Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my very old mini poodle pacing all the time? Is it senility?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Poodle | Male | neutered | 12 lbs

Our very old mini poodle paces and paces unless he is sleeping. Age? or something else? We think he is 21 years old.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 29th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The pacing could be due to his age. Older dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction and pacing can be one of the main symptoms. Pacing, confusion, staring off into space or at a wall, mood change, behavioral changes, etc. can all be symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. My own dog went through the the last 2 years of his life. He was 20 years old when he passed away but I had him on a variety of drugs to help with his cognition and sleeping pattern. I had him on Selegiline, which is a drug used to treat cognitive dysfunction and I also had him on Melatonin (NaturVet Quiet Moments Calm Chews with Melatonin from Petco is what I used specifically). I felt that he slept better at night and paced less. I would discuss this with a veterinarian as a prescription is needed for the Selegiline. I would also make sure he has had his blood and urine tested within the last 12 months due to his age to help catch any systemic changes that may be occurring. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    He could be suffering from Canine cognitive dysfunction, or, in lay terms, senility, You will need to take Oscar to your vet for an exam to rule out other diseases. Your vet can then prescribe a medication called selegiline or other medications and that should make him more comfortable and stop the pacing. Here is some information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/cognitive-dysfunction-senility-in-dogs/

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog rubs belly & scratches face, no fleas. Could it be allergies?
Does your dog rub her belly and scratch her face without fleas? A certified vet discusses possible causes like allergies, infection, or mites. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored