Thank you all for the replies. This new behavior is a little disgusting to me, well a lot disgusting actually. My sweetheart is getting old. Sam has cataracts so his sight is impaired. He is a little hard of hearing too. His back is swayed now and he walks a little pigeon toed. Once he was shiney black, sleek and slim. Now his face, chest, feet and belly are white and he has gained weight.
He pants constantly, barks at vases, light fixtures, the fireplace and licks his feet or the carpet or even the sofa. He is restless. It's a little aggravating.
And, contrary to the old adage, an old dog can learn new tricks - he now opens the sliding glass doors to let the other dog in.
Miss Kitty is 14. She hates that he is in her litter box. All my babies are elderly. Waaaah!
He pants constantly, barks at vases, light fixtures, the fireplace and licks his feet or the carpet or even the sofa. He is restless. It's a little aggravating.
........
Sorry to hear about the changes, we all have challenges as we age, don't we? It's hard to see it in our beloved pets and not know what to do to help.
What you are describing could be the effect of a cognitive disorder, doggy Alzheimer's if you will, or it could be due to pain, perhaps arthritis or back pain.. or... well you get the idea.
One of my dogs, Gabby, had similar behaviors and once we got her on medication for her cognitive disorder she had better quality of life. I'm sorry I can't recall the name of the prescription, it's been almost 8 years since she passed, perhaps Dr. Doug will help.
The panting and restlessness is common as pain responses. It may be time for your vet to help you evaluate your dog if you haven't been lately.
Cat (Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Our toys:
2003 Damon Ultrasport 3873
(picture on profile)
Boat = ProCraft Fish & Ski
Working our way toward retirement...wishing it was soon.
Yes, I guess it is time for a visit to the Vet. He is driving me crazy with the constant barking and panting. He circles the coffee table while we watch tv, barking and whining as if the other dog is in the spot he wants. But even if she moves, he doesn't stop.
He barks to have the door opened, then just stands there as if he forgot why he wanted the door open in the first place. He goes out, then immediately barks to come back inside. He can't make up his goofy mind about anything. He is so dang lovable and spoiled rotten but is making me crazy!
I will say something to all of you who have dogs and love them having unconditional trust and love. Love them while you can. I lost my companion yesterday and things are not the same. I don't know how I can live with the emptiness and love. He was over 16 but that does not make the difference. His body was deteriorating: cataracts, loss of most hearing and treatable arthritis in his back, but he always could negotiate the house and around the yard. His mind was strong. He could find me and no matter what we had that special bond. He liked to be with me 24/7 and me with him. I cry often.
So, love them despite their faults. Once they are gone, you will feel empty and alone. I will always love Romeo.
I have 2 other dogs and they are not the same. We also foster other dogs for an organization in N.J. to find homes for them. Most of them come from the South and all from Kill Shelters.
BUT NO ONE WILL EVER REPLACE MY ROMEO. EVER...
* This post was
edited 05/13/12 04:53pm by joelc *
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Sam has cataracts so his sight is impaired. He is a little hard of hearing too. His back is swayed now and he walks a little pigeon toed. Once he was shiney black, sleek and slim. Now his face, chest, feet and belly are white and he has gained weight. 
