My Mom's dog-Cocoa- of 13 yrs. is acting up a lot, and I'm wondering if it's connected to my Mom's downward spiral?

Is your mom living in the home? If so, I'd take note of how she's acting around the dog. My loved one's cat started really acting out due to my loved one's pacing, obsessing, constant calling her, etc. The cat started litter box problems. Dementia behavior can be stressful to a pet as much as it is for a human. I wouldn't leave her unattended with the dog,

Animals can sense turmoil in a household, and she is probably anxious due to "feeling" your mother's decline. That's why animals make great "service" pets. Take her to the vet, describe her actions and see what the vet recommends. Don't let it go on too long, as it sounds like she is also not eating due to her anxiety. Try to calm her by petting her and walking her to reduce the anxiety. She knows something is not right with her owner...

Yes dogs do know when something is wrong I know this from experience the first time when mu daughter had cancer and the dog would not leave her alone, was licking her face and laying on her left side that is where they found the cancer which she did beat. The second time was the last few days my mother-in-law was with us both of our taco bell dogs (can not spell the name right now) would not leave her side. she thought it was real nice and kept telling she was fine. She passed away about 2 days later at the ripe old age of 100. so yes dogs do have a special sense of something being wrong.

Of course your mom's dog is feeling out of her comfort zone, Her method of getting attention is all she knows to ask for mom. The crate suggestion with a clothing item of your mom's is a good one, however two things come to mind. being 13 yrs old I would guess a neurological issue going on, if not a good anti-anxiety med for dogs does wonders. Remember if every time your pup cries and thumps the cupboards and you pet and sympathizes with him/her you reinforce that behavior. Try to redirect with removing the dog ei. going out going to another room etc. while not showing any reaction to the behavior. Taking him/her to the vet is the first thing to do.

1) get the dog checked out at a vet, 13 is old and maybe other issues happening. 2) where does your mother live, at your house? 3) did you check on your mom at the time the dog was having issues? 4) What is wrong with your mom? 5) IF your mother is with you and the dog checks out fine, let the dog stay in your mothers room, if possible. good luck

Does the dog get exercise? Does the dog have time to play and interact with humans and/or other dogs? While it may have something to do with changes in your mother's condition, it may have to do with changes in the dog's routine or a physical condition as yet undiagnosed. Hapiper made a good recommendation to have the dog checked out at the vet. Dogs commonly have ear infections that are uncomfortable or even go deaf or blind as they age.

Wintersun's suggestion of a crate is a good one.
If your mother is no longer at home, you could give the dog an unwashed item of her clothes, such as a sweater. Then she might be comforted by the smell of your mother.
No doubt in my that dogs are sensitive to what goes on in their enviroment. When my Significant Other and I have a fight, our dog gets anxious and clings to us. Our dog is despondent when my SO is gone from the house for more than three days because she is so attached to him.
Good luck and a trip to the vet sounds like a good idea.

awww, poor thing, sounds like he is upset. He senses something is wrong with your mom. He misses her. Is your mom not there? I got a cage for my moms dog, and he is more secure and quiet in there. I put him in at night and sometimes during the day he will just go in himself. He has gotten to like it. He feels safe.

As others have said dogs can definitely sense when their owner is sick or hurt, when I was being treated for cancer my dog didn't leave my side for 2 months straight. Another thing to consider is the dog itself, 13 years is pretty old for dogs in general and some breeds in particular, the dog may be having some sort of medical issue of it's own. I'd take it to a good Vet as soon as possible for a good check up and see if it may possibly be an illness of the dog and not related to your mom at all.

It sounds like the dog is definitely sensing something wrong, and it really needs to be checked out. One time I even heard of a story where someone's pet saved a woman's life after detecting breast cancer in her breast. Yes, animals can sense things that many of us can't even see, which is exactly why the owner really needs to get checked out

Stress can contribute to illness. Suggest you have a vet check her out first so that you'll know if it's a medication or mostly soothing she needs.

I believe dogs are aware of things we are not able to see. You don't mention anything about your Mom's decline only the behavior of the dog. Has your mom been medically checked out? Have you taken the dog to the vet? I think you need to explore the behavior of the dog and address your Mom's care in a deeper way.

As an animal lover, it sounds like, yes. And the dog should try to be soothed and give as much attention and love and redirection as possible. I hope this helps. And, can she stay with your mother?