re: Elderly dog barking at night, pacing, and seeming restless - any pet owners with advice?

Thyroid test the Michigan state one
Blood sugar, ck
Incontinence medication
Does the dogs breath smell diff from when you can remember

Another thing to look into if she is drinking and more hungry than before is Cushing's disease.


AKC on Cushing

Our German short hair pointer was diagnosed recently and the medication even for a few weeks made a big difference. Just have to monitor them close it does not overshoot

Get a chemistry, cbc and an X-ray to rule out health issues. Then a good vet will know the way to go in figuring out if she’s sick or injured. If it’s mental, that’s something you’ll want to know.

Great advice.

In her own way, she's telling you that it is time (13 years is a long life for a German Shepherd). My Aussie, my favorite dog of all time, is getting close and I hate it.

as others have suggested that would be considered geriatric age for this breed.

that increase in accidents despite a lack of evidence of uti leads me to think that could have been part of a progressing dementia. Perhaps she developed polydypsia as part of the progression and you didnt notice it. This generalized anxiety is common with some forms of dementia.

Im not up and up on the current recommendations for medical management for this. but if the current primary concern is mostly the night time behavior might something to help in keeping her calm at night and sleep. Gabapentin and/or trazadone would be considerations. id ask your vet about it.

Had a schnauzer that lived to 21. The last year of his life, he was doing the same thing. Was in great physical health (would walk over a mile every day), but mentally he was out of it. Would walk up to a wall, and just keep trying to go through it. Vet said it was def dementia. Finally had to have him put down.

I was talking to a friend about this thread, as he recently had to put his dog down and the situation sounded similar. She did have a UTI diagnosed, but it resolved and the strange actions at night did not. He tried a sedative, but it got worse pretty rapidly and he did not want to see her suffer with the confusion and anxiety. I am sorry you have this going on.

Hows your dog? Your FIL?

My dog is driving me insane with the pacing lately. Spent a lot of time with my dad (also has Alzheimers) and he's been acting much worse. Standing, sitting, standing, sitting, standing, sitting. It will go for hours.

Sounds like your friend is reaching the end of the clearing.

I'm sure she was a very good girl