u/Important_Cow5021

my 8 month old golden retriever pup has been doing this weird thing lately and honestly i'm kinda freaked out. so i got him at 8 weeks and he's always been a super happy go lucky dog, loves everyone, eats everything in sight, the usual golden stuff. but about a month ago i noticed he started getting really restless at night. like he'd pace around the bedroom, whine a little, and sometimes scratch at the door. i thought maybe he had to go out so i'd take him but he wouldn't pee or poop, just stand there looking confused. then he'd go back to bed and do it again an hour later. i tried cutting off food earlier, walks before bed, even one of those calming treats. nothing really stuck. the thing that worries me most is i caught him staring at the wall for like 10 minutes yesterday. just standing there, head tilted, not moving. i called his name and he snapped out of it but it was super weird. i feel like maybe i'm just being paranoid because he's my first dog and i love him to bits. but also i don't want to miss something serious. has anyone seen this with their pup? like the pacing and the staring? should i take him to the vet or am i overthinking it? idk what to do honestly.