Behavior Counseling - Senior Pet Behavior Problems

It is not unusual for behavioral problems to develop in older pets. Physical changes associated with aging, including arthritis, can exacerbate prior low-level behavioral conditions. Physical illnesses as well as age-related cognitive decline can directly contribute to new behavioral concerns.

Early recognition of behavioral changes is important because early treatment can cure or slow the progress of many disease conditions. Tell your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior. Even small changes may be significant.

What might cause behavior changes in senior pets?

Behavior problems in senior pets can be caused by several factors:

Changes in routine or home environment: Older pets that have become accustomed to a familiar, predictable routine may struggle to adapt to changes. Suddenly losing or gaining a family member, moving to a new home, or even adjusting to a person’s new work schedule can create anxiety or frustration.

Medical illnesses or degenerative disease: Changes in physical health can contribute to behavioral changes. Older pets may experience sensory changes such as reduced vision or hearing. They may not notice a person or pet approaching and, as a result, may startle more easily. They may begin to scan their environment more often to avoid being caught off guard.

Illnesses such as arthritis and neurologic disease may cause pain or a loss of mobility. Pets may experience anxiety or frustration when their physical limitations prevent them from easily accessing their favorite resting spots or when they are not able to easily retreat from a child’s sudden approach.
Diseases that trigger an increase in thirst, such as diabetes and kidney disease, can contribute to house soiling. Pets that drink more water usually need to urinate more often. If they experience urgency but cannot easily access a desirable elimination area, they may may urinate indoors.
Diseases of the endocrine organs, such as the thyroid gland and pituitary gland, are often associated with behavioral changes, including anxiety.

Senility or cognitive dysfunction: The brain is susceptible to age-related degenerative processes that can affect behavior, personality, memory, and learning ability. Aging pets may develop changes in their brains, including amyloid deposits, that resemble the changes seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

How can I find out why my pet’s behavior has changed?

Pets that exhibit behavioral changes should have a physical examination, regardless of their age. Your veterinarian may also suggest laboratory testing to screen for underlying medical conditions. They may refer you to a specialist for advanced tests, such as brain imaging.

A veterinary behaviorist may be consulted to determine the behavioral diagnosis. It can take a team to perform a full assessment to identify and address the possible underlying physical and behavioral causes for a change in behavior.

Is there any point in doing these tests on an old pet?

Yes! Once the underlying cause of a behavioral concern has been accurately identified, you can explore treatment options. Medication, behavior modification, and changes in the environment can all be used to improve behavior in pets of any age.

For a successful outcome, physical illnesses and behavioral conditions must be managed concurrently. Early detection and intervention can control the progress of many disease conditions, improving the quality of life for you and your pet. The goal is to help your pet be comfortable physically and behaviorally so they can enjoy an excellent quality of life in their golden years.

What are some signs to look for?

As your pet ages, watch for changes in behavior that may reflect an underlying physical condition. A change in behavior can be the first sign of pain, illness, or degenerative disease. Discuss the following signs with your veterinarian:

Increased or decreased frequency (or amount) of urination
Loss of urine control (dribbling urine, bed-wetting)
Changes in stool consistency or frequency
Change in mobility: lameness, difficulty standing, difficulty lying down, reluctance to jump onto furniture (if allowed)
Excessive panting or coughing
Tremors or shaking

Inform your veterinarian if your pet experiences any new physical changes, including:

Weight loss or weight gain
Changes in skin or haircoat
New lumps or bumps
New or unusual odors, particularly around your pet’s mouth, ears, or anal area

How do I know whether my aging pet’s behavior changes are just part of getting old?

There is a misconception that older pets don’t play or interact with people “because they are old.” Though they may have some physical limitations, healthy older pets continue to show interest in social activities. That is why all changes in behavior patterns should be investigated.

Here are some changes to discuss with your veterinarian. Make note of which behaviors your pet exhibits, the approximate date (year) that you first became aware of the behavior, and how old your pet was at the time of onset.

Disorientation

Goes to the wrong side of the door to exit the house or room
Has difficulty locating family members or food bowl
Has difficulty navigating around obstacles
Gets stuck in corners

Changes in Social Interactions

Does not seek attention or contact with household people and pets
Rests in secluded areas
Excessively solicits contact with household people (e.g., vocalizing for attention)
Follows or clings to family members
Exhibits excessive greeting behavior or no longer greets
Demonstrates irritability or aggressive behavior towards family people or pets

Changes in Sleep Wake Cycle

Sleeps more during the day
Sleeps less during the night
Paces or vocalizes during the night

Loss of Housetraining and Other Learned Behaviors

Eliminates in inappropriate locations (places other than litter boxes or pee pads)
Does not easily learn new cues or tasks
No longer responds to name
No longer responds to previously learned cues
Does not recognize familiar people, places, pets