Question: I?m worried about the strange behavior of my 10-year-old female, spayed Yorkie. She rattles the gate at night trying to get out so she can go out on porch through the doggie door. The gate keeps her with us and she has bedroom and kitchen for space.
She has always slept with us and now she has nights when she is unable to settle down. We took her to our vet a month ago and were told since she is a senior dog to cut back and change her dog food, which we did.
We switched from Cesar to Iams and she seems to like it alright. She also gets Royal Canine for Yorkies and a few treats. I should say I always let her out on deck before we go to bed.
What is wrong with her? I should also say we have always spoiled her and she is used to having her way.Thank you for any help you can provide as her gate rattling is driving me nuts. I would like to be able to go to sleep. — Norma
Answer: It can be very frustrating to get up night after night with a pet. You took the first step to get her a good comprehensive physical exam and change her diet. Since nothing major was uncovered at the exam, you need to have a Senior Wellness blood profile done with a urinalysis. Many older dogs have urinary tract infections or kidney problems. An infection can cause her to get sudden urges to go outside to urinate.
The sooner that the problem is found and corrected the better. Long-standing bladder infections can lead to more serious kidney infections if not treated in a timely manner. A simple urine analysis can give your veterinarian a good idea of what problems may be causing her restless nights. Urinary infections are generally treated with antibiotics.
Your pet?s blood test will help to make sure the liver and kidneys are still functioning normally. Often the results of the blood testing may uncover the need to change the diet to an even more specific formula and sometimes a prescription food is needed.
Even thyroid disease may cause changes in nighttime behavior.
Remember older dogs don?t like change. Try to keep your bedtime routine the same. Make sure she goes outside to eliminate right before settling down to sleep. Give her a comfy orthopedic doggie mattress and make sure the room is dark and quiet. A gentle comforting massage can help her relax and go to sleep.
Dogs can get cognitive dysfunction similar to what people experience as they age. They can have changes in nighttime routines, as well as a decline in other mental areas. It is important to do blood work and rule out other physical causes of these behaviors prior to treating for canine cognitive dysfunction. Remember not to scold her for her behavior. It will only increase her anxiety and make things worse.
Dr. Baker
Baker Veterinary Clinic
1801 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Read more articles by Dr. Baker | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2011/03/28/yorkie-not-sleeping-soundly-through-night/
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