As our canine companions enter their golden years, it’s natural for them to experience a decline in various bodily and cognitive functions. This often leads to changes in behavior that can be distressing for both the dog and their owner. Understanding these age-related behavioral shifts is crucial for providing compassionate and effective care. Many of these changes can be signs of treatable medical conditions, so it’s vital to consult with a veterinarian.
Recognizing the Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) in dogs shares similarities with Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Symptoms can manifest in various ways, impacting a dog’s daily life and their interactions.
Confusion and Disorientation
One of the most common signs of CDS is confusion and spatial disorientation. Your dog might get lost in familiar surroundings, struggle to navigate around obstacles, or even go to the wrong side of a door.
Changes in Social Interactions
Aging dogs may show a decrease in their usual enthusiasm for interaction, becoming less interested in petting or greeting familiar people and other pets. Conversely, some dogs may become overly dependent and clingy, constantly seeking contact.
Altered Activity Levels
You might observe an increase in certain activities, such as staring at walls, pacing aimlessly, excessive licking, increased vocalization, or a sudden increase in eating speed and volume. On the other hand, some dogs become more apathetic, exploring less, grooming themselves less, and eating less.
Increased Anxiety and Irritability
A senior dog might display increased restlessness, agitation, or become more irritable in general. Separation anxiety can also worsen, with dogs becoming more distressed when left alone.
Disrupted Sleep-Wake Cycles
Changes in sleep patterns are common, with dogs sleeping more during the day and experiencing restlessness or waking more frequently at night. This can sometimes lead to a reversed day-night schedule.
House-Soiling Incidents
House soiling is a significant concern. This can include eliminating in inappropriate indoor locations, in sleeping areas, or even after returning from an outdoor potty break. A decreased use of natural body language signals can also be an indicator.
Impaired Learning and Memory
Dogs with CDS may show a reduced ability to learn new tasks or cues, and their responsiveness to familiar commands might decrease. They may also seem unable to recognize familiar people or pets.
Ruling Out Other Medical Causes
Before attributing behavioral changes solely to aging, it’s imperative to rule out underlying medical conditions. Pain, discomfort, or mobility issues stemming from arthritis, dental disease, hypothyroidism, cancer, urinary tract infections, or Cushing’s disease can all mimic CDS symptoms. These conditions can lead to increased irritability, anxiety, aggression, decreased responsiveness, and difficulty reaching usual elimination areas. If medical problems are ruled out, and primary behavioral issues unrelated to aging are also excluded, then the symptoms are likely due to the effects of aging on the brain.
Treatment Approaches for Cognitive Dysfunction
The primary signs of cognitive dysfunction can be remembered with the acronym CRASH: Confusion/disorientation, Responsiveness/recognition decreases, Activity changes, Sleep-wake cycle disturbances, and House training lapses.
Veterinary Treatment
Your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as selegiline hydrochloride (Anipryl®) to manage CDS. Combining drug therapy with behavioral interventions tailored to your dog’s specific issues is often the most effective approach.
Behavioral Management Strategies
Beyond medical treatment, various behavioral strategies can help manage specific geriatric behavior problems:
Anxiety and Separation Anxiety: Increased sensitivity, fear of strangers, decreased tolerance for touch, and clinginess are common. Noise sensitivity due to hearing loss can exacerbate anxiety. If your dog exhibits distress only when you are absent, it may indicate separation anxiety, characterized by pre-departure anxiety, house soiling, destructiveness, or vocalization shortly after you leave. Geriatric separation anxiety can also manifest as nighttime anxiety. Treatment involves addressing underlying medical issues and employing desensitization and counterconditioning techniques.
Excessive Vocalization: Anxious vocalizations, often a plaintive howl or whining, can occur due to separation anxiety, loss of hearing, cognitive dysfunction, or medical conditions causing pain or increased urge to eliminate. Identifying the trigger is key to managing this behavior.
Restlessness and Nighttime Activity: Dogs sleeping more during the day may become restless at night. Sensory changes, cognitive dysfunction, or medical issues can disrupt sleep-wake cycles. Increasing daytime activity through walks, play, and puzzle toys can help re-establish normal routines.
House Soiling: Besides CDS and separation anxiety, house soiling can result from sensory decline, mobility issues, endocrine disorders, or conditions affecting bladder/bowel control. Changes in schedule or environment can also contribute. Re-establishing house training with consistent supervision, confinement, and a regular outdoor schedule is crucial.
Destructive Behavior: This can range from pica (ingesting non-food items) to excessive licking or chewing. Underlying medical conditions, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, or fear may be contributing factors. Providing appropriate chew toys and modifying the environment to prevent access to destructible items can help.
Fears and Phobias: Sensory decline, cognitive dysfunction, and anxiety can lead to new or exacerbated fears. Managing underlying conditions and using behavioral modification techniques, alongside potential drug or pheromone therapy, can help.
Compulsive and Stereotypic Behaviors: Repetitive behaviors like excessive licking, spinning, or pacing can stem from medical conditions, cognitive dysfunction, conflict, or anxiety. Identifying and reducing stressors is important, and drug therapy is often necessary.
Aggression: An increase in aggression can be linked to medical conditions causing pain or irritability, hormonal changes, or cognitive decline. Changes in the household dynamic can also play a role. A thorough evaluation by a qualified professional is essential to diagnose the cause and implement an appropriate treatment plan, which may include medication, behavior therapy, and environmental modifications.
Remember, consistent engagement through play, exercise, and training, adapted to your senior dog’s capabilities, is vital for maintaining their physical and mental fitness throughout their lives. Consulting with a veterinarian and a certified animal behaviorist can provide tailored guidance for your aging dog’s specific needs.
