Worried about old dog wandering

[Imapudding]

I've got a little old dog, he's a border terrier x Jack Russel. He was a rescue so not sure on exactly age but think about 12 (we've had him 11 years).

We have a lot of outdoor space in a rural area and it's not the most secure but he's always stuck around and never wandered off.

A neighbour brought him back today because he'd wandered down onto the lane! It's a short dead end so no real traffic but still.

We can make sure he's better supervised / restricted but has anyone had older dogs do this?

It's a busy household with 2 small kids and a young pointer dog. He's lively, plays etc on a walk although is a bit slower than he used to be. He is a bit nervous around the house, I think things startle him easily, like he can't hear / see things until later than usual. Eating well and otherwise well.

Any advice on how to keep him happy? Would you take him for a check up at the vets? Should we make sure he gets quiet time away from all the youngsters in the house?

Today a neighbour brought him back

[Bordercollies]

My elderly collie did this. She had dementia and sadly it was near the end for her. She had never wandered in 15 years despite being able to get through the gate. She sometimes didnt recognise the house when she got back from a walk and wouldnt want to come in. By the end she was like a ghost. She still walked well and ate well and when she recognised us she was happy. It took me a while to see how bad she had got and a while longer to accept it. I didnt realise dogs could get dementia till i took her to the vets.
Of course it might be nothing like that with your dog but with mine wandering was the first real clear sign something was wrong. Fingers crossed your pooch just got a scent of something interesting

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

I'm afraid my first thought was also cognitive decline - he may have got lost and struggled to find his way back.

I'd not panic yet but if it starts to form a pattern I think he'll need to be more closely supervised, and a trip to the vet would be in order.

[Imapudding]

Thanks guys. Will see how he goes.