Dog isolating herself

[Doidontimmm]

Our rescue dog is around 10 years old, never been much of a Walker or running about dog, preferring sniffing and strolling.

She has always sat with us, following us around, however the last few months now spends most of the day other than going out for a stroll, wander in the garden or food in my sons room upstairs. She stays there whether he is in or at work. In the morning she will get out of bed and sit outside his room until he gets up.

She is still eating well, greets everyone and comes for hugs when we get up or come home but she just now wants to spend all day alone or in his room.

Anyone any ideas what could be going on?

Has she been spayed?

Yes around 8 years ago.

Following this because I have a 10 year old lab who is doing exactly the same. I barely see him during the day now, but he's perfectly normal when I do see him - just as affectionate and wagging tailed! I'm putting it down to him just being older now and wanting some peace. He doesn't seem to want to be with us in the evenings now either - I think the sound of the TV bothers him. He likes being in my kids' rooms, or outside on the landing between their doors.

Wow mine is exactly the same, that’s a bit more reassuring. Mines is a lab/Staffy cross.

My 10 year old pom is taking herself upstairs every evening.

I know why it's happening it's because we've had flies coming in the house and she's terrified of them and will often take herself upstairs during the day as well if she suspects there's one in the house.

I'm finding it really upsetting because she's all alone upstairs and too frightened to come down (there's just her and me in the house) and we're sitting in different rooms in the evening.

Could there be something similar upsetting your dog OP, and everyone else's dog on here? Seems to be a bit of a pattern all these dogs hiding away.

This happens every summer with my dog and it seems to be getting worse each year.

Awww poor Pom. My DD1’s doesn’t seem anxious, has never really been bothered by anything before.

She does guard sometimes like my handbag or suitcase or a hot water bottle if she sees one. Nothing in my sons room like that though.

At 10 she is becoming an old lady, does the sun stream into your ds room? is his bed particularly comfortable?

Mines getting a bit like this, I have to keep him and DS separate during the day unfortunately but when DS is in bed he will sit with me for a short while and then take himself back to his usual spot in the hallway.

My DF’s dog is 10 and she has started midering earlier and earlier in the evening to go to bed.

The sun does stream in but also does in the livingroom, she lies on the rug rather than his bed. I just feel bad she is alone all day :(

It may well be anxiety/Velcro behaviour associated with cognitive decline. Is he her 'favourite' person if so as she gets older and more anxious/confused she's simply seeking reassurance from a person she loves.

His room will smell if him so be comforting even if he's not there.

It may be worth speaking to your vet about meds for cognitive decline but don't limit her access to the room - it's part of helping her to cope

Also you see it as being alone but she sees it as spending time with him because the scent is strongest there. Remember a dog's perception is different and especially as they age, scent often takes over from sight/hearing as the strongest sense

Sorry posted that too soon -

Also meant to say my own dog is much more pottery as she ages - she sniffs on her walks much more and sleeps on my bed when I'm not at home now that she's older. Vet says she's fine for now but we're keeping an eye on her as she does get more anxious

Is the room cool? My dog takes himself off to a particular room when it gets a bit hot, I think he likes the peace and quiet as well!!

The funny thing is either me or my partner have always been her go to people, although loves my son he has never been the one she sits beside or follows about. We moved house last September but this started months after.

I didn’t think about the smell thing. Maybe she has just attached herself to him & yet he is the one mostly going out to work whilst we work from home.

I will speak to the vet when we go for her check up & jags.

Thanks everyone.