Why Is My Dog Panting, Not Eating And Nervous?

[I_Hate_Infinity]

Hi ABers,

Can you help me find a way to help my dog? He is a below average size collie/lab cross and is about 10 years old. He is a little nervous of unusual things, such as vacuum cleaner, running water, lights and shadows (which is a complete contrast to my last dog who would chase after them all!) That said, he is confident in defending the house against the postman and especially so against other dogs, and we have a normal family relationship with him where he is content and playful.

Last Monday my sister joined us for Xmas and has duly decorated our house with the traditional festive nik-naks and I see that his reaction to her behaviour is submissive but not playful and he seeks me out when he can.

He's never been fond of change but now he has started leaving food in his bowl, noticing things that frighten him (jumps a little and ears go back) though I can't tell what they are... And today he has started panting quite heavily for no reason and I don't seem to stop....

Please, if anyone has advice, can you help me? I love that little boy and cant bare to see his suffer, especially at this time of year.

IHI

[tamborine]

Maybe in pain. Can you take him to a vet?

[ladybirder]

Is he the same when you take him out of the house for his walk?

[I_Hate_Infinity]

Can't book him into the vets becuase of proximity to Christmas, the earliest I can take him is next Monday, unless I pay extortionate emergency charges. And he seems ok on walks, natural panting due to exercise and not overly so.

[brenda]

Agree with the above.He may be feeling stressed because of the business around him---have you tried sitting down with him and gently massaging the back of his neck and the tips of his ears whilst talking to him in a gentle tone.Used to work with my dog, but I

[tamborine]

Is he too hot from c.heating & extra xmas lights etc? What about flickering lights ?

[~Wingnut~]

Also are any of the xmas decorations real foliage? Some plants are toxic to animals.

[ladybirder]

Hmmm. If he's OK when he's out of the house then there doesn't sound too much wrong with him IMO. Is his distress confined to any particular room, perhaps where certain decorations are or flickering lights? Is he OK when your sister isn't there? Process of elimination required here I think. You may have to get rid of your sister LOL!

[brenda]

sorry was cut off.Meant to say I realise that all dogs are different Brenda.

[lankeela]

Have you checked his eyesight/hearing? Give him somewhere that he feels safe, let him sleep in a bedroom while people are round or in a cage if he is used to one. Maybe he is just anxious with strange people around him.

[anneasquith]

no expert, but sounds like anxiety re the changes in the house.