14 year old Golden Mix acting bizarre

Question
Hi Susan,

My 14 year old female golden lab mix is acting increasingly bizarre. She's been an inside dog for her whole life but now demands to be outside all the time, no matter what the temperature. She refuses to come in. It's starting to get very cold here and I can't, in good faith, leave her out there for long periods anymore.

What else can I tell you about her?
1 - She is terrified of flies and ladybugs when they are in the house. They don't bother her when they're outside. Lately, there have been a few in the house ('tis the season) but they've been gone for a week now. Her behavior continues to get worse.
2 - She does this at all times of the night or day. We do pull her in at night.
3 - If we ignore her standing at the back door, she barks.
She is going blind in one eye, I believe. She seems to be increasingly afraid of narrow spaces. She can catch a treat thrown at her and find a crumb on the floor, though. But she stares at things we can't seem to see. Far away things, mostly.
4 - She is on low-dose medication for bladder control.
5 - Her appetite for food and treats is fine. No changes there.
6 - She refuses to lie in her normal spot in the house and she doesn't seem to want to go to the bathroom in her normal area anymore, even though we try to convince her.
7 - She is crate trained and in the crate for 6 hrs, 3 days a week.

Her sister, our other dog, acts completely normal and doesn't seem to mind or share in this strange behavior at all.

There hasn't been any change in the household except that the heat is now on versus the air conditioning. No strangers in the house. It's just my husband and myself, as it has always been.

Well, Susan, let me know what you think.

Amy

Answer
Dear Amy, It is not uncommon for a 14 year old dog to show signs of dementia. Her littermate may not have the same problem. If she is suffering with some dementia coupled with changes in her eye sight, it will certainly show up in changes of behavior and habits.  Give her encouragement and comfort her fears. You can talk to your veterinarian about some of the advances that they have made with medications to help with dementia.  Try to keep her schedule normal, taking her for walks at the same time each day, feeding at the same time...this will encourage her.  When she gets stuck at the door barking, simply put her on a lead and walk her to her bed or a place she likes to lay and settle her down with words of encouragement and even a treat. Just as people get confused when aging, dogs will do the same.  Try to make her old age comfortable with familiar sights, sounds and smells. I am glad to know that you are noticing these things are working towards helping your dear dog. She has probably given you many years of joy, so now it is your turn to give her peace and comfort. Many blessings to you and your canine family. Please leave me some feedback and follow-up to let me know how things are going for both of you. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan