Sudden barking?

[ByWildLimeCat]

We have an older German Shepherd, we’ve had him form a pup. Always been a big boisterous thing but very quiet; never barked at the door or guests, would occasionally bark in the garden if people are passing but rarely.

He turned 10 this month and I’m noticing changes with him. He seems to bark now, a LOT. He’s also crying / whimpering, seemingly (to me) for no reason. He is waking in the night a lot and barking.
He has seen a vet, who was a little dismissive - he has gained weight, and so vet said to focus on his food? We’ve changed him to some senior food, plenty of extra water etc but I found this response from the vet odd. Why would this be causing behaviour changes? (DH took him and didn’t think to ask)

I think I’ll take him back to the vet myself but wondered if anyone else had issues like this with an older big dog, and what it could be/mean?

Is his hearing ok? Our dog went partially deaf at 12 and since then has barked a LOT more than he did previously ... just a thought

Could it be the beginnings of dementia? I’m not sure how vets diagnose this btw

This sounds exactly like my last dog unfortunately. He was a toy breed and at around 15 when off the lead would follow other people,he had cataracts so we assumed he couldn't see us. Over the next couple of years,he was exactly like yours. We tried suppliments and finally medication, which sadly didn't work. We looked back over his previously behaviour and as I said before,we realised! It was CCD, and he was PTS January 23, almost up to his 18 birthday. I wish you well🌹

@pilates @Nannyfannybanny I have wondered about cognitive function, especially with the behaviour at night. I will mention this to the vet, see if there’s anything else to look out for.
@xxreeldancerxx I hadn’t actually considered his ears but he can still hear a crisp packet opening 2 rooms away so probably not!

It sounds like dementia - speak to the vet, there is medication that can help

Let us know how you get on. I have a 9 year old border collie,who doesn't hear you when you want to recall her,yet,can hear the suction on the fridge door and the door of the dog treats! My DH and I took turns at sitting up at night with our little dog for a year, hoping some of the meds would help.

The vet has said they’ll run some bloodwork for him, and see if it throws anything up. He mentioned possible thyroid issues, especially with his recent weight gain. I’ll try and remember to keep this updated with the outcome!