Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / February 2007

Dempsey, my 11 1/2 year old lab has started to show some unusual
behavior changes. I'm thinking its probably just a side effect of
getting old, but I thought I'd see what people think.

I first noticed about about a week ago. Normally he's very social, and
loves when we have guests over.

Last Sunday, we had the whole family over for brunch. (this is a usual
event for us). Anyways, half way through the meal, he got up, and went I
lay down in my bedroom. (never done this before). Yesterday, my little
brother had a birthday party, and he did essentially the same thing.

He's also started to decide the he'd like to sit outside, rather than be
inside. (Its -15C outside right now)...we don't let him normally, as the
yard is unfenced.

Earlier today (and this was the one that really got me concerned), while
we were eating lunch, he sat in his bed, bolt upright, shivering
(normally he sits by the table, and I pass him the occasional piece of
kibble). I went over, and hugged him for a while, then let him outside.
He peed, and then wandered off (I was with him), and didn't want to come
back inside. We he came back in, he wasn't shivering any more, but
certainly wasn't comfortable. He's snoozing comfortably on my bedroom
floor right now.

To be honest, I feel kind of silly about all this, but he just doesn't
seem to be himself. He's the only senior dog I've ever owned, and we've
only had him for a little over a year, so I'm really not sure what to
expect.

Dale