I've got a gorgeous 8 year old cocker spaniel boy.
He's playful, very loving and affectionate, energetic and full of life. Loves cuddles, and follows me around the house wanting to play. Ever since he was a pup he has been obsessed with his ball. He absolutely loves it. We get through hundreds of tennis balls as he spends hours playing fetch with his ball thrower and can't ever get enough of it. He even sleeps in his bed with a couple of tennis balls curled up in his paws.
However this past week, I've noticed a sudden drastic change in him. He is quiet, not as energetic and doesn't jump around when something happens that would normally make him go mad like getting his lead out or his treat box. He is also totally ignoring his ball which has given me a lot of concern and this in itself tells me there is something wrong. He isn't affectionate anymore and doesn't seem to want cuddles or spend time playing. He will happily go for a walk and doesn't seem to be limping, he is running about when outside but when he comes home he seems really sad.
We've checked him all over by running our hands over his legs and pads etc and he isn't flinching when we touch him. He is eating and drinking normally and wees and poos are fine too.
He just seems to have had a personality change in the past week which is really worrying me. We said at the beginning of the week we will keep our eye on him and give it to the weekend but now we are there I don't know what to do. I have said I think I will call the vet tomorrow but DH thinks I may be overreacting as what do we say to the vets? He doesn't want to play anymore? I know he isn't exactly a pup anymore and at 8 years old will slow down but I expected a gradual change and not something that would happen overnight.
Any thoughts?