Just like humans, dogs age as time goes on. Dogs will forever be puppies in the eyes of their owners in their hearts. However facing the reality of our dogs aging is something we have to do for their overall health and wellness. It is important to watch for the physical and behavioral signs in your dog. These can be as simple as growling at you because it is dark and they couldn’t see you or even a new anxiety when you travel with them. Be kind and patient as they age. How Dog Behavior Changes with Age can vary based on the dog and medically history, always consult a medical professional to help determine best route for treatment.
How Your Dog’s Behavior Changes With Age
Puppies are curious and active bundles of energy. They require constant stimulation and play unless napping or eating. Just like humans they will slow down with age. They may begin to suffer aches and pains and become irritable. While the aches and pains are the physical part of the aging process it is important to watch if they develop cognitive issues that will impact their behavior and quality of life. These are not as easy to spot as many just batch it with the physical aging.
Cognitive Canine Dysfunction
This is comparable to Alzheimer’s in humans. This is caused by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain which eventually damage nerves and impact dogs memory, motor functions and learned behaviors. The University of Davis conducted a study that showed 28% of dogs between 11-12 years old and 68% of dogs between 15-16 years old showed at least one sign of cognitive impairment and some showed more.
How Dog Behavior Changes with Age
This is a primary sign of CCD. If your older dog used to be social and friendly but now has separation anxiety, cranky and irritable towards other dogs and people to the point of starting to show aggression signs it may be due to CCD. Dogs with CCD often forget the things that once brought them jpy such as toys, treats and friends.
Abnormal Sleep Patterns
If they used to cuddle in bed with you each night, sleeping all day and roaming the house at night, they may have CCD. Try to tire them out before bed, use home remedies for investigating in a white noise machine to help calm them down. If these don’t work, talk to your veterinarian about mediation options. This is one example of how dog behavior changes with age.
Incontinence
Regression in house training is one of the most common signs of CCD. You may start to see puddles in the house, it is not because they don’t care, it’s simply that they lost control of their bladder or bowels. DO NOT yell at them, simply clean it up .
Reduced Energy
Your once ball obsessed dog who could play for endless hours, may now only fetch for 2 minutes and lay down. Their chase may be slower as well. Walking pace may need to be slowed down as well. This is normal for dogs who suffer from CCD.
Anxiety
Dogs with CCD are prone to anxiety. This can be in the form of separation anxiety or just everyday anxiety behaviors such as pacing the house and not settling. The best way to help your dog with this is to make sure they are getting both mental and physical exercise every day. For mental exercise I recommend enrichment toys such as snuffle mat, treat dispensing toy and slow feeder for meals . Physical exercise I recommend a flirt pole, fetch or a simple walk every day.
Dog Behavior by Age and Stage of Life
Puppy Hood (0-6 months)
Exploration and Learning stage. This is when puppies develop a sensor of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Remember they explore the world with their mouths primarily so be prepared to deal with chewing.
Junior (7-12 months)
Teenage years for a dog. This is the stage they sexually reproduce so they think they are adults. But honestly they typically just run around acting crazy due to hormones. Problem behaviors will manifest in this stage.
Adult (1-7 years)
Large breeds can take longer to reach full maturity and typically that is 2 years old vs 1 year old. In this stage they still love to play and have good energy but their energy is more controlled.
Mature (7-9 years)
Compared to humans as middle aged, They may start to slow down but still physically and mentally here.
Senior (9+ years)
This stage varies by breed. This is the last stage of a dog’s life expectancy. Large breeds experience this earlier than smaller breeds. They may start to be more lethargic and arthritis may occur.
Geriatric (from life expectancy on)
After they reach their life expectancy they begin to move into this stage. This is when they really slow down and more trips to the vet occur. You need to stay on top of their health more than ever in this stage which can be more manageable when you raise them healthy.
When is my Dog Considered Old?
Dogs are considered seniors when they enter the final quarter of their life.
Smaller breeds such as jack russells and chihuahuas typically have an average lifespan of 14+ years. Larger breeds like mastiffs and great danes have an average lifespace of 7-9 years.
Behavioral Problems in Dogs Old Age
The general problem behaviors I have seen in older dogs are increased irritability, lack of interest in activities that they use to enjoy, sleep patterns change and increased anxiety.
If your dog shows any signs mentioned in this post please contact your veterinarian.
If you want a second opinion please contact me and I would be happy to chat and recommend a local vet for you to go see.
