advice re my restless elderly terrier, please

Shysmum

Shysmum

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Hello, I have never been in here, I tend to live in the New Lounge. So I hope you don't mind me picking your brains :)

I have a gorgeous little terrier cros, Sophie, who is eleven years old now. She's a " fussy terrier", the sort who won't go out in the rain or wind, who loves rabbit chasing, loves her creature comforts, etc. Her main quirks are that she won't eat out of a bowl, because her tag clinks on it,so her nuggets have to be put on the floor to get her started.... and shewon't touch water, unless she sees it poured from the tap, and the bowl is held for her. Which I refuse to do. She is a star tho, and has travelled to Oz and back (a long story !)

She had definitely got much worse over the last year with this behaviour, but the worst is her restlessness in the evening. It's almost like she's going a bit gaga - wants to be on my chair, then hubs chair, then scratching at the door to go out, nope, doesn't want to go out, wants to just sit and stare at me - as if I know what she wants. Clatter round the kitchen, scratch at the door, up and down on the chairs, ignoring her favourite blanket, on and on. Neither of us have a clue, it goes on for hours, and I am really worried she could be losing her marbles altogether. :(

Any advice gratefully received - could she need vet help ? She is a treasured (but definitely NOT spoilt )rescue dog, I found her dumped at four weeks of age.

Thanks so much, aliie x
 
It does sound as if she is suffering a bit from senility, I have seen similar behaviour in some of my older dogs. It is probably worth popping her to the vet, he may well suggest Vivitonin which is commonly given to older dogs, it increases the blood supply to the brain and may well help her.
She sounds like a real character bless her. :)
 
She sounds grand! Agreed maybe she needs something to help her keep calm, however a little bit of doggy dementia can be normal at that age - both of my old dogs had that!
 
pacing, and restless ness are the first signs of senility, sorry. a vet check might be advisable, as they might be able to suggest something, otherwise i am afraid you will have to put up with this behaviour (you will get used to it) and love her regardless. good luck, 11 isnt that old for a terrier..
 
Does she eventually settle though? After how long and where usually? Our older dog (14) does similar occasionally and will moan and sometimes scratch at the carpert, circle, go to lie down, won't lie down, grumbles more, stares etc etc. With him though it is generally an indication of him (in my mind) feeling uncomfortable and generally putting him out and him going to the toilet resolves the issue. However, he will not poo in his own garden so will circle for ages and we sometimes will have to take him for a quick walks (not ideal at 11pm or so!). It may be she is a bit similar and has some discomfort somewhere - maybe a reaction to feed or something (does this happen after feed time?).

I certainly think a trip to the vets is worthwhile if you're worried about her. i don't feel 11 is that old for a terrier type.
 
Terrier across the road from my old house, lived til 20 years old, and he only died then, because the weimeraner jumped on him!!! Poor dab!
 
thanks so much for your replies :)

I agree the vet may be the way to go - she carried on like this for a couple of hours last night. Hubs thinks it's an extension of her being so eccentric, but she is getting so much worse.

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I'll keep you updated on her, Sophie is just the best little dog :D

shysmum x
 
Demand she goes onto Vivitonin, the old her will resurface within a week,it is amazing stuff. It will have to be for the rest of her life , but are`nt dogs lucky to have such a remedy? :D
 
Vet suggested the drug mentioned, vivitonin, or something called "active 8", after a long discussion. We agreed that she was showing very early signs, so we've given it a month for me to try aromatherapy on her (I'm qualified in peeps and furry things).

Well tonight she has had diluted rose oil, and the difference is amazing :) She is calm, sitting by my side on the chair, and isn't gurning for the first time in weeks. I should have tried it a while ago, but didn't realise how bad things had got till last night.

So there is progress already, and I feel really stupid for not giving it go before. :(
 
shysmum said:
Well tonight she has had diluted rose oil, and the difference is amazing :) She is calm, sitting by my side on the chair, and isn't gurning for the first time in weeks. I should have tried it a while ago, but didn't realise how bad things had got till last night.
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How do you give the rose oil? My older boy is getting a bit like you describe and I'd be interested to give it a go - I had just assumed his arthritis meant he wasn't comfortable lying on carpet any more and his bladder getting weaker etc but it could be more than that :( (although he would do almost anything to be allowed on the sofa :rolleyes:)
 
Hi again :)

I've been to Holland and Barratt this morning, and have bought PRE - DILUTED (in almond oil) rose, neroli and chamomile - whole lot came to £19. All are relaxing oils.

To use the oils, you have to work with the animal, and they will tell you if they want it or not. I take the lid off, and let them sniff the bottle. If they don't recoil and climb under the table, I put a little bit on my finger and they may (or may not) lick it off. That's it really - and today madame has taken all three :D

I'll keep updating to let you know how she's doing, but last night she was a very different dog.

allie x
 
second night on oils, and not a peep out of her :) She's had a good walk today, she's eaten ok, and now she's comatose in hubs lap. I'm so happy i could cry ;)
 
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