Something weird just happened… My sweet old boy Rusty, who’s been my sidekick for over 12 years, has been pacing nonstop around the house for the past week, mostly during the evenings. It’s getting really hard to watch; he just looks so restless and I’m not sure if he’s in pain or just confused. I’ve tried calming him with his favorite treats and even sat by his side to comfort him, but nothing seems to work. It breaks my heart every time he just keeps going up and down the hallway and can’t settle. Does anyone else have experience with this? I wonder if it’s just his age or something more serious I should be worried about. Any advice or similar stories would be a lifesaver right now.
I completely understand why you're worried about your older dog’s constant agitation. It can be tough to see your beloved pet uncomfortable or restless, and there are several possible causes for this behavior.
Agitation in older dogs may stem from various issues like arthritis, cognitive decline (similar to dementia in humans), or anxiety. Pain from arthritis or other conditions could make them restless, while cognitive changes might lead to confusion and altered sleep patterns, causing agitation.
For at-home care, try maintaining a calm environment and stick to a regular routine with feeding, walking, and sleep times. A comfortable bed that supports their joints can also help if arthritis is a factor. Gentle massages or pet-safe calming products might also soothe anxiety.
Keep an eye out for signs like significant changes in appetite, noticeable weight loss, crying out in pain, or signs of severe confusion, like getting stuck behind furniture or staring into space for long periods. These could indicate it's time to re-evaluate their quality of life more seriously.
To fully understand what’s going on and explore any additional support options, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can provide more personalized advice tailored to your dog’s situation.
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