my german shephard

Question
hi, just wondering if you could help me please. i have a german shepard about 7, we had him at about 4 years old from the dogs home. i take him training every wk as he hates other dogs. my problem is with him now, for about 6 months, a couple of times a week, during the night he  barks and scratches the kitchen door, he dosnt stop til i go and let him in the garden where he lies on the floor for a while, he pants terrable, he sometimes has a wee too. when he comes back in he normally calms down but not always. its keeping us all awake with the noise, i dred to think what the neighbours think. can you help? thanks davina

Answer
Hi Davina,

Thank you for writing to me about your GSD's nocturnal anxiety.  If your dog is not neutered then he may be smelling the scent of a female in heat.  The answer is to have him neutered and within about 6 weeks the drive to wander and mate should subside. However, being that this has been going on for 6 months it is an unlikely cause, but something to be considered.

You will want to take him to your vet for a full checkup.  He may be ill and at night it could be more pronounced.  During the day there is a lot of distraction but at night if he's in pain, it could flare up more.

If nothing shows up after a vet exam and bloodwork, I would suggest installing a doggie door so he can let himself outside but not if there is no fence.  

The part about the panting is very troubling to me.  Usually it is a sign of pain.  This is why he should be checked for things like cancer, heart disease, infection etc.  

I know that this is not what you were hoping to hear but only a very thorough vet checkup with bloodwork can tell you what is making him so anxious and uncomfortable.

I wish you the very best of luck.

Regards,
Shelley Davis