I have a 13 year old blonde akita . I have him since he was 8 weeks old. He is in perfect health. He is not blind, he can still run and jump, chase balls, etc. Everybody thinks he is around 2 years old. He is starting to go def. He has been literally under my feet for the past 6 -9 months. I go to the bathroom he opens the door and looks in on me, I try to cook dinner and do dishes and I know if I take a step back I will fall on him. I do laundry and while I am taking clothes out of the washer to put in the dryer I trip over him. If I walk in one room and into another, he's following me. If I go outside for even a moment he starts barking. If I know I'm gonna be outside to do yardwork I tie him to a ruuner so he can be with me. When I come in to get a drink, I have to bring him in then tie him up to go back outside with me. Is this a geriatric thing or an akita thing? He has always been clingy , but not this clingy.It's humerous , but annoying sometimes.I luv him like my kid :)
2007-03-20 11:44:44 · 7 answers · asked by Misty 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Part of it is the breed and part of it is age. Many older dogs will pick someone to follow when they are starting to loose their eyesight and hearing. You can call your vet and ask about some anti-anxiety medication, but it is probably best to not medicate a dog that old. Also, you may want to take the dog to the vet for a physical with bloodwork to check and make sure that he is still doing okay.
2007-03-20 11:59:34 · answer #1 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No I don't believe it is an akita trait just his own personality.
his thyroid gland function maybe declining now and that maybe causing him to become a bit more anxious a blood test would be able to determine but then again just losing hearing maybe causing as well, I am sure you are probably already working on teaching hand/sign language while he still has some hearing to replace oral commands. You must be doing things right though to have him stay in such good physical shape.
A lot of retired greyhounds act the same way when they come into a new home, having been a foster mom and having my own and a needy eskie, I know what it is like, when you have a few in the house that all must follow you around at the same time you start feeling like the Pied Piper but try turning around in a small hallway when you have forgotten to get something become an interesting challenge lol
Sadly enough when he has gone to the bridge that trait will be missed the most : /
2007-03-20 12:50:51 · answer #2 · answered by OntarioGreys 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he can't hear you anymore,maybe he only feels secure when he sees you. Can he see OK? Animals have different, individual responses to age related loss of senses. Some seem more senile than others. I have a 36year old horse with sight problems. I didn't realize how bad it was until he nearly ran over me when I was right in front of him. Make sure that your dog can see. Maybe he can't see too well either,which would be tough. If you understand the problem you can help him to deal with it.
We had a wonderful Akita once. He grew up with our children. I hope you can keep your dog comfortable. My concern is that maybe there is something else he is trying to let you know.
2007-03-20 11:56:35 · answer #3 · answered by Susan M 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes...this is an Akita trait. We have had two Akitas and both went through this stsge. They are a stoic and protective breed, as you know, and pretty independent at times. When they get older they mellow and want to be around their favorite person/persons more closely. Not that they did not want to be close before....just not that close. As long as he is still a happy doggie....all is well.
2007-03-20 14:34:00 · answer #4 · answered by tk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely a geriatric thing. Imagine having your hearing go, must be disorienting for the poor old guy.
He may also be starting to experience some Senior confusion.
If he was my dog, I'd have a talk with my vet about his behavior changing. There may be some things that the vet can prescribe to help your old guy feel less anxious about things.
2007-03-20 12:06:22 · answer #5 · answered by renodogmom 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I even have an Akita and a Pomeranian (and a cat). just to start no 2 canines are an identical. inspite of the undeniable fact that Akita's are very relatives oriented canines. in case you purchase one as a doggy and carry it with infants they might stay luckily with one yet another. inspite of the undeniable fact that that doesn't propose an Akita will settle for different infants. ( i.e. your infants's acquaintances) they're needless to say very protective canines. Say your infants are tough housing with different young infants and your Akita is close to, they might attack between the the non relatives young infants thinking your infants are in possibility. My Akita loves my pom, yet after we are on a walk he's extremely protective of me and my Pom. suitable socialization is extremely significant. remember they seem to be a TON of paintings. As yet another poster suggested they require merely a 5 min walk as quickly as a month. <-that may not remotely genuine. I walk mine a pair of mile and a one million/2 an afternoon. sufficient workout performs a extensive function in any canines overall habit. My Akita's temperament is: stupid, stubborn, loving, protective, aloof, Leary of strangers, and quite smart. An Akita isn't the terrific breed for each guy or woman. until you and your husband are a hundred% Alpha, it rather is recommended to evaluate yet another breed. I paintings from homestead and characteristic a ton of loose time, inspite of the undeniable fact that i discover myself continually busy looking after my pets. My Akita is by making use of a few distance demands the main paintings out of any dogs I even have ever owned. For me it rather is nicely worth it. they're additionally no longer stated for beginner dogs proprietors. until you have owned yet another super breed dogs, i do no longer propose this breed. i admire my Akita plenty, yet for somebody with a relatives and not quite some time on their palms could flow with a greater low maintenance breed.
2016-12-18 19:06:19 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you thought that maybe he's hanging around you cause he can sense something? go get a full physical. there are dogs that can sense human illnesses. you may be fortunate enough to have such a dog.
if not he jst needs reassurance.
2007-03-20 11:54:29 · answer #7 · answered by hydez2002 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋