Why is my old dog barking at night suddenly?
Original Question: I have a 12-year-old Golden Retriever who has always slept in his crate with no problem. Suddenly he is barking the house down. Can you help? - Lila
Apr 26, 2018
Hi Lila,
Thanks for your inquiry.
When you start to exhibit senior dog behavior changes, it is time to consider a visit to your vet. A behavior change can be a sign of developing medical issues such as pain, neurologic disease or organ dysfunction. For example, a common cause in dogs, especially when it comes to sleeping and night-time behavior, is canine cognitive dysfunction – a condition comparable to dementia experienced by older humans. There are a multitude of treatment options for this condition, but it is important to investigate all possible causes of the behavior change first. Your vet can guide you further on what options would be best for your dog.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Kim Hester
Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.
