Expert: Kaza - 11/9/2008

Question
Our bichon Tuggsie has the habit of whining whenever we sit down, get on the phone or do things in the house.  She is 14 years old. She won't sit near us anymore and will find weird areas in the house to lie down and whine or sleep.  Avoiding us, but still whining. Both children left for college 3 months ago and she whines mostly at night when we return from work.  And  when we are sleeping.  She has a regular feeding time and receives treats at constant times during the day/night when we are with her (about 3 - 4 day)We don't think she's in pain, because it's not constant.

Answer
I would simply have her evaluated at the vet due to her age, think of your granny and how she would feel if her routine had been upset , dogs have very similar emotions to humans , as such they go thru the same age related problems.Give her a gentle massage daily with some lavender oil and keep her warm, its likely she is cold due to her age and she misses the kids.

Give her some  fish oils as this helps them with age onset dementia and will also keep her  supple, I would also give her some Glucosamine and chondratin.

If her appetite is lessening and you are worried give her some vIt B.

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