Jess is our 7 year old Jack Russell Terrier. She is the sweetest dog ever, very loving and cuddly. She has a 18 month old 'pup' and they get on incredibly well and play well together. They are happy to share each others beds etc, and are really good company for each other. Our problem is that every few weeks or so she will get really moody. She will spend days in her own bed and not want to come out. She will be seriously possessive over anything she can find (even potato's) and will growl at anyone who comes near her. Even with lots of coaxing and gentle talking she's still very unhappy, then as quickly as it started it will pass and she's back to her normal playful self. We had Jess from a rescue centre when she was about 2 or 3, so I don't know what sort of start in life she had. Does anyone know how I can help her when she suffers with this strange moodiness. We currently just give her space and time to come out of it.

[CorkyMax]

Just a thought---Do you think she could have arthritis and she is just acting up because it may be bothering her? Having said that I have to warn you about Rimadyl---read up on it (ill effects) on web--and don't listen to what the vet says about it!! There are a lot of prescription drugs that do more harm than good including Prednisone and Proin. Best to try and find a safer medication or supplement. Rimadyl has been responsible for the deaths of dogs---ruins their liver. My dog only had 2 pills of this--1 at the vet's . and I was suppose to give him more at home for pain frm an operation---You should of seen how he reacted to this---threw the rest out---then I looked it up on internet (had a lot of time to do this as I was up all night w/him after he took that "stuff') Sorry, I get really intense when it comes to worrying about dogs.

I was going to say something like Corky maybe there is a flare up condition maybe do a simple blood panel and watch for signs of achy legs etc

ALso my one dog will sleep the day away if the sun doesnt shine......took me a minute to figure that out- but the sun affects her moods.

Rimadyl was/is a huge beef of mine and set me in an uproar. I will use it for short term (like 2 days) only as long as the liver is checked. It affects labs the most- and can kill them quite quickly. It is an effective anti inflam/pain med but people are not being told of the horrific side affects

Just a thought. Is she spayed? If not, the moodiness could be hormonal. What you're describing almost sounds like a false pregnancy and/or the mood swings unaltered bitches go through before they go into heat.

[CorkyMax]

Hey 4paws-up
Glad to read what you wrote----Suppose you know--but will say for everyone else--Did you know dogs are given 'human's' drugs and everything is pretty much a guess as to how they are being effected--d__n pharmaceutical companies don't do any testing for dogs--too expensive for them to deal with!! Yes over time they should know something but like the wrong food (greed involved here--same as the pharmaceutical companies) and the vaccinations--seems to me most vets just like to ignore what is right under their noses and blame all the problems w/ these dangerous drugs on something else. And a lot of dogs are dying and it is not being "listed" as a cause so it just keeps happening and so many pet owners haven't a clue until possibly when it is too late!!--and they start maybe checking the side effects out on the web or whatever!! A lot more I could say about how vets don't care (Their schooling is funded (don't know if that is the right word or not--but you 'get the drift') by dog food companies,etc. and they aren't taught everything they should be taught. Ya know dogs can't tell you too much and it makes me so sad (and mad AS usual I'm getting too upset here and also have to get moving-places to go. But I am glad to see your response, 4paws-up. It would really be great if everyone would learn all they could on how to help their dogs live longer, healthier,happy lives and then help inform other dog lovers on what they have learned---there is so much to learn and it takes too much time to get it down pat--I feel so sorry for dogs--mine are treated the same as if they were my children. I'm repeating myself here(frm another post I sent) It took me a long time to learn what I have and just know there is a lot more I could learn and I wish I would have known some of the things sooner--When your dog gets to be 10 and 11 years old a lot of the damage has already been done. If you could add to what I've said pertaining to the drugs problem and what is going on and have some more info (and say it better than me) I wish you would--we all need to know all we can!!

[Popcorn]

Originally Posted by vetgroomer

Just a thought. Is she spayed? If not, the moodiness could be hormonal. What you're describing almost sounds like a false pregnancy and/or the mood swings unaltered bitches go through before they go into heat.

that what i thought when i read the post

I too was thinking hormonal-- but in addition to "female" problems, even a thyroid disorder could be amiss. And when you mentioned the coincidence of lack of sunlight in relation to sleep patterns, that really rang a bell for me. Have you ever heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? It's more known about in humans, but other diurnal (meaning we are awake in the daytime and sleep at night) animals are affected too. Sunlight plays a major role in our circadian rhythms, and our entire endocrine system, and hormonal balance. For humans, a combination of light therapy (using a full spectrum lamp) and antidepressant medication can be very helpful in bringing back that "sunny" personality. It is worth considering for your dog too. Even if you are hesitant to try medication, at least look into a full-spectrum lamp/light therapy. It may make a big difference. I'll tell you this: I work graveyard shift, full time, and sleep days, so I am severely sun deprived. And to add to that, I've just entered perimenopause, so my hormones are out of whack. I've found that a low-dose antidepressant combined with at least one hour a day under my full-spectrum lamp has done wonders to turn my frown upside down!

His behavior may be caused by either physical condition or another thing. He might be troubled by an aching leg or he might have a traumatic experience before. Dogs can really get moody especially when they are stressed. Try to be more patient and spend more time with him. Walk him and play with him every time you got the chance. In this way, his behavior would soon normalize and he will get over that attitude if he feels much affection and nourishment as well.

Originally Posted by Mydogiscute

Even if you are hesitant to try medication, at least look into a full-spectrum lamp/light therapy. It may make a big difference.

Good to keep in mind for me but I am not going to go crazy over a few rainy days- BUT if its a week or more I can try the lamp thing. Thanks