Common Senior Dog Behavior Problems

Senior dog behavior problems can arise in a dog’s final years, such as anxiety, cognitive decline, and confusion.

Watching your dog grow into their senior years is one of the greatest privileges of pet ownership. As they age, some behaviors can start to change. You may notice signs such as confusion, lower energy levels, increased anxiety, or changes related to cognitive decline. Our Purina experts explain why these changes can happen, what they may mean, and how you can help your senior dog stay happy, comfortable, and engaged throughout their golden years.  

Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, Purina Veterinarian, shares, “Dogs often enter their senior years sooner than many owners realize. Recognizing behavioral changes early and addressing them promptly can play an important role in helping your dog stay active, engaged, and full of vitality as they age.”

Dogs often enter their senior years sooner than many owners realize. Recognizing behavioral changes early and addressing them promptly can play an important role in helping your dog stay active, engaged, and full of vitality as they age.

       – Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, Purina Veterinarian

Why Does a Dog’s Behavior Change with Age?

Aging is inevitable, whether in dogs or in humans. However, dogs are on a different timeline than we are. A dog is considered a senior starting around age 7, and senior dog behavior problems may or may not begin around then, increasing in likelihood as they age.  

Common Senior Dog Behavior Problems

There are a few common elderly dog behavioral problems to look out for past age 7. If your dog starts showing any of these signs, call your veterinarian to discuss the next steps.  

Dog Confusion and Dog Disorientation

A common senior dog behavior change is disorientation and confusion. Your dog may start to experience disorientation in places where they were once comfortable or become seemingly lost about where they are going. Other signs of confusion to watch out for include your dog suddenly forgetting any tricks, people, or places they used to know.  

Lethargy in Senior Dogs

General lethargy could mean your dog is ill, not just sleepier. If they are sluggish or listless, they could even be depressed.  

Senior Dog Anxiety

Senior dog anxiety can signify a few conditions, including illness or canine cognitive dysfunction (CDS), also commonly called “dog dementia.” Research estimates that about 14% of dogs age 8 and older are affected by cognitive dysfunction, and the risk increases as dogs get older.² If your dog appears disoriented or confused, seems increasingly anxious, and is more socially withdrawn, they may be suffering from CDS. In fact, CDS and anxiety can both play a part in the other behaviors mentioned within this section, including house soiling, cognitive decline, and aggression. Lifestyle changes can help temper symptoms, such as ensuring they get enough enrichment and mental stimulation.  

House Soiling in Senior Dogs

Senior dogs may start defecating in random locations indoors. They might also defecate right after a walk, in sleeping areas, in crates, or on furniture, places they previously would not dream of soiling.  

They may also start accidentally releasing their bladder without being aware that they are urinating, which is called incontinence. If your dog suddenly begins having accidents in the house, it could be a sign of common conditions like bladder stones, kidney disease, or cognitive dysfunction.  

Senior Dog Sleeps All Day

Disruption in your senior dog’s sleep-wake cycle is another common behavior that might indicate physical issues or dog cognitive decline. This disruption, especially if anxiety and confusion increase in the evening, is sometimes referred to as ‘sundowning’ in senior dogs.

Aggression in Older Dogs

Aggression in older dogs can be a sign of physical or cognitive concerns. If your older dog is aggressive, they could be in pain or they might have lost the ability to recognize people they should know. Older dogs communicate in a way that might seem like senior dog aggressive behavior, such as barking or other vocalization. Dealing with sudden aggression in older dogs can be particularly distressing for owners and is a clear sign that a veterinary visit is needed.

Dog Cognitive Decline

Research suggests that mild cognitive decline may begin to appear in some dogs as early as 6 to 7 years of age. If your dog starts showing cognitive changes, such as not responding to commands or behaving differently, these signs may be linked to cognitive decline or other health issues, including hearing or vision loss, cataracts, diabetes, or pain. Common signs of cognitive decline can include increased anxiety, confusion, difficulty adapting to changes, and changes in social behavior, sleep patterns, navigation, eating habits, and bathroom routines. Some dogs may also develop repetitive behaviors or have trouble recognizing familiar routines, such as feeding time.¹

How to Care for a Senior Dog with Behavior Changes  

Aging is part of the life cycle, but there are things you can do to help manage the aging process and ward off senior dog behavior problems as long as possible, such as: 

• Providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation
• Giving them the right nutrition
• Keeping them hydrated
• Having them see the vet for regular checkups.

Purina research shows that proper nutrition can help support brain health, memory, and learning in senior dogs. One important nutrient is medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide the brain with ketones, an alternative energy source. Studies have found that senior dogs fed diets containing MCTs showed improved memory within two weeks and performed better on learning and problem-solving tasks than dogs fed a standard diet.¹

When to Seek Professional Help for Your Senior Dog  

Schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as you notice even the most subtle changes in your dog’s appearance or behavior and keep regular checkups for preventive care. Your vet can provide the next best steps to improve your dog’s quality of life.

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

References:  

1. Purina Institute. The Aging Brain. Purina Institute: Science of Nutrition.

2. Purina Institute. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Purina Institute.