Dog Barking At Night

[naomi24]

One of my dogs, a big boy aged almost 14, has taken to barking in the night. He’s driving us nuts! We get up and let him out into the garden, he comes back, settles down, and within half an hour or so is barking again - and he has a big bark! He doesn’t do it during the day – just at night when we’ve gone to bed – so I’m pretty convinced it’s an attention thing. My husband works long hours and gets very little sleep at the best of times so this isn’t helping. Any ideas for a solution would be gratefully received.

[naomi24]

Ladybirder, he doesn't do that, but my dog who died did - she was blind - and her brother who is also blind just sits in the middle of a room sometimes staring aimlessly. I often pick him up and put him in his bed because I get the impression at times that he doesn't know where he is - although he finds his way around well enough usually. I know he's suffering from dementia just as his sister did. I'm trying to think of other changes to the big boy's behaviour and all I can come up with is that he seems more demanding lately. If I'm having a sandwich he barks at me incessantly until I share it with him - and that's something he's never done. Also, he stole a biscuit from the coffee table the other day - he's never done that before either.

[woofgang]

That does sound like a cognitive change naomi, similar to the disinhibition changes seen in people with dementia :(

[Xeronema]

Naomi: As animals get older they do become more demanding, not just because they are older and need the support but because they know they are getting old.

William will steal food and he demands a lot more affection - he knows he doesn't have long left. Dementia is horrible in people but even worse in animals because communicating with them is so much harder. I hope the vets give you good news. There is medication that may prolong his life and the vet will discuss that with you. Good luck x

[woofgang]

I disagree that animals understand that they are getting old. I don't think they understand the concept of "old" They do have different needs and behave differently as their cognitive and physical abilities change but I don't think they have any grasp of such abstract concepts as "not having long left".
Additionally (and sadly) the treatments for dementia, in dogs and humans, don't prolong life; what they can do is improve the quality fo the life that is left.

[chaptazbru2]

I too don't think that dogs know they are getting old.

[naomi24]

I don’t think they’re aware of age either, but the thing is, like human beings who suffer with dementia, dogs can still be happy, and I think mine are, so I won’t consider doing the dirty deed just because they're old. If I can stop the barking at night I’ll be happy. I can cope with him pinching the odd biscuit and even sharing my sandwich. Having said that I do wonder if ultimately I'm being fair to either of them though (the little one is incontinent too - as his sister was - and has to be watched in case of accidents - fortunately the floors are tiled). How long can they last like that - and is it fair to allow them to continue like that? I think I'm arguing with myself here! It's so difficult! Just awful.

[dannyk13]

I think what you have to consider is the quality of life of the dogs

[woofgang]

naomi, you have hit the nail on the head with your comment "Are they happy?"
If they are and you can manage things so they continue happy then there is no reason to do anything else.

[grasscarp]

Have you looked at the products on the market for this problem Naomi?
http://www.percyspets.co.uk/162/how-to-stop-your-dog-barking-at-night.html
There are a few suggestions on this site.

[naomi24]

Woofgang, They seem to be. If only they could tell us.

Grasscarp, thank you.

[woofgang]

grasscarp, most of those suggestions are punitive and very unkind. Nasty enough to use on a dog with all its wits, unconscionable to use on an oldie.

[woofgang]

naomi, have faith, (general faith, not religious faith lol) You know them, you of all the world will know whether or not they are happy.

[naomi24]

Woofgang, I didn't like to say that. I'm sure Grasscarp meant kindly. Even if this doesn't turn out to be dementia he's far too old to train now and I wouldn't use the methods suggested there anyway. You're right, I do know them. They are happy.

[Baldric]

///Are they happy/// that's what we look out for, they both bounce around a lot at the moment and play like pups and love their food, if any of that changes it's time to re-evaluate.
I too don't think that dogs know they are getting old.

[naomi24]

Baldric, that's another thing. They both eat well still - and they're pretty waggy-tailed. A sure sign that something is wrong with a dog is when its tail droops permanently and it goes off its food.

[wolf63]

My last boy was a Lab/GSD, he became incontinent when he was about 14. This didn't bother me too much but it bothered him. In his case we tried a diet change - ultimately they discovered that he had bladder cancer. I found it stressful - dealing with death is, for me anyway, easier than all the uncertainty of an illness that is life threatening.

On the rebound I was adopted by my first cat, George, an old and cranky stray who lived here for five years - five very long and hard years. I miss him.

[naomi24]

I can understand that, Wolf.

[woofgang]

I know you wouldn't do those things naomi, but this is a public site. Other, less knowledgable people might find this question and think that those unkind anti bark and correctors are a good idea.

[naomi24]

True.

I've just stroked him and asked him if he's demented - he said 'wag'. :o)

[woofgang]

great answer!