Summer's Edge Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 I have a friend who has a 5 month old Spaniel - not sure if it's a cross with anything or what type of spaniel it is. He used to be really friendly, affectionate and quite relaxed but in the last week, he has started to act strange and has been following the ground with his nose as if he is following a sent and has been looking up at they sky and jumping at things like he is chasing something. It's not just outdoors it's inside as well and it's constant. Vets are currently looking into things including testing for lead poisoning but there's nothing jumping out physically and so far not much expect "high stress" has shown up on bloods. Does any have any experience with this or has anyone heard of anything like this before in another dog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 What are you feeding him? As in type and brand. Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springergirl Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Nothing strange about a Spaniel following a scent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 (edited) Sounds to me like he probably just came across a rat or a mouse or a possum, some small creature and he as the impression that it's still somewhere around. They probably would be best off totally ignoring the behaviour because if they react to it, the dog is getting a reward for doing it and will continue to do it. If anything, would probably chuck the dog on some type of calmer such as rescue remedy to take the edge off. Edited March 14, 2008 by sas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 Actually if the dog is doing it constantly, and they can't seem to interrupt the behaviour then it could be neurological. They are doing the right thing by starting at the Vet Clinic and ruling out organic causes. Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cockerlover Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 WHY does your post start with SICK spaniel? is he showing signs of being off color or is it just his different behavior ?there is nothing strange about a spaniel following a scrent after all they r from the gundog group & are extremly good hunters of almost anything that moves: also very playfull !!he may just be playing ;has he become agressive @ all need these ? ansewed b4 I can add any more comments; but if you r @ all conserned with health issues then see a vet or talk to his breeder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucknow Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 I would also be thinking possible neuro problems particularly with the 'stargazing'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silverblue Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 (edited) No I agree with Cockerlover, It sounds like this dog is on the scent of something, and as Sas said it would be better to ignore this behaviour. We do need a little more info tho Also you should change the heading, this dog does not sound sick Edited March 15, 2008 by Silverblue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamuzz Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 If the vet thought it was ok would they doing tests to find out the cause? Surely any sudden change to normal behaviour that continues past a couple of days should be investigated, and it sounds like that is what the owners are doing. Better to ask your vet now than wish you had later, in my book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakway Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 You may find it is called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Not sure the OP is coming back anyway....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silverblue Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Not sure the OP is coming back anyway....... What makes you say that, do you know her/him?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony mazzeri Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Get the vet to test his blood for toxoplasmosis. It affects vision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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