Sad dog...

[greeneyedmonster]

I'm worried about my Yorkie Poppy as in the last few months she's changed so much. She was always really affectionate but now it seems she can't be bothered. She sleeps loads and only wakes up if one of us has food! She has never been one for walks, preferring her own little patch and as we moved last year from a house with a garden, I'm wondering if it's that. Can anyone help as it's really getting me down. Thanks.

[boxtops]

How old is she, greeneyed?

[greeneyedmonster]

Well she's 10 1/2, which isn't that old for a Yorkie apparently. I can cope with her slowing down but it's the fact that her personality has changed that's getting to me.

[Ratty2E]

Has she seen a vet recently? I think you need to rule out any physical reason for her change in behaviour. Older dogs do sleep longer and sounder than when they were younger but being constantly tired could be a symptom of an underlying illness. It is possible that she is missing her garden, once you have ruled out anything medical then maybe you could take her out for walks in a nearby park or someplace that she can enjoy.

[lankeela]

One of my oldies was getting really tired very easily, he was checked by the vet and found to have a thyroid problem so now he is on one tablet a day and he has been on these for the past three years. Its not natural for a dog not to have exercise, I would encourage her to go out more.

[greeneyedmonster]

Apologies for sounding neurotic but I don't feel like it's tiredness-more like she can't be bothered to do anything! As far as the exercise goes believe me I have tried everything. We live in an area where there are lots of nice places for walks but it really stresses her out so I've more or less given up. We live in a 3 storey house and she follows me about 24/7 so she does get some exercise...though obviously not the kind I'd like.

[Maxim99]

My mate's Yorkie had a womb infection and was spayed by PDSA at about 11, she then developed cataracts and went a bit senile about that time. She lived till she was twelve, but was ex-Battersey and lived with an old woman who also went senile and my mate took her on when the old girl died. She had been mistreated in earlier years and only had one eye which kept getting infected, no teeth and a crooked front leg after being trod on by earlier owner and didn't receive any medical attention. She was very tiny and finally died of a heart attack. As her temperament has changed lately, perhaps it is senility or pain. I'd take her to your Vet get his opinion. Older dogs do tend to sleep a lot, but if she is interested in food, that's a good sign. Also she may have arthiritis, seeing as she doesn't like walks. Dogs are extremely good at hiding any pain (the survival instinct against predators) so I reckon a visit to your Vet might give you some insight. If you do, I hope it turns out OK.

[bunkmoreland]

has she suffered some sort of trauma lately that has changed her life? someone not about anymore? Our pets are very sensitive and i have seen a cat mourn another cat

[masma]

She sounds depressed, bless her. Following you around 24/7 isn't really excercise. Seems as though she missing her garden...