Could this be anything?

I am starting to worry about Nicki. She'll be 11 this week. 11 is old for a large breed dog, but at her last yearly, the vet pronounced her to be in perfect health.

Lately though, I have noticed her behavior has changed. She's been whining a lot more at night time. She has always whined, like when she wanted into bed but there was no room for her, etc. Now she whines when we're talking. Like a jealous "you're not paying any attention to me" whine, not a "I'm in pain" whine. I do know the difference between those two whines! ;)

And lately when we go to let her out, we KNOW she has to do something but she just stands there. She won't sniff. She just stands there. Then she comes back in, and no sooner is she back in the house, she's begging to go back out. This is completely new for her.

And tonight she vomited in the kitchen. This pup never vomited in her life.... until recently.

Cpould these be sympomatic of something else? Or is she just getting old and cranky and jealous of the attention we give the cats?

A complete change of behavior plus vomiting, makes me think she
should maybe see the vet. I'd watch her for other signs for a little
while & if she's still off, I'd call the Vet. Good luck with Nickii.

I would watch her for a few days, she may have had an upset stomach. Is she eating okay and peeing and pooping?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by catnapper

I am starting to worry about Nicki. She'll be 11 this week. 11 is old for a large breed dog, but at her last yearly, the vet pronounced her to be in perfect health.

---

Vet check might be the best thing to do.

Aflatoxin has recently been found in Diamond brands dog foods. So maybe you can rule that out? http://www.diamondpet.com/

Aging can also present itself with endocrine imbalances. Lower thyroid values as dogs age are very common. Sometimes supplementation may help restore confident or otherwise normal behavior.

Also, aging dogs can also have certain forms of dementia -- kind of like Alzheimers. Supplement and change in diet can help this.

Unusual pain or changes in vision can occur as well as a dog ages.

I hope she is feeling better already. Holidays are crazy times for any family member to be ill or uncomfortable. :(

Nicki's eating completely normally, drinking normally, and her potty habits are normal. She only eats Nutro Natural Lamb and Rice dry food, so no worries about the Diamond contamination.

This morning I was hugging her and she yelped when I pressed on one of her fatty tumors. :( I tried to press again, and it didn't bother her, so why did she yelped the first time? I will call the vet and see what they think -- most likely I'll be taking her in to see the vet in January. She has her yearly coming up in February anyway, so I might as well move it forward.

It sounds like the dog is in pain. The in and out routine could be anxiety due to the pain. Our puppies are quite stoic.You should have Xrays taken (or an Ultrasound) especially in the area where it yelped. Also have a blood panel run.

Sounds like a vet visit needs to happen sooner than later. Something has her bothered. It's at this point when you wish they could talk and tell you what is bothering them.