Senior dog circling, having accidents, and not acting like himself?

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Sammy has been declining. From your description, I sounds like Sammy may have several medical issues going on. It is hard to get a good idea of what all the issues may be without examining Sammy first and I would encourage that an exam be done on Sammy with his veterinarian soon to fully discuss and evaluate Sammy's conditions. Perhaps he has osteoarthritis, other degenerative joint or neurological dysfunction of his hind limbs making walking difficult and painful for him. It also sounds like he may have some vision loss or visual deficits making navigating around challenging. Lastly, the walking around in circles and defecating in the house may be related to canine cognitive dysfunction (canine dementia). He may also be experiencing some incontinence as well. Aside from the incontinence he may have from older age, there are medications and other holistic treatments that can help with the possible dementia as well as joint pain that may help make him feel a bit better and improve his quality of life. I think a good evaluation and discuss with Sammy's veterinarian would be a very good idea at this point. I hope this helps and I wish you and Sammy the best.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bundy! I am very worried about a sudden behavior changed and circling in an older dog. I am concerned about a central nervous system (brain) problem like a stroke, brain tumor, dementia/cognitive dysfunction, sudden blindness, or vestibular disease. I highly recommend an exam by your Vet. I wish you and Bundy the very best!

The signs that you describe with Cleo really worry me about something going on in her brain, such as a tumor. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Take some videos of her behavior to show your veterinarian as well. Less likely but an inner ear infection may cause similar symptoms. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello. Is the circling always in the same direction? Can you call her from the circling & stop the behavior? If not, this may be indicative of an inner ear infection, or more seriously, a brain lesion. You should have Snickers evaluated at your earliest convenience to diagnose the cause of this behavior. Once done, then the appropriate treatment can be initiated to help her to heal. Best to a speedy recovery & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

There are an umber of possibilities but I would be concerned she may have ear or dental issues causing pain, discomfort and disorientation. Older dogs can also develop cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia) which can cause similar signs - a full check up by your local vet would be recommended as soon as possible as early medication can help relieve many of these symptoms

I’m wondering if you’re dog might be showing signs of a neurologic problem. I would recommend checking in with the vet who performed an exam when the blood work was checked to see what they would recommend as the next step. Referral to a neurologist might be recommended, or they may have another thought as to what is causing these signs.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from your description of the symptoms you are seeing, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Max so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I worry that something neurological is causing these symptoms, especially with Max's age. I would recommend having his blood tested as well as a physical examination. I hope this helps and Max improves! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.