Sudden Change in Behavoir

[katieowner]

I have noticed a recent change in my dogs behavoir towards me. Katie is a old dog she is 12yo mixed but mostly Pit. She is a very well behaved dog. Recently she has begun to seriously shun me. She does not do this with the other members of our family. She doesnt come to me when I call her and if I sit next to her she leaves the room. She doesnt act afraid of me and has no reason to. She has always loved to cuddle with me and always laid next to me when ever she could.
The only thing I can think of is we went out of town for an extended weekend. Our son was home and said she was fine.
When we returned she seemed fine for about a week then this behavoir began. It really bothers me because we have been best buds since I brought her home from the animal shelter 12 years ago.
She is suffering for hip displaysia and arthritis. I wonder if it might be a side effect of the medicine.
I have an appointment to take her to the vet and I am the only one who takes her. I also wonder if she knows I will take her to the vet again which she hates.

Just hoping to find out if anyone else has experienced this behavoir and did they find and answer.
Thank you for any help.

[jesse_3]

Welcome to Pet Talk!

It sounds to me like Katie might be angry and have hurt feelings that you left her for a weekend, and even though it took her a week to react, had you left her often (like for an hour at a time, or more?)
I hope that she returns back to normal soon! Good luck!-
Steph (me), Jesse (as seen below), and Splinter (my hedgehog!)

[Jessika]

When dogs experience an acute change in behavior, its likely because they are in pain, or something is wrong with them. Pets can't come up to us and say, "Hey, my hips been bothering me, do you mind taking me to the vet to see what the problem is?" so they have to get our attention in other ways. Going potty in the house (or out of the litter box, for cats), nipping when you pet them on certain areas of their body, etc.

You say she has hip displaysia and artiritis, this could very well be the culprit. She could be in a "bad" or "grouchy" mood 'cause she isn't feeling well!! :)

[Tonielle]

To add to the good advice above it could be pain or having gotten a shock by something and unfortunately she's connected it with you!

If she suddenly experienced a sharp pain in her hip, for example, when you sat down with her then she very well might associate YOU with the pain. I would advise a vet check (which you are already doing ;) ) and then some exercises to associate you with good things... Not forcing her to interact with you but more 'enticing' her :D

Good luck :)

[katieowner]

I really appreciate everyones input. Thank you.
Katie is doing much better and the medicine she is on for her hips is really helping.
As soon as the pain was somewhat relieved she became more and more normal.
Since she is an older dog with health problems we will enjoy the time we have with her.
I am so glad that she treats me exactly the way she used to.
Again thank all of you for some great advice and understanding