Many people have noticed that when their dogs age, their attitude can change and even get worse. Behavioral problems in older dogs are widespread in recent times, but much is being done to prevent 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 to you what they are and why they arise. If you want to know the most typical behavioral problems in older dogs, read on.
What are the behavioral problems in older dogs
When dogs age, like people, they undergo physical, internal and emotional changes that can push them to act differently than before.
For example, there will be a deterioration of the brain that will prevent the regeneration of neurons, which will bring 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, when they get older this behavior gets worse. It is possible that, as many of their senses do not work 100%, a latent fear develops, towards other people or other foreign pets.
This could also derive from separation anxiety, from phobias related to some noises, from the fear of being picked up or hugged or, on the contrary, by the desire to always attract your attention. Perhaps this anxiety is reflected in destructive behavior, especially at the door of the house through which the animal leaves, or in refusing food if you are not the one giving it to him.
2. Aggressiveness
Age will cause the hearing, smell and sight of the dog and their agility to escape in the event of danger reduce considerably. All of this will force your little dog to always be on the alert and could show aggressive behavior, in the face of sudden changes around him.
Unfortunately, this aggression could also appear to you or to another family member. The best way to find out is to watch the animal, together with the vet, and find out what causes this increase in tension, to be able to eliminate the triggering element.
If you think you can't solve the problem yourself and the situation worsens by leaps and bounds, talk to a specialist in animal conduct. Surely he will 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 your personal belongings. There are dogs that develop habits like eating things that are not food, biting areas of the body or family members or other household objects, always compulsively.
It can also dig or scratch more than usual, to exaggerate these behaviors further. The vet can help you calm this state of compulsion and give you a series of tips on what you need to do. For example, make sure the animal has enough toys and raw bones to bite and suck. If, at any given time, you see him biting a part of his body, replace it with a toy.
4. Fears and phobias
With age, dog fears and phobias may increase or even new ones may appear. The root of this problem is usually the same as the previous ones. Loss of vision and weakening of hearing and smell. Even if he lived with you all his life, his house 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 schedules and daily routines and, in short, favor a constant and normal course of daily life.
5. Insomnia
Loss of vision or hearing can cause the animal to have sleep problems. Many times, an elderly dog can stay up all night. Something similar happens also in older people. He may also need to make his bisognini more frequently and, since he cannot leave, he could let himself go inside.
Do not reproach him and try to understand that he does not do it on purpose. He finds himself in a moment of his life when he is no longer so capable of controlling his body. Take even more care of him, give him all your love and try to guarantee him a final stage of life as decent as possible. You could not give him a better gift than this.