Older chihuahua barking all night - tried everything!

[Karen]

Morning (7am) and evening (6-7pm) for both the meds and food.

Also, the whining/barking at night was happening before he went on the meds. We were hoping they would help alleviate some of the poor little guy's issues and help him sleep better. He's been on the medicine for about a week and a half and while his bpm and energy is a bit better, the barking at night seems to only be getting worse.

Can you tell what he is barking at, or what triggers it? Sorry so many questions, but this is one of those puzzles that can have different solutions!

[ben]

Can you tell what he is barking at, or what triggers it? Sorry so many questions, but this is one of those puzzles that can have different solutions!

No, thank you for your time! It seems to be at nothing in particular. He'll be laying in his crate for 30-60 minutes and then he starts whimpering. That quickly turns into a bark. We've tried ignoring it and it escalates into hours of barking, just the same as if we are stern and consistently tell him "no".

[Karen]

No, thank you for your time! It seems to be at nothing in particular. He'll be laying in his crate for 30-60 minutes and then he starts whimpering. That quickly turns into a bark. We've tried ignoring it and it escalates into hours of barking, just the same as if we are stern and consistently tell him "no".

Oh, dear, it sounds like it may be neurological, can you ask you vet about the possibility of a mild sedative at bedtime? (For everyone's sake!)

[Taz_Zoee]

You say he stops when you sleep on the couch with him or let him in your bed.
I would get him a belly band (like a doggie diaper) and let him sleep with you.
Given his illness and his age, I would make him as comfortable as possible.

Good luck!

[Karen]

Hmm, thanks, Cindy - that brought something else to mind - maybe a "thunder shirt" or its equivalent will help with his anxiety? Might be worth a shot, even if it is just a made-do version of a snug-fitting t-shirt put on at bed time - with his size, you might as a friend with a baby if they have a spare one you could try.

[ben]

That's a good thought. We tried the thundershirt last night and it didn't seem to help. We might have to resort to the doggie diaper if he becomes incontinent, but he's been sleeping with us the past few nights and we haven't had any issues so far. I'm just concerned he might have other health problems that we're missing... It might just be old age. I've been in contact with the vet so we'll see how that goes. Thanks, everyone!

[Karen]

That's a good thought. We tried the thundershirt last night and it didn't seem to help. We might have to resort to the doggie diaper if he becomes incontinent, but he's been sleeping with us the past few nights and we haven't had any issues so far. I'm just concerned he might have other health problems that we're missing... It might just be old age. I've been in contact with the vet so we'll see how that goes. Thanks, everyone!

Yeah, the doggie diaper might be best, and that way everyone gets more sleep! It is hard to reason with a mentally slipping human, never mind an elderly canine!