Odd Sleeping Behavior in My Senile Old Dog

[finn's mom]

Maybe trying one of those beds that are made especially for aging, or ailing pets. Or something really flat on the floor, so he doesn't have to climb in. He's gorgeous, and sounds like he's finding what makes him comfortable. So, you may never have to worry about getting him a bed he likes when your floor is his bed.

[Twisterdog]

He wasn't thin in those pictures, they are old ones, because I'm the worst when it comes to taking pictures. It's still hard to tell by looking at him, because he has a thick coat, but when I pick him up, it's obvious he has lost weight.

Yes, I tried the thin, foam beds for old or injured dogs. He glared at me.

Well, it's nice to know, in a way, that other people's dogs have done the same thing. Guess I'll just let him be, nothing I can do about it anyway. Weird old dog.

Thanks for the input.

[Justinbinny]

Hi ,

Our dogs' minds often wander with the ageing process - fortunately like most humans, they're unaware of it themselves and it's only those around them who realise it ;-) If she's happy and healthy in other respects at this grand age just let her enjoy it and also consider yourself lucky - some dogs don't reach her time of life at all and others do but have kidney, heart, liver or at the very least joint problems etc.

My much adored elderly lady's mind definitely became a little "strange" (bless her) in her last 12 months or so and sometimes it was quite funny for us, because she was oblivious and therefore not distressed in any way. Just keep a little more of an eye on her that she doesn't perhaps get into a situation that could cause her to have an accident or injure herself. Other than that enjoy her, let her enjoy being herself, and pat yourself on the back for keeping her in such great health.

[Louie and me]

That all sounds so familiar. When my RB dog Louie's condition (arthritis) became harder to treat, the vet said to get him a nice comfy bed to take the pressure off his joints. I bought the softest one I could find to add to the five beds he already had. He used it all the time, lying on the hard floor beside it and leaning on it!