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]

:o)

[ladybirder]

Naomi, I struggled to know what to do for the best with one of my dogs a few years ago. When he stopped eating, didn't wag his tail and look pleased to see me in the mornings I knew the time had come. By what you say, I don't think you're at that stage yet.
And diz I don't believe dogs are aware of their own mortality either.

[excelsior-1]

good afternoon naomi

thinking of you, and your poor dog

[naomi24]

Ladybirder, I don't think we're at that stage yet. He's happy and waggy. I'm still waiting for the vet to ring - I know he's operating all day today so hopefully he'll call when he finishes. I've not been out to vote yet in case I missed him.

Excelsior, thank you.

[ladybirder]

Naomi did you get to speak to your vet?

[naomi24]

Ladybirder, no - I waited in all day, but he didn't get back to me. I expect he had a long day and he knew it wasn't an emergency. No doubt he'll ring this morning.

Baldric, I tried your suggestion and left the television in my kitchen on last night. We only had one short bout of barking. Thank you.

[ladybirder]

Oh bless him. The bark must have been when Ed Balls lost his seat.

[naomi24]

Ha ha! He did sound rather excited. :o)

[crystalgirl]

i have a special needs belgium shepherd,very noise sensitive,i think if someone coughs in our next town it would set her off,the phone the list goes on,we have a homepathic vet which has helped,but one of the things did work a while was the plugin it did help,but she got used to it and it wasnt effective.she didnt get the message as with normal dogs she would have learnt but not her,the other thing is rescue remedy
crystalgirl

[Baldric]

Naomi, re. the TV, we always leave BBC News Channel o/night, lots of talking, which is what they get all day with us at home.

[dunnitall]

Have you tried leaving the light on in the room where your darling doggie is at night? You have probably thought of that, I mean...silly as it sounds, is he afraid or whatever...of the dark? Hope you find a solution x

[naomi24]

That's what I've done since you suggested it, Baldric - BBC news channel. He barked last night for the first time since then - but only one bout. The vet said at his age it's possible that the blood isn't reaching his brain properly causing a form of doggy dementia which, apparently, doesn't really compare to dementia in humans, and that he could give him some tablets to help it. but I've decided to try him for a little longer with the television. I don't like to give him medication unless it's really essential. Thanks so much for your help.

[naomi24]

dunnitall, No, I don't leave a light on. If he barks tonight with the TV on, I'll give it a try tomorrow - with the TV.

crystalgirl, I think my dog's problem is just old age.