You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Dogs
- Canine Behavior
- Sleeping Problem
Canine Behavior/Sleeping Problem
Advertisement
Question
Our 12 yr old Aussie female has recently begun to wake up every night
around 1:30 am. She paces in an anxious state for about 2-3 hrs before
settling down again. While pacing, she frequently tries to sit or lie down but
gets right up again. We take her out but it doesn't change the behavior. She
also seems hungry. This has been the case for the past 5 days. She never got
up in the night before. During the day, she seems normal. Appetite and
energy level good. Any ideas?
Have you talked with your vet about this? It sounds to me like it is likely to be a physical problem - possibly she is in some pain. I'd ask for bloodwork (which is always a good idea to do quite frequently with seniors)and have the vet give her a complete physical. Also ask for a 6-panel thyroid test - not just a T4. At that age, she may also be starting to have some cognative problems. Dogs, like humans, can suffer "sundowners" where they are pretty alert during the day, but they become confused at night. Ask your vet about medication for that. Anapryl is frequently prescribed, and I've had good luck with cholodin. You might also ask the vet about using melatonin to help regulate her sleep pattern. But first thing is that trip to the vet, and always talk to him/her before deciding to add an OTC medication, to be sure it is safe for your dog's condition. Any time an old dog's behavior changes, I'm first looking to see if there is a physical problem. Sandy Case MEd, CPDT
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks for your quick and helpful response. I've been consulting w/ our vet and plan to talk to her tomorrow and will ask about these possibilities and tests especially. I may also ask you a follow up after I speak w/ her. | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Sandra Case, MEd, CPDT
Expertise
Dog training, Obedience training, competition dog sports with a positive training focus. Some behavior issues (though serious issues such as human aggression are best addressed by in-person help.
Experience
30 years of training my own dogs, 30 years of training for local obedience club, and as my own business. Owner & training director, Positively Canine, LLC. An all-breed, all level positive based dog trainer school in Oklahoma City. Past training directior, Oklahoma City Obedience Training Club (three times) and Sooner Agility Club. Have titled dogs (through Utility/ASCA OTCH. 4 timed Gaines regional competitor, 2 national specialty High in Trials, multiple national rankings) in Obedience, Rally (through EX) in herding/stockdog and Agility. ASCA Obedience judge, all levels, contributing editor on obedience to Aussie Times, behavior consultant and representative Second Time Around Aussie Rescue, behavioral consultant for two local vets, former shelter training volunteer
Organizations
APDT, ASCA, ITASC, OCOTC
Publications
Aussie Times
Education/Credentials
MEd, CPDT (Certified Pet Dog Trainer), have attended seminars and workshops with Suzanne Clothier including trainers intensive, Linda Tellington-Jones, Kathy Cascade - including 5 day practioner's introduction, Turid Rugaas, Kay Laurence, Sue Ailsby, Bob Bailey, Brenda Aloff, Chris Zink, Terri Arnold, Diane Bauman, Gary Wilkes, Job Michael Evans, Jane Simmons Moake
Awards and Honors
Multiple National Rankings, HIT 2 national specialties with two dogs, 4 Gaines qualifications
Past/Present Clients
Some can be seen on testimonial page of our website www.positivelycanine.com
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.