Our little Jack Russell has been behaving increasingly strangely over that past few months. He seems to be still physically fit and healthy but has become quite unpredicatble in his behaviour.

He sometimes sets off barking and running round in circles for no apparent reason, 'accidents' have increased alarmingly and he's started growling at either one of us when we have a conversation, and baring his teeth when told to go in his bed.

He's also started 'pestering' at meal times to the extent that I have to shut him out in the conservatory whilst we're eating.

With no obvious signs of a physical problem I'm beginning to wonder about his mental health.

Yes, it's quite common and his symptoms sound about right.

Go to your vet, you can get 'Activait' which is for senile dogs and contains anti oxidants that prevent further damage to brain activity and even improve dogs that have already got it.

Yes I think that they can, all of my dogs that have got quite old displayed some of those symptoms, and all without exception get quite obsessed with food, and barking for no reason they seem to see things that aren't there, bless em.

My 16 yr old Saphire was diagnosed a few months ago. She can just stand in one spot literally for hours, then she'll lie down and before you can count to 10 she's up again and stands in another spot. Sh also bangs into things, but at the same time at least once a day she will go racing round with a toy in her mouth. She has cataracts, is almost totally deaf, but eats like a horse and in every other is a fit and healthy dog. The vet said whilst she is enjoying life to just let her get on with it best we can and keep the house clutter free with a clear gangway from her bed to the garden.

Thanks...he's due for his booster this month, - I'll mention it to the vet.

you can get 'Activait' which is for senile dogs and contains anti oxidants that prevent further damage to brain activity and even improve dogs that have already got it.

Could probably benefit from that myself ;)

we worry about it with one of ours 'cos she's blind. apparently as they get older it can send them a little senile.