Disturbed Doberman

[agardener]

Our 13 year old Doberman used to sleep undisturbed all night most nights but recently has been waking us up to three times during the night. He seems to want to go out, what you might expect, but then he just seems to wander about, perhaps for quite a while. We cannot discern any physical symptoms or discomfort and our vet has examined him at least twice without finding any problem, though she has suggested he might be becoming senile. Worrying and tiring at the very least. Opinions please.

[Baldric]

Have a read of the Link I put in in the OP here, see if anything sounds familiar

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals-and-Nature/Question1223271.html

[woofgang]

there are meds for senile dogs which can help....worth a try at least.

[agardener]

Hi Baldric, thanks for the link, it all helps. Our vet did mention the possibility of treatment if it is senility, like you we must monitor to confirm.
I hope this isn't opening old wounds, I see the post you linked was in 2013, can you update please.

[ladybirder]

How sad for both of you ag. I had this with my cat for a few years, staring into space without moving for hours and at blank walls. Then wondering around looking lost. Then a few days back to normal. She lived into her 21st year though; there were still enough good times to make her life worthwhile. Good luck.

[naomi24]

We have a dog like that. The vet's opinion .... old age. Whether or not you're willing to put up with it is your choice. We do - but it's not easy so I would understand it if you decided otherwise.

[Baldric]

Hi, No probs, he will be 11 in a few days time, taking his tablet no probs and is not as 'daft' as he was without them. (I don't like to name medicines as what's good for him might not be for your lad, let the Vet decide). no change to his temperament though he spends less time off-lead nowadays as he tends to forget where we are at times, at least that's his story.
We lost his mate back in August which caused a bit of confusion but spoiling him rotten seems to have helped.
Good Luck.

[Peter Pedant]

My dog got so senile it ceased to recognise me
and and on a good day used to totter up to me
sniff my trouser turn up and look thoughtfully as if it made sense once but not now

[agardener]

Thanks to you all for your inputs, we do recognise quite a number. Our vet has now prescribed something to combat the senility so we can only hope it's effective. That just leaves the disturbed nights, we're already getting quite tired, zzzzzzzz, lol.

[ladybirder]

ag, I wonder if a Thunder Coat would help. They are usually used to relieve anxiety such as calming a dog who is frightened of loud bangs and/or being left alone. But essentially they are a comfort to the dog by swaddling them as you would a baby. My dog relaxes and sleeps when he wears his. Got to be worth a try don't you think?
Here's a link but you can probably get them cheaper on Amazon.
http://www.thundershirt.co.uk