Common Behavior Changes You May Notice In Your Senior Canine

Older dogs often display behaviors that emerge only during their later years. Sometimes, these behaviors are due to physical changes, such as joint problems, hearing difficulties, or issues with their internal organs. Other times, they are triggered by cognitive dysfunctions that slowly grow worse over time.

Owners who have cared for their canines throughout their lives are often puzzled by the changes they observe in their pets' behaviors. It is important to understand the root causes. That way, you'll be able to address the trigger, and make your pet as comfortable as possible.

In this article, we'll describe the most common behavior problems displayed by senior canines, and explain why they occur. We'll also offer a few tips for addressing these issues to relieve your dog's stress, and provide him with a comfortable environment.

Aggressive Tendencies

Canine aggression can manifest for many reasons in older pets. For example, your dog's joints may prevent him from leaving an area in which someone or something is irritating him. His irritation may build until he snaps. Or, your pet may be losing his hearing, and fail to notice you approaching him. If he becomes startled, he may respond aggressively. Older dogs can also become aggressive due to stress, especially when their living environment changes.

Addressing the issue requires identifying the trigger (i.e. irritation, loss of hearing, stress, etc.). First, have a veterinarian examine him to make sure medical problems are not the cause. Second, minimize your canine's stress. If something irritates him, help him move, or remove the irritant.

Inappropriate Soiling

In many cases, geriatric dogs may suddenly begin to have accidents. Here, too, the problem may be attributable to one of many causes. Your pet may suffer from a medical condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, or problems with his prostate. This might result in a frequent need to eliminate. He may also have severe arthritis that prevents him from being able to more quickly or easily enough.

A veterinarian should always be consulted to diagnose and treat your canine's medical issues. If, on the other hand, your pet is coping with arthritis, and is unable to move easily, build or buy a ramp that provides better accessibility outside.

Separation Anxiety

Senior dogs often display signs of anxiety whenever they suspect their owners are about to leave the home. For example, they might eliminate inside the house, destroy property, and bark and salivate while pacing. These signs may continue until the pet's owner returns.

Typically, desensitization training is necessary. This is a process during which you teach your canine that your departures and returns are insignificant events. Doing so usually requires a substantial amount of time and patience.

Barking And Whining

Older dogs often become increasingly vocal. From the discussion thus far, you already know this can happen as the result of separation anxiety. As with other behavior problems, it can also be prompted by a medical condition, including a loss of hearing. In some cases, however, your canine may simply be seeking your attention.

Depending on the circumstances, your pet's veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication to address the increased vocalization. If your dog is doing it for attention, the best response may be none at all. This is because your pet may think your response means his demand for your attention was successful.

Roaming During The Night

Many canines start to roam through their homes late at night. Sometimes, their sleep routines are disrupted by joint pain. Other times, the prompt is a need to eliminate. Still other times, your pet may feel disoriented as the result of a hearing problem.

This behavior almost always suggests a physiological issue. This does not necessarily mean your dog is suffering from a medical problem; it may simply suggest the effects of old age. Even so, have his veterinarian examine him.

Senior canines require more care, attention, and patience than puppies or adult dogs. Consider it an opportunity to make your dog's twilight years comfortable and enjoyable for you both.