geriatric behaviors

Question
Our dog is 55 lb., mixed male, 15 yes., generally ok health. I know dogs tend to sleep more with age, but is our dog sleeping too much: 9-10 hrs. overnight, one or two short naps(less than an hour), one long nap (about 2 hrs.). I know that with diminished hearing and sight they are easily bored, but are those amounts of sleep typical? He's quite active when up. Has been getting into doing a lot of whimpering, seems to be occasional seperation anxiety but most often uncertainty as to going to sleep for the night. Don't think anything physically wrong b/c doesn't do it any other times and sleeps pretty soundly.  Would you please comment on that as well.
Thank you!

Answer
Hi Lou,

Thank you for writing to me.

It is essential to have a full blood workup with you vet.  It is impossible to know what is going on with your dog without the basic blood work.  There are many things that can be wrong starting with thyroid disease.

You hadn't mentioned if you are treating him with glucosamine for arthritis?  This is important to do.  Ask your vet about Cosaquine.

Let me know what the blood panel tells you.

Best,
Shelley