Worried - Advice wanted please

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A1fie

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Hi - just wanted some advice on my little old boy. Over the last few months his behaviour has started to become odd and it is starting to worry me but I don't have a clue what it could be or how to help him. He seems to be very frightened by noise.

I have a collie cross. He is 12 years old and been with me since a little pup. A few months ago I took him on the train and he got absolutely terrified by the noises. He was almost demented when another train came past. Shaking and trying to alternatively climb up the seat, under the seat or making a run for it. He settled after about a half an hour but not completely. I haven't been on a train since.

He always used to love being in the car but now he has got scared by this as well and sits there shaking. I did think in the beginning that he may have been reacting to my driving so have made an effort to be quiet and not even have the radio on.

When we got to the yard last night he didn't snap out of it as he normally does and just looked lost and petrified - tail well between his legs and a real submissive and beaten look about him. He isn't beaten obviously, but you know that cowed look dogs get occasionally? He was glued to my side constantly.

His eyes are a bit cloudy but I don't think that it is his eyesight that is bothering him as he can still woof at a dog he sees out of the window. I don't think it is his hearing either as he can hear a whisper.

I am worried it is the start of senile dementia as occasionally - maybe twice - I have noticed him sitting at the yard looking lost. If it is dementia then I will be able to deal with it but what is upsetting me is how upset and reactive he is becoming to noise.

He has never had a problem with fireworks but hates raised voices.

Has anyone experienced this or got any suggestions or advice? Although he is 12 he is very active and alert and a real character which makes this cringing shaking behaviour even more distressing.
 
Firstly I am sorry you have had so many views without a reply, normally people in here are more helpful than that!

I would say from my experiences with elderly dogs that it does sound like the onset of senility to me - my old greyhound was just like that, she would stare into space with absolutely no idea where she was or what was going on
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I would also guess that his hearing is becoming more erratic as he gets older, hence his reaction to noises now.

I hope this helps a bit, you have my sympathy, I love oldies but they cause you so much heart ache too
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Sorry to hear about your little old boy, I know what you're going through as my little one is similar, she's 13yrs now and has always been sensitive but has become even more so as she's aged. They are a worry!!



I think the first step would be to get him checked over by your vet to make sure it's nothing physical and get them to look at his eyes as poor eyesight will make him nervy. You can also get supplements to help with brain function so if it is senility there are things that can be given to help.

I find keeping to routines helps and letting her do as much or as little as she wants, she can't manage long walks now but I find taking her to different places just to get out and sniff perks her up no end, just have to be careful about bird scarers as she's very noise sensitive. I also have to watch that she doesn't wander off with the wrong people as she gets a bit confused sometimes as to who actually owns her...!

I hope this helps, I've taken on a few dogs at a old age and my first dog lived till she was 18yrs and was as mad as a hatter. It's just a new phase in their lives that takes a bit of getting used to. Best wishes to you and your boy xxx
 
Couldn't edit my post properley so I'd just like to add that you can also get a supplement called zylkene from the vet that is designed to help nervous dogs. He sounds just like mine, she's always been very noise sensitive and will start shaking at bin lorries, road sweepers, rain, bird scarers, thunder, lightening, aeroplanes and numerous other things! It doesn't help that she has enormous batfink ears that hear everything xx
 
Thank you Gazehound and A&A - he is my best pal and I just adore him. Because he is so fit and active I thought that I had a few good years yet left with him but it rips my heart seeing him so frightened.

Normally I wouldn't pander to him as I always believed that I was affirming unwanted behaviour but this is different.

Thank you both for your kind words. I will take him to the vet and ask for that supplement.
 
I would definitely get him checked by your vet. My GSD has a problem with her eyesight and it has definitely made her more unsure in strange surroundings, and also more sensitive to noise. Strangely there is nothing wrong with her eyes themselves, but there is with her vision (weird I know but have seen eye specialist and that is what he has come up with). I have also had an older dog who definitely went a bit senile but she actually became more laid back, nothing bothered her in her own little world.
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Supplements are also worth a try, I think it is Vivotonin that is specifically for ageing dogs, and perhaps just change your routine so you can avoid the things that stress him most.
 
Thanks MM. I have thought about stopping taking him to the yard because the journey distresses him - although he's not so bad on the way back - but normally when he's there he has a great time and he always hacks out with me, marching on in front like he's the leader!

It's interesting about the difference between eyes and vision. I will get him checked out by the vets. Thanks again
 
Good luck, just to say I agree with above - we understand to a certain extent why and when our senses are leaving us, dogs do not and of course that will make them scared and defensive. Who's there? What's that? Grr! Keep away!
 
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