Why is my old dog restless, following me, and sitting up suddenly?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly neck or back pain though it could also be due to arthritis. It could still be pain associated with a leg even if nothing seems wrong with them. I recommend that you have Sausage evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make Sausage feel better. In the meantime, reduce his activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Dexter evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dexter. When discussing quality of life with owners, I like to have objective questions that you can answer to guide the decision making process. When a dog is elderly with a chronic condition, you can expect the pet to have bad days. However, the good days should outnumber the bad. The pet needs to have enough mobility to get to his food and water independently and to be able to go to the bathroom. He needs to still have the desire to eat and drink. His pain to be reasonably well controlled. Finally, he needs to have some joy in his life. It may be different from in his younger years, but he should still enjoy things. I know this is an extremely difficult decision, but I hope this gives you some information to consider. I cannot say without evaluating him myself, but I suspect the time is near based on what you have described. I hope this gives you some peace.

There is more you can do for Dexter. He may improve with acupuncture for the neurological deficits and it can relieve his pain and help him relax and enjoy life. As far as the walking goes getting him specific exercises to retrain his legs will improve his walking. If there is a veterinary rehabilitation center near you they should be able to help you with these exercises and get you in touch with an acupuncture veterinarian. If they offer hydrotherapy, walking in the underwater treadmill will improve his strength and gait. Many dogs do get better so please continue with the medication and seek out some alternative treatments if you can. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Dexter.

This is a very good question, and can sometimes be a sign of discomfort/ pain or anxiety. If it continues, or if you notice any changes in Daisy's appetite, energy, urination, defecation, I recommend having her seen by a veterinarian to help rule out any discomfort .

It does sound like your dog could be in pain, and that could be causing the restlessness at night. He simply can't find a position that he is comfortable in, and it hurts to curl up. He could have an injury to his neck, spine, hips, or limbs. I would take him into the vet today for an exam. He may also benefit from pain medications if he is in pain. Do not give him any human pain medications, many are toxic to dogs and fatal if given. The vet can prescribe him safe pain medications if needed.

I recommend to have Rosie examined by the veterinarian to rule out pain from a back or neck issue, an anal gland issue or a bladder infection. Dementia can also cause restlessness at night. Since she can't talk and tell you why this is happening, play it safe with an exam. I hope this helps.