of his life. He was 20 years old when he passed away but I had him on a variety of drugs to help with his cognition and sleeping pattern. I had him on Selegiline, which is a drug used to treat cognitive dysfunction and I also had him on Melatonin (NaturVet Quiet Moments Calm Chews with Melatonin from Petco is what I used specifically). I felt that he slept better at night and paced less. I would discuss this with a veterinarian as a prescription is needed for the Selegiline. I would also make sure he has had his blood and urine tested within the last 12 months due to his age to help catch any systemic changes that may be occurring. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Bo. Three things in particular that I would be concerned about- back or abdominal pain and anal gland problems. A common back problem that we see frequently involves the intervertebral discs which are between the vertebrae. This can range from the disc bulging against the spinal cord or a rupture of the disc. Dogs often pace, move cautiously and slowly, seem painful, can't get comfortable for any amount of time, etc. Back problems can also be due to soft tissue problems such as a muscle strain, other inflammation, infection, etc. Abdominal pain can mimic this same presentation even with a lack of clinical signs. This could be due to intestinal cramping, pancreatitis, kidney pain, or problems with any of the organs in the abdomen. I'm mostly suspicious of a back problem. I would advise keeping a very close eye on Bo. If this condition persists, worsens, or other signs develop then I would have him evaluated immediately. If you notice that he is getting weaker, seems uncoordinated, starts walking on the top of his back paws, becomes paralyzed in the rear legs then get him seen immediately. These signs would mean that he is having some significant pressure on his spinal cord. Anal gland problems range from enlargement to inflammation to infection of the glands. Clinical signs are often vague like this. Your vet can gather a history, perform an examination, and then make a diagnostic/treatment plan based on their findings. Possible tests include fecal/blood/urine tests and x-rays to evaluate the spine and abdomen. Anal glands can be emptied if they are found to be enlarged and painful. Treatment would be targeted once a diagnosis is made. Good luck with Bo

pacing, crying when touched, hiding, panting are all signs of pretty severe pain. You need to take Willie to your vet for an exam, x-rays, and possibly blood tests to find out why he is in so much pain. Your vet can then assess the condition and prescribe relevant medication to make him feel better, such as pain medicine.

I'm sorry to hear that Spud is having this issue. It sounds like you need to get him to your vet for an exam. He may be showing early signs of seizure activity or vestibular syndrome. The other options are liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, toxin exposure - just to name a few. His symptoms unfortunately are not specific for any one disease process or illness. It will take a vet exam and probably some diagnostics (bloodwork, maybe x-rays) to figure out what is going on. This is not something I would ignore in a dog that is almost 10 years old. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Pacing and panting could be a sign of discomfort/pain but it may also just be a sign of old age. Dogs often get a type of dementia that can cause this type of behavior. I suggest you take Mali to your vet for an exam. There are medications available to treat for both things if needed. Best wishes.

Hello, I am so sorry for your concerns about Dylan. It sounds like he has developed some issues concerning canine cognitive dysfunction, a type of dementia often seen in dogs this age. There are several options for trying to help Dylan & you rest easier at night. Some are prescription medications, some may be available over the counter. Please talk to your veterinarian about what would be most appropriate for helping Dylan. I am sure something can be found to settle his night wanderings. Take care & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.