Common Senior Dog Behavior Problems

Dogs grow into seniors just like us. The older we get, the more we’re at risk for various human physical and mental concerns. Likewise, senior dogs experience increased behavioral problems alongside multiple changes as they reach senior age. Our experts investigate common geriatric dog behavior problems. 

We detail specific behavioral conditions and senior dog problems with a high-level summary of symptoms and causes, including:  

• Confusion/disorientation
• Lethargy
• Anxiety
• House soiling
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Aggression
• Cognitive decline

Also, read on to learn how to prevent and take care of senior dog behavior issues and when to seek professional help about behavioral aging dog issues.

Why Does a Dog’s Behavior Change With Age?

Longtime dog parents all get to the point that their dog’s behavior starts changing with age. A dog is considered a senior starting at age 7. Any time after that, they may be at risk for an array of senior dog behavior problems. That risk continues to increase as they age. Did you know that, according to studies, 28 percent of dogs at 11-12 years old and as much as 68 percent of dogs at 15-16 years old have at least one sign of mental decline? Because of this high risk, it’s essential to look for the signs of older dog behavior to keep your dog as healthy as possible, potentially increasing your dog’s life expectancy.

Common Senior Dog Behavior Problems

It’s essential to identify, understand and potentially eliminate the following common elderly dog behavior problems.

Dog Confusion and Dog Disorientation

A common senior dog behavior problem is disorientation and confusion. Your dog may start to experience disorientation while navigating their surroundings or become confused about where they are going. Other signs of confusion to watch for include your dog suddenly forgetting any tricks they used to know well. Check in with your veterinarian if your dog starts behaving like this.

Lethargy in Senior Dogs

General lethargy, possibly paired with listlessness and depression, may signal that your senior dog is more than just sleepy: They might be ill. If your dog seems much more sluggish than usual, check in with your veterinarian.

Senior Dog Anxiety

Senior dog anxiety may be a sign that your dog is ill and in pain, or it might be a sign of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CDS), very commonly called “dog dementia.” If your dog appears disoriented or confused (as mentioned above), seems increasingly anxious and is more socially withdrawn, among other symptoms, they may be suffering from CDS. Some lifestyle changes can help temper symptoms, such as ensuring they get the enrichment and mental stimulation needed to thrive. You’ll want to show them you care by refraining from getting angry with your senior dog over their anxious behavior. Contact your veterinarian if your dog seems more nervous than in younger years, and they can help you find the best ways to reduce their anxiety appropriately.

House Soiling in Senior Dogs

Senior dogs may start defecating in random locations indoors or unusually near you or family members. They may also defecate: 

• Inside right after going for a walk 
• In areas where they sleep  
• Flooring 
• Crate 
• Couch 

They may also start accidentally releasing their bladder (incontinence). If you’re dealing with a senior dog peeing in-house, this incontinence may also be a symptom of an illness like a urinary tract infection. A senior dog pooping in the house or peeing in the house often indicates cognitive dysfunction. Contact your veterinarian if your dog starts engaging in this behavior to rule out medical conditions.

Senior Dog Sleeps All Day

One sign of age-related behavioral health problems may be senior dogs’ behavior changes in the sleep-wake cycle. These senior dog behavior problems may also indicate various physical problems or dog cognitive decline. It’s essential to monitor changes like this and contact your veterinarian when you suspect your dog isn’t sleeping like they used to.

Aggression in Older Dogs

Aggression in older dogs can be a sign of physical or cognitive concerns. If your older dog is aggressive to a puppy, for example, your dog: 

• Might be in pain, which is causing them to act aggressively contrary to their usual nature
• Might have lost some of the ability to recognize the people and pets they should know well

Older dogs communicate many things that may come off as senior dog aggressive behavior through elderly dog barking or other vocalization. Still, they may be in pain. Contact your veterinarian if your dog displays signs of aggression to determine the cause and the next best steps forward.

Dog Cognitive Decline

Suppose your dog is less responsive or stops responding to commands altogether. In that case, they are either experiencing a gradual loss of hearing or vision, or they’re experiencing cognitive changes and don’t know how to respond (they don’t understand you anymore). If your dog has trouble locating things they used to be able to locate in dim light, they may be anxious or they may be experiencing nuclear sclerosis, cataracts, diabetes or other vision-affecting concerns. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog seems less responsive in any way to find the actual cause of their cognitive functioning decline. In fact, all the other conditions listed in this section may indicate dog cognitive decline, or they may indicate physical health concerns. That’s why communicating these changes with your veterinarian is so important to help improve your dog’s aging dog behavior in the best ways possible.

How to Care for a Senior Dog With Behavior Problems

The most important thing you can do as a part of senior dog care for aging dog behavior changes is to keep their brain and body moving and to make sure they’re getting the right nutrition and are staying hydrated.

When to Seek Professional Help

As a common rule of thumb, schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as you notice even the most subtle changes in your dog’s appearance or behavior. They can provide the next best steps to improve your dog’s quality of life.

For more expert tips on caring for your senior dog, explore our other senior dog behavior articles.