Is this normal for an older dog?

[Gabes_mommy]

Hi everyone,
I have a sweet pug, Gigi, who I have had since she was a puppy. She just turned 10 this month.

For the last year or so I have been feeling really guilty because I feel like she doesn't get enough attention from us. I try to seek her out and call her over to sit with me, etc, but I don't always remember and she never initiates contact anymore.

We have another dog, Farley, who is a little charmer. Everytime I sit down he jumps in my lap and he plays with DS all the time. This makes me feel even worse about poor Gigi.

So last night I was telling my mom about how guilty I feel and she said something to me that made sense. She said that Gigi is old and she gets all the attention she wants. She just wants more rest now that she is elderly. That realization made me feel so much better. I do think Gigi is happy to just snuggle in her bed. She also still loves her daily walks and her meals, but other that an occasional pet and snuggle she just likes to hang out in her bed. I do always greet her and stop and pet her ears when she is in her bed and she'll give me a little wag.

Do you all agree with my mom? Is this normal for older dogs?

 

[Christine]

Yeah, I think it is.

My dog is 10 this year and she does not need to be all over me like she used to. Sometimes I have to really *beg* her to come cuddle with me.

I do think she is starting to get some arthritis and she's not always real comfortable and this is part of just needing to be on her own. I think it is a sign that a dog doesn't always feel that great so they tend to go off on their own.

 

[mom2travel]

Our oldest dog was like that (the other two not there yet). She would sit and watch more than interact. She'd still appreciate a belly rub or scratch on the head but wasn't as interested in constant attention like when younger.

 

[Gabes_mommy]

Yeah, I think it is.

My do is 10 this year and she does not need to be all over me like she used to. Sometimes I have to really *beg* her to come cuddle with me.

I do think she is starting to get some arthritis and she's not always real comfortable and this is part of just needing to be on her own. I think it is a sign that a dog doesn't always feel that great so they tend to go off on their own.

Thank you! I don't know why it never occurred to me that she was less affectionate because she was old. She is my first dog so I am learning as I go.

 

[kacaju]

Our 10 year old dog is like that too now. Dh always gives him the milk from his cereal in the morning. it used to be that the dog was waiting at his side for him to finish breakfast, now the dog is upstairs and when dh calls him half the time the dog never comes downstairs. or if he does, he comes to the top of the stairs and just looks down.

 

[luvwinnie]

Have you had her checked for arthritis? Another poster mentioned it too...I would definitely check to make sure she is not in pain.

 

[Christine]

Our 10 year old dog is like that too now. Dh always gives him the milk from his cereal in the morning. it used to be that the dog was waiting at his side for him to finish breakfast, now the dog is upstairs and when dh calls him half the time the dog never comes downstairs. or if he does, he comes to the top of the stairs and just looks down.

Mine too! Again, the arthritis starting. She's starting to not like the stairs. It's kind of sad but I'm on my 5th dog so I know it all too well...

My dog used to sit and beg at dinner (we let her) but now she does it laying down.

 

[LindaR]

Well, I have a toy poodle who is 11.5 years old. Used to be that she was in my lap before I even got seated! And she slept, literally, in my armpit. She now prefers her catsak next to me on the sofa, and sleeps under the duvet curled into my bent knees.

So I would say that this is a normal part of aging!

And now my big muttguy who just turned 9, and is a senior also, is WAY more clingy. So I haven't "gained" any personal space back!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

Normal part of doggie again. have the vet give her a "senior" dog check up, consider some glucosamine treats to stave off any arthritis stiffness (if OK with your vet). But, opld dogs, likeold people, sometimes slow down and just like to hang out.

 

[ckay87]

And maybe they get a little more secure, in that she knows you love her. She'd been loved by you for 10 years, she doesn't feel she needs to beg for it so much anymore. Just a guess.

 

[Gabes_mommy]

And maybe they get a little more secure, in that she knows you love her. She'd been loved by you for 10 years, she doesn't feel she needs to beg for it so much anymore. Just a guess.

I love that. Thanks!

 

[bellebud]

i'd definitely have the vet check for pain - I think it sounds more like pain than regular old age. 10 isn't *that old* for a small dog like a pug, is it? If the vet ok's everything - than you can rest easy it's just a personality change. I've had many dogs, and I've always found bigger personality changes because of pain than just moderate old age. good luck and hope it's nothing!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

i'd definitely have the vet check for pain - I think it sounds more like pain than regular old age. 10 isn't *that old* for a small dog like a pug, is it? If the vet ok's everything - than you can rest easy it's just a personality change. I've had many dogs, and I've always found bigger personality changes because of pain than just moderate old age. good luck and hope it's nothing!

I will have the vet check, but I don't think it's pain because she is very spunky during her twice daily walks and when she wants to be like when treats are involved.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I will have the vet check, but I don't think it's pain because she is very spunky during her twice daily walks and when she wants to be like when treats are involved.

As others said, it sounds like she is just getting older. We had a border collie that was VERY' hyper until she was about 10 or so. Around age 10, she started laying around a lot more. She still LOVED her walks and playtime, but wasn't all over us ALL the time anymore. I agree with what a PP said about her just being comfortable now to...knowing you love her and are there for her. I'd definately mention this at your next vet appt, but wouldn't be too concerned, unless she starts trying to move away when touched, or not wanting her walks/playtime anymore.

 

[damo]

We've got two as well and they are exactly like yours. The older one, 11, prefers to sleep in her crate now or some corner away from everyone and the younger one, 1 1/2 prefers to sleep on my lap.

 

[angie@dvcstore]

Yes i think your mom is right, wish you well with Gigi

 

[Gabes_mommy]

OK, I'm bored at work so here are some pictures of my little old girl.

Here she is kissing DS when he was a baby. I love this picture - look at that face.

And here she is with her mama (me!) - please excuse my bloated look this was a few days before I had DS.

 

[hellokitty86]

I absolutely LOVE the pictures you posted! I have a pug myself so they have such a soft spot in my heart. My pug is only 4 and the only dog I've had so far in my life so I don't have any advice about older dogs' behaviors but I just wanted to give you hugs! Gigi is sooo adorable!!!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I absolutely LOVE the pictures you posted! I have a pug myself so they have such a soft spot in my heart. My pug is only 4 and the only dog I've had so far in my life so I don't have any advice about older dogs' behaviors but I just wanted to give you hugs! Gigi is sooo adorable!!!

Oh your Ruby is super cute too!!! Aren't pugs the best dogs?? A while back someone was trying to convince me that they had met some aggressive pugs and I totally didn't believe them. Gigi doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body - she loves everyone and is wonderful with children.

 

[hellokitty86]

Oh your Ruby is super cute too!!! Aren't pugs the best dogs?? A while back someone was trying to convince me that they had met some aggressive pugs and I totally didn't believe them. Gigi doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body - she loves everyone and is wonderful with children.

Thank you!!

Pugs that are aggressive? I've never seen such a thing. () We've been to several pug meets and I've never seen one. I do love the breed! We don't have kids yet, but I know that Ruby will be very good with them! The only thing Ruby gets 'aggressive' about is if we are giving our cats attention instead of her. She's very jealous! but she loves little kids!