Need Help > Dog can't sleep

[Hillbiehle]

I have a basset hound that is getting up in age. She is a house dog and now can not and will not sleep at night. She roams the house at night and pants heavily almost as if she is lost and can't sit still. This has never happened to us. She is fine all day long and sleeps normally, but at night she keeps us up with nonstop walking around, wimpering and barking. I would assume that this is somewhat normal at times, but three nights in a row with a dog barking is not allowing us much sleep and we are of course are concerned for her health. We obviously will be going to the vet but my question is: is there a name for this? Is there a solution?

[eggdish]

maybe you have a ghost. i've heard that dogs can see them. have you tried leaving a light on in another room or using a night light? if it is getting pretty old, maybe it forgets where it is in the dark and just needs something to get it's bearings. old dogs can get senile and weird things happen.

[jigging-matt]

I had a basset for 14 years. When there was pressure changes and bad weather was coming she would pace the house and pant. She absolutely hated thunderstorms, and could sense them coming. I sure miss her though. hope you find a solution to your dilema. When mine got to bad with her bowels and bladder she ended up in the garage. hated doing it but couldn't let the carpets get ruined.

[Jameson]

Could she be smelling or hearing something you are not? A mouse maybe?

[setterguy]

I'm assuming you've tried letting her outside? There could be some critters outside that she is smelling/hearing that have her agitated.

[Hillbiehle]

It seems I've tried everything with the helpful advice that you folks have given me, and it seems to have helped on occassion. Now the new thing, from the time I get home until bed time, she wimpers nonstop and pants heavily which I know is a sign of pain. I am taking her to the vet so hopefully they can diagnose this. I hope it is just allergies and can be easily fixed. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, I really appreciate it.