Older Dog Behavior

As dogs age, they may become unable to follow the rules as they once did. Holly Nash, DVM and writer for Peteducation.com, states that older dogs may experience changes in sleep patterns, increased pacing and more vocalization. Many older dogs have diminished hearing and sight, as well as an increased need for urination or defecation, all of which can contribute to restless behavior. A variety of aging issues, like pain or sensory changes, can cause dogs to display new behaviors that can be worrying to their owners.

  1. Separation Anxiety

    • Dr. Nash writes that it is not unusual for older dogs to begin having separation anxiety when the owner leaves the house. Dogs undergo neurologic changes that contribute to their inability to cope with changes to their environment. This kind of anxiety sometimes leads to destructive behavior: howling, barking and having "accidents" inside the house. Dr. Nash suggests changing your morning routine to help the dog relax. Eliminate cues like jangling keys. Also, give your dog a snack before you leave for a pleasant goodbye.

    Aggressive Behavior

    • It is not unusual for older dogs to become more aggressive as they deal with arthritis or dental pain. Diminished hearing and sight startle the dog more easily, and loss of mobility may contribute to its aggression. Any changes, like moving or having a new pet, may challenge the dog's family role, causing it to react with hostility. Dr. Nash advises owners to seek treatment for any medical condition that increases the dog's stress. Identifying sources of stress can help you make environmental changes that reduce its exposure to the stressful situation.

    Increased Urination and Accidents

    • There are medical conditions that cause older dogs to have inside bladder or bowel accidents, including diabetes mellitus, colitis and prostate problems. The veterinarian will need to know the details about the accidents, including the color, frequency, amount and the dog's posture when having them, and when they occur. Changes to the dog's diet or to its medicinal regimen may have to be made. The Dog Owner's Guide at canismajor.com advises owners not to punish older dogs for accidents because they can't help it.

    Increased Barking

    • Older dogs that experience stress may bark, howl or whine more frequently. Dr. Nash writes that the dog may be experiencing separation anxiety, or it may be trying to get more attention, in which case it would be better to ignore it. The vet will be able to advise you about medicines to help the dog relax, or refer you to an animal behaviorist to help devise a plan to deal with the vocalizations. Examine the quality of interaction with the dog and make sure its getting enough attention.

    Cognitive Dysfunction

    • Like some aging humans who experience cognitive decline in later years, dogs do as well. If you notice your dog staring off into space more frequently, or getting stuck behind furniture or in corners, or it begins losing his house-training skills, you should speak to the vet. Some dogs stop recognizing familiar people. Dr. Nash writes that the vet will have to rule out hearing or vision loss as the cause for the behavior. Selegiline can help control the problem, but there is no cure for cognitive dysfunction.