my dogs acting like something is wrong with him....?

Question

He is 12 and a German Shephard, he whines alot, almost constant whining, moaning and groaning and just looks sad, he paces and seems really restless.... he just isnt himself but I cant find anything wrong with him. No fever, no places that he dont want touched, still eating & drinking etc. He has me worried and I have tried to think of different things that could be bothering him

Only thing different is that my boyfriend of 12 yrs has been out of town working for 2 weeks which is unusual... think this could have anything to do with it?

he is getting around fine also, no limping or hard time getting up or down

Answer 1

No one can really tell you what might be the problem since we don't know the dog and can't see the dog. My only concerns would be that he is pretty old for a GSD so I wouldn't want to ignore any type of symptom or signal that something is wrong. Take him to the Vet tomorrow and tell the Vet what he has been acting like. Let the Vet give him a good physical and determine if there is a problem or not. Good luck, will keep my fingers crossed that he is just restless with your boyfriend gone.

Answer 2

Well as a vet tech for 10 years, really need more info, such as has the weather turned colder? Especially with a 12 year old Shep, more prone to hip dysplasia and with the older age, more like arthritis, pacing and panting would be a indication of pain, could try an aspirin not ibuproben, only aspirin on a full stomach, but make a vet appointment to have things checked out to be on the safe side. 12 is getting up there for a large breed dog, you must be doing something right for him, but yes, missing your boyfriend could be an option. He's eating and drinking, so nothing too serious, which is the first thing your vet's office should ask you when you call them. If the aspirin helps then you might want to think about looking into less stomach bothering arthritis medications but more costly drugs for him. But warning, talk to your vet about about the long term affects about some of these arthritis medications on the animals kidneys and other organs. Good luck!
Vetgirl

Answer 3

Sometimes anxiety can be a reason for a dog to start acting like you've described. If your dog is used to a routine when you and your boyfriend are both around, then his absence may be causing the dog to be anxious. Try to distract him with extra walks and exercise or a special treat. Hopefully the behavior will go away when his routine returns to normal. Also, dogs that have anxiety can become more anxious with age. Something that might have only mildly bothered him a few years ago may really bother him now that he's a little older.

Answer 4

It could be separation anxiety. They make some herbal remedies for it for animals. I even saw it at Petco but I would wait till your boyfriend gets back home to rule out separtion anxiety. Keep an eye out though he might have a real medical problem.

Answer 5

Maybe he is sad because your boyfriend, his friend is away from home. The next time your boyfriend calls, ask him to speak to the dog and put the phone to your dog's ears so that he can listen. It's worth a try.

Answer 6

I think you answered your own question! He misses your boyfriend! Any change of routine can be upsetting to a dog, especially one that is older and very used to a certain way!
Give him lots of extra attention and maybe something of your boyfriends to smell and sleep with. :)

Answer 7

You may have answered your own question. But to be safe I would take him to the vet.

Answer 8

He probably misses him...

BUT, he IS a German Shepherd....they ALWAYS wine and moan.

Mine does all day long....it's a shepherd thing....trust me!!

Answer 9

he misses his daddy