Why is my old dog acting sad, apathetic, and less affectionate?

This can be caused by many different things, including impending illness, stress, pain, a change in his environment, behavioral, etc. I would recommend a good checkup with a vet to see if there is a medical cause. The vet will perform a thorough physical exam and look for any abnormalities or sources of potential pain. Bloodwork may be recommended to for internal medical illnesses. If nothing is uncovered, then they may discuss other treatments such as things for stress or help you evaluate what started this new attitude.

It is normal for dogs energy to levels to decrease slightly as they age. You should consider if Calhoun is still interested in the same activities, or if he no longer plays or gets excited for walks, for example. You know Calhoun best, so if you are concerned that he seems "off" I recommend having him seen by a vet who can perform the appropriate diagnostic tests. I'm happy to answer any additional questions you may have!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Moxie. I think that her sudden change in behavior is worrisome. Dogs can slow down as they age. However, she is only middle aged. Plus age changes are gradual. Not as dramatic as you have described. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian. I worry that she is painful somewhere. For example, neck and/or back pain is common in small and medium breed dogs. Arthritis or a soft tissue injury could also explain the signs you are seeing. The veterinarian will carefully examine her. X-rays may be recommended. Based on these results, treatment can be started to help her feel better. In the meantime, keep her quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

There could be many reasons that he has slowed down and doesn't seem as active. It could be related to arthritis, neck/back pain, endocrine disease, infections, kidney/liver disease, parasites, etc. Have a vet take a look at him to help determine the cause. Your vet can run lab-work and take x-rays to help diagnose and treat. He may need an anti-inflammatory and joint supplements to help.

When a pet has some kind of change in behvaior that last for more than a day or two, followed by decreased appetite or some other symptoms, then it could very well be a sign of an underlying illness and you should get her checked by your vet soon. However, if she is just displaying odd behavior and still eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating normally, she likely is just bored. Try socializing her more if that is the case, and see if this makes any difference in her mood. Best wishes with your pet Satsuki, and I hope she starts to feel like her normal self soon! Take care.

At 3years of age he would generally expected to be more active but every dogs character is different and some are very placid. If his behavior has changed over the last 3 months I strongly recommend a full health check by your vet to rule out medical or painful conditions which may be reducing his mobility

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rudy! Any change in behavior or appetite in an older dog raises concern. The symptoms are non-specific. Possible reasons are: pain, fever, nausea. These things could be causes by arthritis, lyme disease, kidney, liver or gall bladder problems or even cancer. I recommend an exam by your Vet and full blood work and urine to try to find out what could possibly be wrong. I hope this helps and I wish Rudy a speedy recovery!