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Our 12 yr old Chihuahua has been very ill this year, but yesterday was acting so strange - didn't want to be held or touched, and that is NOT like him - he hid in our closet to get away from us because we picked him up out of bed and checked on him. He has spine issues and has been constipated recently among many other ailments, and is having bad allergy issues also. In the last 5 days he has only slept with us once, which is not at all normal. Our vet says the allergies are part of that, but this new thing of not even wanting to be touched is bizarre...

Submitted: 74 days and 3 hours ago.

Category: Dog

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 12

Already Tried:
He is on medication for an enlarged heart, a diuretic for that as well, allergy medication - his allergies have been HORRIBLE - our vet says pet allergies are super bad right now - we live in the desert and have had more rain than usual. He has compressed vertebrae in his neck which are not acting up right now, his neck is not stiff, but it causes him to be hunch backed and that seems to be worse - we aren't sure but do think constipation may be involved but realize we haven't gone outside with him to observe. His behavior is a complete 180 from his usual behavior. Usually when he is sick he wants to be held.

Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX~

It's not unusual for an older dog, or one who isn't feeling well, to want to be by themselves and not be touched.

Part of it could be that he's sore because of the spinal issues and the constipation, he could also just be feeling sickly because of the allergies.

I know that when I'm not feeling well, I don't want to be bothered in the least. I want to curl up on the end of my couch with my favorite blanket and the remote and just have everyone leave me alone until I feel better. My sister, on the other hand, wants to be cuddled and pampered when she's feeling sick...dogs are very much the same way.

Hopefully once your vet gets him all figured out and on some medications to help with the allergies, he'll start to feel better and will want to share your bed again.

I hope this helps.

Accepts:
Expert:	CVT_in_MN
Pos. Feedback:	99.0 %
Answered:	9/10/2009

Certified Veterinary Technician

Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. State and Nationally certified.

74 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

Ok, I guess we really do know this and due to his age am extremely worried that we are looking at...well...losing him. I expected him to make it to 15 or 16 because my other chihuahua did, but he didn't ever get sick until he was about 15 either. Jazz has been having health problems off and on for a couple of years, but this year, especially the last 3 or 4 months, we go very little time between problems - seems he is sick more than he is well...very discouraged for him. I was just wondering if possibly it could be mental too...like a dementia type thing?

Posted by CVT_in_MN 74 days and 2 hours ago.

Answer

As long as none of his other behaviors have changed, it's probably not neurological or mental...he's just an older guy who has discovered he likes his alone time.

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As long as none of his other behaviors have changed, it's probably not neurological or mental...he's just an older guy who has discovered he likes his alone time.

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As long as none of his other behaviors have changed, it's probably not neurological or mental...he's just an older guy who has discovered he likes his alone time.

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