Exhausted Lab

[LFritsch]

I have a 12 year old labrador that does nothing but pace at night. She pants while doing this. She seems to be getting slimmer but stills has a healthuy appetite. During the day she seems to be perfectly normal. She will play fetch in the backyard till she drops. Once bedtime comes, she just paces from one side of the bed to the other. It's driving my wife and I crazy. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[deadgamegrrl]

I'm thinking dementia too. People 'sundown' in the afternoon, dogs do it at night.  I had an elderly bulldog that got in and out of bed and sometimes got lost in the house if he went downstairs *all* night long. For months!

I would get her checked out at the vet, it could be she is overdoing it during the day and is sore. There are some meds to slow the dementia, but I'm not sure how well they work. Would she sleep in a crate?

God luck and please let us know what happens.

[BluCrystal]

Yor dog doesn't sleep?  And she is elderly for a dog.  I think it's time to see a vet... this could be a form of canine dementia.  Blessings for you and your dog - Blu

[Misfits4Me]

Welcome, Normally, Panting and pacing at night is CLASSIC sign of pain...In any 12 year old, Arthrititis is likely the culprit......A simple trip to the Vet for some prescription Anti-inflammatories would be the place to start.....They work beautifully & can help your dog tremendously......Karla