Occasionally the IAAHPC has guest bloggers pen their thoughts to share with our members and loving pet parents. We welcome guest blogger Judy Henderson and her thoughts on this subject.

A dog’s brain ages in much the same way a human does. This is a natural part of the aging process, but it does tend to lead to some changes in your older dog’s behavior.

Many dog owners are unaware of the different types of behavior that their dogs may exhibit as they get older. It’s important to understand these behaviors in order to properly care for your aging pet.

1. Separation Anxiety

Older dogs may become more clingy and needy as they age. This is due to a decrease in the levels of certain hormones, which can lead to anxiety and insecurity.

If your dog has always been prone to separation anxiety, it’s likely that this behavior will become more pronounced as he ages.

Separation anxiety can manifest itself in a number of ways, including barking, howling, chewing, pacing, and elimination.

This anxiety might also be due to the increased pain and discomfort that many older dogs experience.

It’s important to give them lots of attention and affection in order to help them get through the aches and pains more easily.

2. Fearfulness

Many older dogs become more fearful as they age. This may be due to a loss of vision or hearing or simply due to the fact that they’re not as physically agile as they once were.

Fearful dogs may cower, tremble, hide, or attempt to flee when confronted with unfamiliar people or situations.

3. Aggression

Older dogs may become more aggressive due to a variety of factors, including pain, fear, and frustration.

Pain can cause a previously gentle dog to lash out when touched or handled.

They could be experiencing pain from a number of things.

They may suffer from arthritis or other joint problems, making it painful for them to move around. They may have dental issues that are causing them pain. Or, they may simply be sore from all the years of wear and tear on their bodies.

Fearful dogs may also bite if they feel threatened.

Frustration aggression often occurs in older dogs who are no longer able to do the things they once enjoyed, such as going for walks or playing fetch.

If your older dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.

Many of these behaviors can be caused by underlying medical conditions that need to be treated.

Once any underlying medical problems have been ruled out or treated, you can work on training and management strategies to help your dog cope with the aging process.

4. Compulsive Behaviors

Older dogs may develop compulsive behaviors, such as tail-chasing, spinning, or licking. These behaviors are often a result of boredom, anxiety, or stress.

This should not alarm you. Just be patient with your dog and try to calm them down with attention and affection.

5. Changes in Sleep Habits

Older dogs may sleep more during the day and less at night. This is due to a decrease in activity levels and an increase in joint stiffness.

6. Changes in Eating Habits

Older dogs may also experience changes in their eating habits. They may become pickier eaters or may lose interest in food altogether.

This can be due to a decrease in the sense of smell or taste, an increase in dental issues, or simply because they’re not as active as they once were.

7. Changes in Bathroom Habits

Older dogs may have accidents in the house, even if they’ve been housetrained for years. This can be due to a decline in kidney function or incontinence.

8. Decreased Activity Levels

Older dogs may become less active and playful as they age. This is due to a number of factors, including arthritis, muscle weakness, and decreased stamina.

9. Changes in Socialization Patterns

Older dogs may become more or less social as they age.

Some dogs become more affectionate and clingy, while others become more aloof and independent.

10. Cognitive Decline

Some older dogs may start to experience cognitive decline and show signs of confusion or disorientation. This is due to a loss of brain cells and the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques.

Cognitive decline can manifest itself in a number of ways, including changes in sleep habits, increased anxiety, decreased activity levels, and compulsive behaviors.

11. Sensitivity to Temperature Changes

Older dogs may become more sensitive to changes in temperature and weather, feeling cold more easily in the winter and hot in the summer.

This is due to a decrease in body fat and muscle mass.

12. Deterioration of Sight and Hearing

Many will also have a decrease in their sense of hearing and vision as they age. Just like humans, older dogs may experience a loss of hearing and vision.

This is due to a deterioration of the inner ear and the lens of the eyes. Cataracts are also common in aging dogs.

13. Increased Risk of Disease

Older dogs are also at an increased risk of developing a number of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This is due to a number of factors, including a decrease in the immune system’s ability to fight off disease or repair itself.

Older dogs are also more likely to develop arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems.

14. Changes in Personality

Last but not least, your dog’s personality may change as he ages. He may become more or less affectionate, more or less active, more or less independent, and so on.

Dogs age differently and at different rates, so it’s important to pay attention to the signs of aging in your dog.

Some of the most common changes that occur in older dogs include a decrease in activity levels, changes in eating habits, changes in bathroom habits, cognitive decline, and an increase in the risk of disease.

Many of these changes can be managed with the help of your veterinarian, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to be patient. We all grow older and acquire unpleasant habits or characteristics.

Our dogs deserve the same love and care in their golden years as they did when they were puppies.

Why Join IAAHPC?

A membership organization, IAAHPC is open to any person who would like to contribute to a constructive discussion as we learn from each others experience.