Why does my older dog suddenly jump or move strangely? Vet needed?

Question

My border collie keeps having these "spazz episodes". She'll be laying somewhere and then all of a sudden jumps up and runs a couple feet like she's scared of something. Also, when she's walking she'll randomly fly backwards. She's almost ten years old and at first I didn't think much about it but now its getting more frequent. Should I take her in to a vet? Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Female | spayed | 9 years and 9 months old | 25 lbs

Megan, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

Poor Shelly! She could be having a muscle spasm, itching, fleas, or most commonly anal gland issues. Dogs act this way commonly when their anal glands are bothering them. The anal glands are two gland just inside their anus that are suppose to naturally express when they have a bowel movement. Unfortunately, when they age, some dogs don’t express theirs as routinely as they are suppose to do they get full and uncomfortable. I would have your vet take a look at her to ensure nothing more serious is going on and to see if her anal glands are full. Your vet will be able to empty her anal glands and tell you whether she needs any meds. I hope this helps!

Why does my older dog suddenly jump or move strangely? Vet needed?

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