Behavior Changes in Senior Pets

Age-related behavior changes are common in senior or geriatric animals, although you may not immediately realize those changes are occurring. Cognitive dysfunction can affect both cats and dogs, and knowing the signs of those brain changes could make caring for your aging pet a little easier. 

Dogs who are experiencing cognitive changes often seem disoriented - forgetting which side of the door they are supposed to go through, or wandering restlessly around the house. They may also seemingly forget behaviors that they’ve known for years, like sit or shake. They may become clingier, wanting to be around their owners more often, or alternately, they may prefer to keep to themselves. Often they will show regression in their house-training, and begin having accidents in the house more frequently. Some dogs will also show signs of interrupted sleep, and may wake up in the middle of the night to move around or pace. Older dogs showing signs of cognitive dysfunction can also become fearful or anxious in situations where they weren’t before. 

Cats can be affected by cognitive dysfunction as well. Many cats are living longer and longer, sometimes into their late teens and early twenties! Unfortunately, with old age often comes chronic medical issues and cognitive changes. Behavioral changes in cats often include a change in litterbox habits, a change in sleeping patterns, confusion and disorientation, and vocalizing, often at night. You may also see a change in eating and grooming habits. 

It’s important to rule out any medical reasons for behavior changes. Animals are quite good at hiding signs of pain, and many older pets are prone to chronic pain from arthritis. They may spend more time lying down or sleeping, move slower on walks, and may not seek out physical attention. They may growl or snap when a person or another animal touches them in a painful area, and while it sometimes seems like this behavior comes out of the blue, it’s often driven by chronic pain. 

For older dogs, try to give them their own space, where they can get away from small children or younger pets. Regular exercise helps with keeping muscle condition, and can help stiff joints moving. Continued training has been shown to help with cognitive function, plus it’s a fun way to spend time with your dog, especially if they are no longer able to keep up on long walks. 

With cats, making changes for aging bodies can go a long way. Older cats who suffer from arthritis can benefit from a litterbox with lower sides, making it easier for them to get in and out. If they are having difficulty jumping up onto furniture or windows, many companies make small steps or ramps for older pets. Continuing to interact with them by offering toys, food puzzles, and playtime can help keep both their mind and body active. 

Regular veterinary visits are recommended for senior pets. We perform full physical exams, checking for any new lumps or bumps, assessing vision, hearing, and dental health, and checking for any changes in mobility, or pain during normal range of motion tests. We also check bloodwork for any metabolic changes that could be affecting your pet’s behavior. Age is not a disease, but knowing what changes to look for can make the aging process a lot easier for both you and your pet.