my GSD abbie, acts quite strangely compared to other dogs.
i'm not sure if there is somthing up with her or its just her personality but she acts bored all the time, and its a big effort to get her to play. Shes not very affectionate towards anyone but myself and my mum (who takes her for runs now and then).

wasn't sure if its her diet doing this or just her age (10), but she used to be more than active.

Hi there,

Has Abbie's behaviour / personality only changed recently?  There could be an underlying medical condition if that's the case so she would be better to be checked by a vet to rule out any problems.

>Shes not very affectionate towards anyone but myself and my mum (who takes her for runs now and then)<

Sorry - I don't know if I'm picking the above up correctly - does Abbie only get taken out *for runs now and then* as a general rule or do you mean that she's normally regularly exercised by you but occasionally by your mum also?

>wasn't sure if its her diet doing this or just her age (10), but she used to be more than active<

Have you recently changed her diet or noticed her having GI problems?  10 is not ancient for a GSD although obviously all dogs slow down a little with the ageing process - just like us :P - so can become less active.  However I've found that my older dogs are still very energetic - even if only in shorter bursts.  Can you provide a bit more info and then hopefully you will get more advice?  Regards, Teri :)    

>Has Abbie's behaviour / personality only changed recently?  There could be an underlying medical condition if that's the case so she would be better to be checked by a vet to rule out any problems.<

Well its been a slow change over the last year... only started to notice once my friends picked up on her just Ignoring them over the last month (even new folks i bring into the house).

>Sorry - I don't know if I'm picking the above up correctly  - does Abbie only get taken out *for runs now and then* as a general rule or do you mean that she's normally regularly exercised by you but occasionally by your mum also?<

She gets alot of exercise yes, two times day for about 1 hour each unless i take her to a friends place then longer. With my mum on the weekend she gets about 2 hours sat and 3-4 sunday depending - my mum takes her to a farm, while my mum rides her horse abbie goes off into the woods and hunts rabbits.
This should be alot for a domestic dog.
Sorry if the first one wasn't clear.

>Have you recently changed her diet or noticed her having GI problems?  10 is not ancient for a GSD although obviously all dogs slow down a little with the ageing process - just like us  - so can become less active.  However I've found that my older dogs are still very energetic - even if only in shorter bursts.  Can you provide a bit more info and then hopefully you will get more advice?  Regards, Teri <

Her diet hasn't changed in about 3-4 years, with the exception of 'tip bits' which we've been giving her some new detal chews since 8 months back.
GI? whats that?
well compared to our last 5 GSDs, abbie has shown herself to be the most healthy at age 10... she doesn't suffer from the common GSD problem with the back legs which keeps her active when out and about.

cheers
j

Hi again,

>GI? whats that?<

Sorry, was referring to possible Gastro-intestinal problems you might have noticed ;) Covers a multitude as you can imagine but things such as persistent soft or runny bowel motions; any mucus or blood when toileting; any unexplained sickness - especially of bile when waking or partially digested food several hours after feeding (that she won't want to eat up again); constant "grazing" on grass; air-licking (when they appear to "look" nauseaus and lick their lips a lot); weird gurgling noises from her tummy; excess wind or gas - either end?

Abbie has obviously enjoyed a fit, happy and exciting life and so from your original description I'd be inclined to think there may be an underlying medical reason for what sounds a bit like a dog who is depressed.  She may be experiencing internal pain or it could obviously be that in view of her energetic lifestyle her joints are becoming a bit painful.   I think I'd see my vet for a full physical check to be carried out and if nothing shows up ask for bloods to be done.

I really hope Abbie is OK and just winding down a little with age - please update when you can.  Very best wishes, Teri :)