Dog is acting strange

[Amanduhdee]

My dog is a rescue dog and has never had very many health issues.  He is getting up in age, we aren't totally sure how old he is as the vet was not entirely when we got him.  Lately though he has been having off days.  For instance, my dog, Sam, LOVES treats and gets a little aggressive when a treat is in sight.  The other day when he was feeling off we tried giving him a treat to see how he would react and he just looked at it, which is completely out of character.  He has been laying down in weird spots, spots he hasn’t ever slept in before.  Then he rebounded and was acting like nothing had ever happened, so I assumed he was just feeling a little under the weather and let it go.  Then, last night we took him on a walk.  He likes to be ahead of the group and sniff things out when he is out and about.  Last night, however, he was bringing up the rear and walking really slowly.  We ended up carrying him home and I am really scared he is in a lot of pain.  Any ideas on what this could be??  Thanks for your help!

[TwoBitsMom]

Since Sam is a Senior, Please be sure to have the Vet do some bloodwork to assess his Kidney and Liver Functions.
Having Off days, and then Normal days...refusing treats...sleeping more...lagging behind on walks. All of these symptoms remind me of the way my Yorkie was acting when she was diagnosed with Kidney Failure.
Most likely this will not be the case with Sam, but, just given the fact that he is a Senior Dog, warrants the need to check his kidney and liver functions.
Please consider having these assessments done for your dog.
Best Wishes,
Connie

[Amanduhdee]

Thank you for your help and time!  I really appreciate it!

[Misfits4Me]

From your description, these symptoms and odd behavior are classic of "PAIN"! Since this guy is a Senior & we've had colder weather, I'd lean towards plain Arthritis......Just like humans, dogs get painful joint issues....Prescription Anti-inflammatories from your Vet are the best way to go and they work beautifully....

Make an appointment for a Senior work up and describe what you told us. Ask for medications for Arthritis & go from there......Good luck and let us know what your Vet says....Your dog will be feeling better in no time....Karla

[Megadodger]

I would take him to the vet just to get him checked out. Often in older dogs anything like a UTI or something simple can cause so many problems for an older dog.

I imagine since you're worried this has been a drastic change? Like perfect one day and then not too good the next day?

He could just know that he's not a young dog anymore. Try to relax. If you're worried and panicking he will feel that and such. He will feed off of you and also end up worry about whatever you are worry about! Take a deep breath :)

Hopefully you figure out what's wrong!

[Amanduhdee]

Sorry, totally thought i had put that in.  The vet assumed he was 6 months when we got him and we have had him for 12 years.  So at least 12-13 years old.  He is a mixed breed, he looks like a beagle and has the coloring of a german shepherd.   He is stockier than a beagle but not  as short, as say, a corgi.  As I said before i really don't know.  We got him when I was much younger and no one in my family knows what he is.  Thanks for your help!

[Misfits4Me]

Something else:  What BREED is he???

[Misfits4Me]

Welcome....Your Vet had to have some idea how old he was when you got him (Take a guess) & then ADD how long you have had him and let us know what the total might be......Thanks, Karla