Head Nodding

I have a 7 year old female Old English Sheepdog and lately she keeps nodding her head up and down. Nothing else seems to have changed but I feel maybe she's slowed down a bit and is a little sad. The 2 of us are very close and I treat her more like a child than a dog (I know that's bad). She lives inside and is very well behaved. She follows me everywhere, even just a couple of feet, and when I stop she pushes herself against me but this is not a problem as she has always done this - it's just for a bit of info. Do you have any idea as to why she is doing the "head nodding". Thank you.

[ginger899]

7 isn't that old. I don't really feel it's a 'slowing-down' age. This might be that she is just a softie, or it might be that she isn't really feeling all that well...If I were you I would take her for a senior blood panel test at the vet. That's always a good idea for dogs about 7-9 or older. It just gives a pretty good idea how her general health is and how her organs are functioning. And if any of the blood values are up, it is good to know, and get early treatment for any potential health problems, nip them in the bud perhaps.
The 'nodding head' thing I don't know really what that could be. I would definitely take her to the vet and get her checked out. It may be nothing, but it would be good to chat to your vet about this.

[cassi359]

My dog did that when he was hypoglycemic. You definately need to take her to the vet to find out if that is the case. It could be that her chemistry is changing and her food isnt giving her all of the nutrients that she needs, she could have worms and then isnt getting any nutrition. but you definately need to schedule a trip to the vet

[muttlie]

Thank you for that info. I think I will take her to the vet. I'm sure she gets enough nutrients as I cook her cook up minced meat, pasta, rice and gravy for her to eat and she gets dry food as well. However as she's my baby I also give her everything I eat which is probably not a good idea. Thank you again.

[muttlie]

Thank you for you speedy reply. I think I will take your advice and get the blood test. If anything happened to her and I didn't do enough I would never forgive myself. Yes your'e right she is a big softie - just like a baby. Thank you again and by the way I love your picture - that dog looks gorgeous and I bet he/she's the best.