Hi everyone,

I'm posting this because my family and I have been noticing a very unusual pattern with our 2-year-3-month-old Labrador over the last 7–8 months, and I'm curious if anyone has experienced something similar.

He's a house pet and has complete freedom to move around. During the day he spends time both inside and outside the house, but at night he chooses to sleep in his kennel outside. His routine is very consistent—he usually sleeps peacefully from around 10 PM to 7 AM and never disturbs anyone.

However, about 3–4 nights every month, something completely changes.

Almost always around 3 AM, he suddenly wakes up and starts barking in a very unusual tone. It's not his normal alert bark it sounds more like he's urgently asking us to let him inside the house.

Of course, we let him in.

But here's the strange part: he doesn't settle down. Instead, he keeps walking around the house, repeatedly going to a few specific spots and barking while staring in those directions. He seems restless, goes in and out of rooms, and behaves as if he's reacting to something we simply can't see or hear.

We've also noticed that this seems to happen more often around the Full Moon (Poornima) or New Moon (Amavasya). I don't know if that's just a coincidence or if we're seeing a pattern where none exists.

I've attached CCTV footage from one of these nights.

I'm not looking for supernatural explanations—I'd really like to understand if there's a scientific or behavioral reason behind this. Could he be hearing distant sounds, detecting smells, sensing wildlife, reacting to atmospheric changes, or something else?

Has anyone experienced anything similar with their dog?

I'd love to hear your thoughts or explanations.

Is this playing? Am I psyching myself up?
8 year old GSD & 5 month puppy

Puppy has been home for just over a week. Lab seems to be very gentle to start but does he get a little too aggressive with her towards the end? Thanks in advance.

EDIT: thank you all so much for your feedback and kind words. Going to work pulling the lab back when we see the puppy looking for space, and working out the dominate head pushing/neck biting.

I've owned dogs for years and I've realized a lot of advice gets repeated online like it's gospel.

Some of it has been useful.

Some of it, not so much.

Example for me: people saying every older dog slowing down is "just getting old." Sometimes maybe, but sometimes there's actually something going on that can be helped.

What's one piece of dog advice you've stopped believing because your own dog proved it wrong?

Curious what everyone else's experience has been.

Hi all! We have a 6yo neutered male Australian Cattle Dog (Dale) who has been acting strange ever since we brought our now 7 week old home. For reference we have 3 other dogs, all corgis, all spayed/neutered, and all of them are very uninterested in the baby. They’ll come sniff him but otherwise couldn’t care less about what’s going on with him.

To preface: we never leave the baby alone with the dogs.

Ever since we have brought our son home, Dale acts almost predatory? It’s usually only when my husband is holding the baby, he will stand at my husband’s feet while he’s on the couch and stare at the baby, Like endlessly, until I tell him to go lay down. Anytime my husband moves or makes a motion like he’s about to get up (if Dale is laying down) he rushes back over and does the same thing until i tell him to lay down again. I caught him one time trying to nip at the baby while my husband was getting up. I have never seen this dog act this way, ever. He’s very social for a heeler, I socialized him super well with kids and people of all ages and has never even so much as growled/shown aggression at anyone. Hes never been the nip at heels type. He’ll do the normal heeler stare down when he wants food or out. I’m genuinely at a loss of what this is. If anyone has any suggestions please share!

Pic of him for tax!

Sorry for the long post ahead of time:
My mini schnauzer, Chippy Dogg, is my soul dog. Backstory: he was diagnosed with anal sac adenocarcinoma (also known as apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma or AGASACA); a highly malignant tumor which has metastasized. He had a clean removal about a year and a half ago, but it’s back. Last visit, a couple months ago, we knew it already spread to his lymph nodes and the tumor was partially visible on a chest X-ray near his liver. I honestly don’t know if I’m overthinking or I’m hyper aware of his timeline, but he sleeps more than I recall from even 6 months ago. He used to be perched at his duty station making sure no one dared enter the yard (or even possibly think of it). Today, in particular, he was barking/alerting at his spot, but nothing is outside. He used to jump at the chance to go outside, but lately there are times he isn’t interested. He is eating and drinking less than before, but he will eat/drink and enjoys his treats.
Over the past two weeks, he has peed in the house at least once a day. We have pads out, but he isn’t using them. He isn’t telling us he needs to go outside the way he always has, so we can’t always catch it in time. He will sit and star at us sometimes, but for 12+ years, when he’s done that, its us asking him to come up on the couch, him not coming up, and we would joke, “why are you being weird?” For example: today I was in my basement and he came down (the other dog isn’t allowed there because he sheds and I sew, but he also has 3 legs and doesn’t love long stairs). Acted like he usually does when I’m working and I look up; he peed. We don’t yell or reprimand him in any way; we put him right outside and tell him we love him. It’s not his fault,I’m just feeling lost.
I have spent years knowing Chippy like the back of my hand and he seems to keep drifting further from that. My other dog is a 5 y/o Husky/mini schnauzer (Tommy Boy) and he is a lovely menace! He has been laying in the same room as Chippy and not initiating play, and I know it’s because he knows; on any given day he would normally throw 5 temper tantrums to play or be active and lately he just lays nearby, calm). I know Chippy isn’t comfortable because he keeps his distance from me and after sleeping by my side for over 11 years, now prefers to be in the other room at night with his brother. However, I also don’t think he’s in pain. I KNOW I’ll know when it’s time, but I’m in this limbo right now.
Adding to all this: I pay over $400 a month for their pet insurance and I bring them to vet at the drop of a hat when something is up. My boys have great insurance so I can comfortably get them to the vet without worrying about money. It’s my understanding that he would need an ultrasound (which my vet doesn’t have the ability to give, so I need to get him to the hospital where he was diagnosed) to know what the tumor is doing internally. Like I said, I’m in limbo because he’s just off. I have always worried he would have dementia because I knew he would live longer. I’m just feeling lost… thank you for listening and any words of wisdom/experiences you can share, thank you tenfold ❤️ I know there’s probably no answer other than putting him through the stress of a vet visit. He could be experiencing cognitive decline in addition to his cancer. Enjoy some pictures of my beautiful baby boy (and his tripawd brother).

*edit for spelling/glaring mistypes

TL;DR not sure how worried I should be about behavior changes (seems to be barking at nothing randomly and has been peeing in the house) in my 12+ y/o mini schnauzer who has aggressive cancer. Did he just get old over night? Is he experiencing cognitive decline? What have your experiences been?

I want to preface this by saying we had an online call with a vet today, were told to continue to watch her, and have a follow up appointment tomorrow.

Yesterday our 5 month old Berner cried for seemingly no reason. It has happened before but she was stung by a bee (we think) when she was very young, so we chalked her reactions to her panicking about buzzing insects.

Today her crying got worse. At one point today she cried 4 times in one hour. Sometimes it's when we are touching her (as seen in the video), other times it's when she's moving. There are no obvious signs of discomfort (limping, licking, panting, holding herself funny), but she has been laying on her back more and seems to have found it harder to get comfortable at some points. She has also been more tired than usual but is moving (playing with us, our other dog and cat), eating, drinking, normal toileting etc

She is teething, and we thought it may be due to that, but we touched around and checked her gums and teeth and she seemed fine. She has also reacted like this when touching her shoulder, her neck, her lower leg, but when we touch her there again later she is fine. We also thought it may be a pulled muscle/sprain as she slightly tripped when running on an uneven field three days ago.

Any suggestions on what this may be? TIA, any help will help to mitigate our worry, we just hate seeing her in pain.

EDIT: I understand she is frustrated in this video (sorry pup 💔), this was just us trying to catch a video to show the vet. She has been whining worse thank what's shown when moving to lie down or move etc when not being teased by a treat. Thank you for all your suggestions, we will watch how she goes (and stop annoying her), and I will update you with any news

I've had to take on a lot more responsibility in my life as of recently, and Im finding it hard to have the time to care for my ageing childhood dog Ace

My family has been helping me take care of ace but

Ace just seems so sad though, they have joint pains and weight issues and he hardly wants to move, I can't remember the last time they wagged there tail besides when someone offers them a treat

I just want them to be comfortable and happy in their final years but I don't know what to do for them, and I've had such little time or money to help them, it feels awful having to see ace so sad but I've struggled to find ways to cheer them up in spite of Loving them so dearly.

Does anyone have advice on what I can do or try to cheer them up please.

Venting / context below (sorry for the length)

My family in spite of being the ones who take care of two dogs in the house don't seem to understand animal behavior and don't do much besides basic care and occasionally taking them to the dog park,

And my family seems to put very little effort into socialy caring for either dog (a dog trainer actually quit on one of my grandparents because they didn't actually understand or apply anything they were being taught by the trainer, and they restored to a shock collar *that I confiscated* after, I've been the one having to train there German Shepherd puppy with my very limited knowledge and time since doesn't help that my family effectively sabotages any progress I make)

So my family isn't going to be much help I think but with me being a full time college student I don't really have much of another option even though I love my dog so dearly and would prefer to spend every day with them.

My dog is almost 13 years old, about 60 pounds, and I’m struggling with a decision.

He was recently evaluated at a renowned veterinary rehabilitation and sports medicine hospital because he’s developed a very stiff posture and changes in his gait. During the neurologic exam, the veterinarian flipped his back paws over, and she noted that he was somewhat slow to correct them. He also occasionally crosses his front feet, sometimes slips on hardwood floors, and has days where his rear end seems weaker. His stiffness and weakness are usually worse in the mornings and in the heat.

He eats well, loves his walks, gets excited for treats, enjoys being with us, and still has bursts of energy. He’s not constantly painful or miserable, but he’s just clearly aging and has mobility issues.

We already went for our first rehabilitation/acupuncture appointment. During the rehab portion, he became extremely stressed and resisted the handling. They told me that if we continue rehab, he’ll likely need gabapentin and/or trazodone beforehand so they can safely work with him.
Now they’re recommending extensive orthopedic x-rays before moving forward with treatment.

My dilemma is whether I should keep going down this road at all.

Part of me thinks the x-rays could identify exactly what’s going on and lead to a rehab plan that genuinely improves his comfort and mobility. The other part of me wonders if I’m turning the last years of an old dog’s life into a series of appointments, diagnostics, and treatments when maybe I should just keep him comfortable and let him enjoy being a dog.

The cost isn’t the deciding factor. I’m really trying to weigh the potential physical benefit against the stress of repeated veterinary visits for an almost 13-year-old dog.

If this were your dog, would you go through with the x-rays and rehabilitation, or would you focus on comfort care, reasonable exercise, and letting him enjoy his remaining years?

I am rescuing/ adopting this sweet baby on Saturday and although I am very experienced in animal care including dogs, cats, and various types of poultry it has been many years since I have personally owned a puppy as most of the dogs I’ve rescued have been adults or around 1 years old. I am looking for some tips and tricks that made your life easier during the first couple of months acclimating your puppy to your home and life in general. I’ve got pet insurance for all of my babies and things like a kennel for kennel training, etc I am just curious what some have to say. Thank you in advance!

My mom just adopted this puppy and sent photos but the eyes look like something is definitely wrong. Vet visit is soon bit wondering if it warrants emergency care. Thanks!

This is Anubis and she just turned a year old last month.

The last 15 hours she’s been sick. Shes been having diarrhea and puking with no real interest in food. After she pukes she sits there and shakes really hard for about 5-10 minutes before settling down.

Symptoms:
- diarrhea (starting soft then was pretty much just liquid)
- puking (first time was normal, then it was a huge hair ball, then it was just yellow foamy puke)
- won’t eat her food
- has had very little to drink the last 15 hrs
- hard shaking after puking

She’s pretty much attached herself to my husband and I. She follows us everywhere and lays at our feet.
Pretty much just wants to cuddle or go down to potty.

Should I take her to the Emergency vet, wait to schedule her a regular appointment, or wait to see if it passes?

​

USA

I am bringing home an 8 week old Standard Australian Shepherd next week Wednesday and really want to get in on the ground floor with pet insurance. There are so many options out there, so I am wondering what company and what plan you use and why.

Thanks in advance!

He's 13 years old, started to shake randomly. He's not wincing or making sounds, just trembling a lot. He went swimming, but I don't think it's too cold, it's about 23°C. He ate his food well, but just checking...He winced once earlier, so he could have been bit or scared or hurt? But I didn't see what happened, just heard it. We have a 5h road trip tomorrow so I feel the need to ask. Thanks!

I know not every dog does, but we have had dozens of dogs and fostered hundreds and 90% of them have always slept by our feet in bed. Why would they choose feet specifically over any other body part? In my opinion my chest or head area would be more comforting because it’s warmer and the rhythm of breathing.

This feels like an AskHankAnything question more than anything, but thanks in advance for entertaining the question!!

My dog got tangled up with a bigger dog at the dog park yesterday and is now limping. She is putting weight on all legs and letting me touch her legs too. How serious does this look? Thanks!!

My Dog attacked my other dog and they passed away

We have a household of 4 dogs. A German Shepherd (Male, 7years old), A Heeler (Female, 10 years old), a hound mix (Male, 11 years old) and a yorkie (Female, 16 years old)

They all get along when we are around. So this was a shock for us.

We know our heeler resource guards sometimes so we never leave her unsupervised with the other dogs.

When we leave the house for the day we put the Yorkie, The Hound and our German Shepherd in one of our guest bedrooms (otherwise we’d come home to accidents everywhere). We did try crate training but the hound and German Shepherd hated it. We’ve been doing this system for about 5 years and never had any issues.

Our Yorkie was an independent soul and just liked to nap all day. She never cared about the toys or what the other dogs were doing. Same goes for our hound too, he is just happy if a human is near by.

I’ve never noticed any aggressive behavior with our German Shepherd. I only one incident with toy aggression and that was one day I was playing fetch with him and my family dog and he started growling any time my family dog would run to go grab the toy. (That was also his first time playing with another dog outside his household) I never noticed that behavior in him with our other dogs. because the other two dogs didn’t care about any toys so they all seemed to get along anytime we are around.

Well last night we came home to my Yorkie having a really brutal bite on the head. (I don’t want to go into details but it was gruesome.) We made the decision to put her down because even with the surgery the vet said it wasn’t even guaranteed that’d she’d make it. She was getting very old and had a lot of health issues, so we made the hard decision of putting her down.

Now we are trying to figure out what to do with our German Shepherd. We feel like it was an incident where they were both giving warning signs and he bit down on her hard, because he’s so much larger he did a lot of damage. And because we weren’t there to monitor the initial warning signs, we couldn’t prevent the attack. (That’s what my gut feeling is telling me what happened but I have no way of knowing because we weren’t there)

We talked about it and are wanting to take extra per cautions. He won’t be allowed alone unsupervised anymore. He’ll be getting his own room. We will not be walking him with the other dogs anymore. We will be getting a muzzle for when he goes on walks.

We are getting really mixed advice from family saying it’s a terrible idea and that we need to put him down or rehome him. We are really against the idea of just putting him down. He really is a sweet dog and listens to commands really well. It was just horrible on our part for leaving him alone with no one watching him and I will never forgive myself for it.

We don’t like the idea of rehoming him either because he’s really attached to us. He gets really sad if we aren’t around. So we don’t know if he’ll adjust well with a new family and I’ve heard it’s hard rehoming dogs that have been in this situation.

We really want to try working with Him and hoping these precautions will help make sure it won’t happen again. If we start to notice any further aggression then we will be seriously thinking about rehoming.

We’ve had all of these dogs since they were puppies and never had any major issues before.

My family is disagreeing hard about this. Are we in the wrong? Should we just rehome him? I just feel like now that we know it’s an issue we can be more proactive about it.

Hi, I just noticed this on my dog’s paw today. When I press it , it turns white. She has a habit of licking her paws since young. Can anyone advise what this is?

She’s a mini schnauzer , 6.2kg and is 10 years old. No other symptoms

I've seen people discuss when the best time to spay a dog is and the general consensus is after her first cycle for a regular sized dog and after her second cycle for a large breed. But I've read up on pyometra because my dads German shepherd had it shortly after her first cycle and the vet reprimanded him for not getting her fixed before she went into heat.

I understand that a dog needs to grow fully, but each cycle brings a higher risk of developing it.

Is there a way to avoid it, like is there anything my dad could have done to keep it from happening while he waited for her second cycle, or is it a game of chance?