Main Behavioral Problems In Older Dogs

Many people have noticed that as their dogs get older, their attitude can change and even get worse. The behavioral problems in older dogs are very popular in recent times, but is doing much to prevent them and avoid them.

There are at least 5 typical manifestations that occur in the so-called canine “third age”. In this article we will explain what they are and why they occur. If you want to know the most typical  behavioral problems in older dogs , read on.

What are the behavioral problems in older dogs

As dogs age, like people, they undergo physical, internal and emotional changes that can cause them to act differently than before.

For example, there will be a deterioration of the brain that will prevent neurons from regenerating, which will lead to other problems in the long run. The prevalence of old neurons triggers a gradual oxidation in the brain that prevents certain functions that were normal for the animal. After this brief but necessary introduction, let’s get to know together the 5 main behavioral problems in older dogs:

1. Anxiety

Although dogs are prone to anxiety, as they get older this behavior worsens. It is possible that because many of their senses are not functioning 100%, a latent fear of other people or other foreign pets develops.

This could also result from separation anxiety, from phobias related to certain noises, from the fear of being picked up or hugged or, conversely, from the desire to always attract your attention. Perhaps this anxiety is reflected in destructive behavior, especially on the door of the house through which the animal exits, or in refusing food if you are not giving it.

2. Aggression

Age will cause the dog’s hearing, smell and sight and their agility to flee in case of danger are considerably reduced. All of this will force your little dog to always be on the alert and may exhibit aggressive behavior in the face of sudden changes around him.

Unfortunately, this aggression may also appear towards you or another family member. The best way to find out is to observe the animal, together with the veterinarian, and find out what causes this increase in tension, in order to eliminate the trigger.

If you think you can’t solve the problem on your own and the situation is getting worse by leaps and bounds, talk to an experienced animal behavior specialist. He will certainly know how to plan the most effective treatment, depending on the case.

3. Destructive behavior

The desire to break and destroy everything could go beyond biting or breaking up your personal belongings. There are dogs that develop habits such as eating things that are not food, biting areas of the body or family members or other household items, always compulsively.

He may also dig or scratch more than usual, further exaggerating such behaviors. Your vet can help you calm down this state of compulsion and will give you a number of tips on what to do. For example, make sure the animal has enough toys and raw bones to bite and suck. If, at any given moment, you see him biting a part of his body, replace it with a toy.

4. Fears and phobias

With age, dog fears and phobias can increase or even new ones can appear. The root of this problem is usually the same as the previous ones. Loss of vision and impaired hearing and smell. Even if she has lived with you all her life, her home could become a strange place that awakens the most hidden and unthinkable fears.

To improve the situation, avoid making radical changes in home furnishings. Let things stay where they have always been, keep this place intact so that it is as familiar as possible to your four-legged friend. Respect daily schedules and routines and, in short, favor a constant and normal course of daily life.

5. Insomnia

Loss of vision or hearing can lead to sleep problems. Many times, an older dog can stay up all night. Something similar also happens in older people. She may also need to do her toilet more often,  and since she can’t go outside, she might let herself go indoors.

Don’t blame him and try to understand that he doesn’t do it on purpose. He is at a time in his life when he is no longer able to control his physique. Take care of him even more, give him all your love and try to guarantee him a last stage of life as decent as possible. You couldn’t give him a better gift than this.