Elderly dog always wants to be alone

[saggynappy]

I miss my girl sitting with me in the evening and surely it’s not normal for a dog to want to be alone? I don’t think it’s pain as we had the opposite problem before we got her arthritis under control- she’d pant and pace the entire house. Still loves a walk, food and a quick stroke but as soon as she’s finished goes straight upstairs and looks on edge if I go up to her. To her delight I currently have an old sofa, 3 mattresses and chair cushions waiting to go to the tip in my room and she loves hiding amoungst all this crap completely hidden from view, like a cat

How long has she been like this? She's old and wants to be as comfortable as possible if she's aching but it would be a good idea to have her checked out just in case she's hurting from something else.

Although googling brings up old dog syndrome www.seniortailwaggers.com/old-dog-syndrome.html the symptoms certainly seem to match your old girl.

My dog wanted to be alone much more when he was old. He spent most of his time behind the sofa. I think it is normal old dog behaviour.

Ive had a couple of old dogs want to go and sleep somewhere peaceful when not doing anything, they also slept a lot more in general.

It is another sign of pain, removing themselves from social situations, not really wanting to be touched. I agree, a vet check would be useful to rule out any systemic illness and for her arthritis plan to be reassessed to see if you can add in another facet of pain relief.