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Question: Does anyone know of a natural sleep aid for an older dog?My 11 year old yellow lab has started panting at night. Usually once around 11:00, and then very early in the morning, around 5. She'll be sound asleep and then all of a sudden start rapidly panting. If I give her a benadryl, she settles down and goes back to sleep. (but I dont want to give her one at 5, because she'd sleep all day). I have taken her to the vet, and they ran a full blood work test, and she is perfectly normal in every test. The vet told me she thinks its just "old age" like in people, and her sleep pattern might become irregular. Her behavior during the day is perfectly normal, she plays with her "sisters", and swims all day on and off. I'm looking for something to give her at night (if it exists) that will allow her to rest peacefully (and me too).
Answer: You may wish to take her to a holistic vet for a little acupuncture treatment or acupressure massage and a natural sleep aid (melatonin is one.) (My dog LOVES acupuncture, acupressure and massages.)She may also benefit from additional supplements in her meals to prevent or ease some of the issues dogs get with age (such as fish oils and/or glucosamine sp? for arthritis, stiff joints, aches and pains, and a healthy heart.) You could also learn how to do a little of the acupressure massage on her yourself as a bedtime routine.All of these things can be sought through a good holistic vet. (Better a vet than the net!)One thing that you can give her without vet assistance is a nice fluffy bed in case she happens to be getting aches and stiffness from sleeping on a hard surface (or to keep her from waking you or vice verse if she sleeps on your bed right now.) And, you may check to see if something in the neighborhood has changed -- does someone come home from work at 11pm? and this is new? and again at 5am?11 years is old for a dog of her breed and size. You should be congratulated for keeping her healthy!
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