Elderly dog suddenly gone strange this evening

[Sprookjesbos]

Hi all.
Our terrier is 16 next month. He has his ups and downs but generally does remarkably well for his age. This evening, all of a sudden, he started walking on the hearth in front of the fire which he usually avoids (it is tiles and he skitters on them so just walks round it). Thought it was a bit odd. Not long after, he started circling the coffee table. He did it about 6 times before I interrupted him and since then has been pacing the house, mostly making right turns. I ended up pushing the coffee table against the wall because he kept going back to circle it. He usually sleeps in the evening and it is seriously unusual for him to be awake at this time but he's now been pacing for 2 hours. Doesn't seem in pain or particularly distressed. Think it might be a long night.

Anyone know what this might mean, or experienced it before? Not sure if it warrants a vet trip!

Having an old pup is hard OP. Could be many things from an inner ear disturbance through to doggy dementia. Might be worth a vet appointment on Monday to check a few things. Give him an extra hug at bedtime.

I was also going to say some kind of inner ear thing?

If it doesn't seem like he is in pain I'd wait til Mon and contact vet then.

Thank you. It is so hard! He is really exhausting at the moment (he's mostly blind, mostly deaf and I'm constantly picking up poo and cleaning the carpet) but we always said we'd make the call when he seemed unhappy or in pain and he just never has. He just loves being part of the family and being amongst us all. I feel like his time must be coming to an end now though

I'm sorry but from my experience it mighty be time. Better a day to soon than a day too late.

If he's confused and having regular accidents then I think you need to do the kindest thing and have him put to sleep.

I am so sorry. It's shit.

My old dog started walking in circles because she'd had a stroke. The vet advised waiting a few days to see if there was any improvement, alas no.

My elderly lab started doing strange stuff like this. Would often look like she was confused about where she was. Bark to be let out at 4am then would stand in garden looking around . I guess it is a bit like older people getting forgetful

Sounds a bit like a stroke. Are the dogs eyes tracking from side to side?

Best to have the dog checked out by a vet.

Sending love and good wishes.

Sounds like a stroke ours did exactly this.

Another old dog got dementia, had some brilliant pills which brought him back to us for three months. No more coming in from the garden and pooing.

well hold on! is he still eating and walking ok and seems happy? please don't take him away from his family 🙏 may be a bit of dementia especially if in evening 'sundowning' but please do visit to vet. our terrier gets cbd oil at night to calm him and it really helps👍 good luck and please give extra cuddles.

Thank you all. We have been up most of the night for him, he just kept pacing.

This morning he is finally asleep but his paws are freezing cold and his breathing is very slow.

We are debating whether to call the vet or see if he just goes today? We don't want to move him and upset him taking him to the vet. But it's hard to know if that would actually be kinder than letting him go at his own pace if it takes a long time?

Thought we were prepared as he has been so old for so long but now the time is here we are just devastated!

It's hard, but it's a kindness to the animal to be able to put a sick, old animal to sleep. It sounds as though he has dementia and has possibly had a stroke. He must be confused to not be lying down and resting.

Is there a vet that will do house visits near you?

Ring the vet and see if someone will come out for you.

Poor little man. Try to look in his eyes and see if they look different? Just thinking it may be a bleed/stroke, my cat did this and the vet said she was having bleeds on the brain. One point she squished behind the fish tank and couldn't get out so that had stopped the pacing but when we took her out she carried on 😞🐾 it wasn't pleasant but give him cuddles so he knows you're there x

Yes, this is probably the ideal option. I would want to avoid moving him if possible so as not to stress him out unnecessarily.

Aww don’t move him, let him go at his own pace (as long as he doesn’t seem in pain) he will feel safe and comfortable in his home that he knows xxx

Oh op I'm so sorry to hear this and my thoughts are with you

Animals mask pain and don't display it in the same way humans do. The uncharacteristic pacing is a sign something is very wrong, on top of the accidents he has.

Aw I'm sorry. It's so hard when it comes. My old boy was happy with his walks but had doggy dementia. He was pacing at night for a while but mostly happy. Then he just had a massive stroke one day and I had to make the call. Broke my heart.

It's the price we pay for their love. Sending strength xx

Oh I am so sorry. I’d wrap him up snugly and see how he goes. Sounds like the end is close. If he’s struggling at any point you could call the vet out but it sounds as though he is likely to have a good passing, safe and loved at home xxx

My old Jack russells went like this at 16.
Still walking, eating- but not 'there'.
I'd give him a few hours to kip but sadly I think it may be time.
My old girl circled the garden looking at the clouds. My old boy went down the side of the fridge and stared at the wall.
Sad for us but they had no knowledge of what was happening.

I grew up with terriers and unfortunately have not been able to have a dog or cat in adulthood due to various circumstances.

I'm really touched OP by your post and your love for ddog (see it so often on the Littertray). I don't have any advice but am sending love.

As above, the vet came out to us which was lovely, see if someone can do a house visit.

my old almost 17 year old jack Russell did this too, you will know when the time is right is what i was told