Why is my elderly dog pacing, panting, and acting confused at night?

Question

my dog a shih Tzu aged 13 ,totally deaf and eyesight getting poorer. She also has arthritis and patella luxation. She still runs around happily when out on a walk so doesn't seem to be in pain. She has been having "wobblys" like panic attacks at night .......pacing and panting. She has done this in the past with fireworks and storms. However now she seems to be quiet and very clingy. Having said that she can be quite puppyish which makes the whole matter upsetting. Your opinion please. Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 13 years and 1 month old | 14 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

Elderly dogs can suffer from cognitive dysfunction, similar to a form of dementia and failing eyesight/hearing can add to a sense of anxiety. Calming supplements/diets and some medications can help to ease the symptoms and improve her confidence levels if she is otherwise mobile and comfortable. It can be helpful to establish some guidelines amongst the family as to at what point her quality of life and independence is becoming affected so that further decisions in her care be reached without conflict as the time approaches

Why is my elderly dog pacing, panting, and acting confused at night?

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