Barking in Older Dog

Question
Hi,

I've searched all over the Internet but have yet to find any type of solution to my unique problem.

I have a cocker spaniel mix (with golden retriever I think), she's just turned 14 years old and weighs 22 lbs.  I've had her since she was six weeks old and have never had any problems until this past year.

The problem is that when I'm away from home during the evening, she barks and howls (I've already had to move once because of this).  I sometimes work during the day, sometimes at night - sometimes both.  I make sure she gets a nice walk as well as enough times to go out to the bathroom.  I'm a freelance teacher so I don't work the regular 9-5.  I work a few hours, then come home, then go back to work again.  My schedule has pretty much been the same since I got her.  During the day, she almost never barks.  Just sleeps on my bed or does her doggy thing, is happy to see me when I come home, then she lays back on my bed and drifts in and out of sleep - and she pretty much never play anymore, but of course, always wants to be petted.

The problem is when I need to work or go out in the evening.  She'll stand at the door or in my room and bark and howl until I or my roommate come home.  She has never done this before.  It's incredibly stressful as neighbors complain (I live in a 5 story apartment) and I've already had to move once because of her barking - sometimes non-stop for hours according to that neighbor.  

Even on my days off, like today for example, I spent most of the whole day with her.  We went for a walk, were at the coffee house where I read and petted her almost constantly, then went for another walk before we came back home.  I was home for about 30 minutes or so, and then left her chewing a dental treat around 3:30pm.  When I came home at a quarter to 5, my roommate told me that Daisy was barking when she came home a few minutes prior.  

I've tried leaving lights on at night, music, toys, chew things, etc.  Nothing works; it's 95% at night, and even when I spend the whole day with her, walking in the park for 4 hours, it doesn't help those few times during the day.  I'm stressed and nervous to go food shopping, out on a date, or to work at night.  I'm not gone that long and have no idea where this new behavior is coming from...maybe dementia? And why only at night - or those few times during the day?

She is on four medications:  for her heart, hearing, incontinence, and general health.  So 2 full and 2 half tables per day.  That has helped with everything, but of course, not the barking!

I hope you have enough information to provide some help!  Thank you very much in advance!

Answer
It's hard to offer advice without seeing this dog in person, but my guess is that as she's getting older and not hearing well, she's becoming more anxious when you leave.  Barking can be a stress reliever for dogs.  Talk with your vet about anti-anxiety meds.  There are a couple new meds for dogs on the market now (Clomicalm and Reconcile) that are specifially designed to help with this type of issue.  And yes, dogs can suffer from dementia as well.

There are also things you can do to help. Some of the products I recommend for my clients are:  Rescue Remedy, Thundershirt, Face Wrap, and Comfort Zone DAP products.  You can Google these to get more information.

Here are some other standard tips:

Discourage hyper-attachment while you are at home.  Don't allow her to follow you from room to room.  

Don't use a closed door as a way to contain the dog.  Use baby gates, a crate or ex-pen if you have to confine her.  

Provide food dispensing toys and give her a meal in it when you leave.  Give her something to occupy her time.

Make departures and arrivals low key.  Pay no attention to her when you get home until she is calm.

Here is the best information I've found on the web that deals with separation anxiety:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1502
http://www.wagntrain.com/SeparationAnx.htm
http://petcentralpawsitivepetcare.wordpress.com/2010/04/23/home-alone-calming-fo

Please let me know if you have any questions.