Lucy hasn’t been sleeping well. As a result, I have not been sleeping well.
Truth be told, my anxieties over the discussions around returning to in person school have also disrupted my sleep. My sleep disruption has impacted her sleep habits, but her issues are more than a reaction to mine.
A few nights ago, she had a really bad night. She woke up around 11:00 and started pacing. Oh, how I wished for wall-to-wall carpeting, because the sound of her toenails on the hardwood floors woke me up – and kept me awake until 3:00. It wasn’t just the midnight pacing – there was panting and staring into space. When she stilled, she didn’t lay down. She scratched, panted, started, then started up suddenly returning to the pacing There were sudden starts and more pacing. She crawled under the bed. I took her out for a couple of potty breaks. I gave her a very early breakfast. And I started thinking about canine cognitive dysfunction: doggie dementia.
She was better the next morning. I was exhausted, but she slept the day away in her usual, 14-year-old way. Since that day, I have been watching her carefully, keeping a list of all the behavioral changes that have happened over the last few months. She’s been itchy and, despite two baths with the medicated shampoo she got last summer, she is still itchy. Maybe that’s a part of the problem.We have a vet appointment later this week. I am hopeful and a little worried.
booksandbassets 
I feel for you as you navigate your sweet dog’s old age. I had a dog with dementia, where I didn’t realize until quite late and I felt badly but you are obviously keeping a close eye. It’s hard to live with anxiety, yes? For us and for our beloved canine companions. Your piece leaves me wishing for tranquility for us all in a disturbed time.
Thanks. Lucy is my 4th senior and each one has had different senior issues. It is hard to watch them decline.
Hope the vet has an answer that helps. 💕
Me, too.
Hope all gores well with Lucy’s vet visit. It is so hard when something is bothering our furbabies and they can’t tell us what the problem is.
Oh, Lucy! I hope she feels better. Maybe someone near you had some fireworks going off? It’s that time of year and they are very upsetting to dogs.
They shaved her chest….she has a horrible skin infection that I couldn’t see. I feel just awful.
I hope Lucy is okay. Aging, no matter who’s doing it, is difficult. They say caregivers are the ones who need the most care. Be easy on yourself; this is such a difficult, uncertain time.
THAT. FACE. Oh my goodness – dear, precious old Lucy. We went through a lot of similar things with our sixteen-year-old dachshund, Nikolaus, gentlest of souls. I say that because how could they not have souls – so evident in their eyes?? They can’t tell us in words how they feel or what hurts … prayers for her and you and the vet visit.