13 year JR

[Charlie97]

Any advice or ideas please?

He has suddenly started drinking more and seems unsettled. Constantly up and walking around, seems happy but just really unsettled.

He's alway followed me about, but now doesn't leave me alone.

We've taken him to the vets and they say he's fine, did bloods etc no issues.

The only change is that son and DIL have moved out, but still lots of people coming and going in the house. So not like suddenly all his attention has gone.

Sorry in case it's not clear he's a Jack Russell

Our dear departed jrt went slowly deaf. As he became deafer he began to be my total shadow, following me everywhere. I presume because he could no longer tell where I was by listening, so he liked to keep an eye on me! He would get very worried if he couldn't see either of us.
The drinking could be kidneys, but as you've had tests done, I suppose not. The wandering can be a sign of early dementia, but it is usually accompanies by signs of stress as well.
Perhaps it's the change in your household that has unsettled him.

Kidneys or diabetes would be my first thoughts with the increased drinking. Do you know if they tested his urine as well as bloods?

@Lucisky I would understand if the change in household was that he was left alone longer, but it just means less people in the house not more hours alone if that makes sense?

I've not thought of deafness, but being a JR he ignores me half the time anyway 😂! But I'll test that.

@AvocadosBeforeMortgages no they didn't test urine, do you think I should go back?

Like Avocados, I would suspect kidney problems. Make sure they tested renal function (and glucose and HbA1c - if they do that last one on dogs). The increased drinking seems to be a sign the vets should take seriously.

I'm not qualified in any medical way, but I would certainly ask the vet if diabetes had been tested for.

If DDog continues with the symptoms, I would be going back and asking to see a second vet.

@AvocadosBeforeMortgages thanks you're right! Tonight he seems "worse" than ever! He's followed me upstairs and is drinking the water from the shower tray! He of course does have water in his bowl.

I'll make an appointment tomorrow.

Sounds like a good plan. Do let us know how you get on.

Ok further appointment today, I feel that they are not listening! Like a mother knows a baby, my 13 year old dog is not "right". This is a very well respected vets the local "experts".

They tested for diabetes previously but have agreed to a urine test.

I may just go elsewhere, I'm losing faith. I know he's not right!

Oh dear, what a worry. Is he peeing more than usual too?