Greetings to all Basenji fans,

I have two older basenjis and the oldest (almost 16) has started a disturbing behavior. She circles as if she were going to lie down, but only sits for a moment and then starts over again. If she does lie down it is briefly. I don't think it is senility, because she has been blind for several years now and can still find her way around the house and land (2 acres), just very slowly.

She isn't displaying any signs of discomfort, and doesn't mind being picked up.

Any ideas?

I am scratching my head over this. You ruled out the two most obvious reasons…..senility and discomfort......that I can think of. Perhaps she is getting absent minded, like many of us who aren't quite to the stage of senility but do often forget what we were about to do. I can relate!

Welcome to the forum. Maybe it's just an older dog thing trying to get comfortable. Just curious when she last had a physical and blood work done?

Could it be an ear issue? Glad you found us, I love the older b's…they are a treasure.

My old girl although not senile does get confused at times and will keep circling and sitting until finally she does lie down. But she doesn't keep on for long - eventually settles to sleep.

If this has suddenly come on I would suspect that she needs a veterinary visit.

Circling can be a symptom of a neurological problem. I would definitely have her thoroughly checked by a vet.

Jennifer

Thanks for all the replies, she had a checkup about a month ago and the vet said she was (despite her age) in good shape. On the chance it could be aches and pains, since she's a pretty stoic dog, I gave her a tiny aspirin before bed and she's slept quietly two nights in a row. This might be the solution, but time will tell.

I still believe she's got her wits about her, she usually acts confused only after it rains and her "map" of the property is erased. A day later, she's back to it.

I'll keep you informed.

I have a 16 ear old border collie mix and she has begun to do the same thing in recent months. She has been checked by a vet as well. I think it's a combination of being a little less mentally acute and having more difficulty getting really comfortable. My girl is on daily rimadyl, but still suffers from aches and pains. In her case, it's nothing serious - just the stuff that comes with old old age. And I can so relate - I have to toss and turn a bit a night before I find the perfect position too!

Jewel (now 17) has homeopathic Rhus Tox - just one tablet a day and she and she seldom suffers aches now.