Why Do Old Dogs Get Anxious?
Dogs can live quite happily into their teens without too many health problems. An older dog is a beloved companion in many homes, happy to snooze in front of the fire and patient with younger, more exuberant pets. Sadly, dogs are not immune to the effects of aging and many senior dogs display anxiety and other behavioral problems as they enter their twilight years. It’s common to assume that behavioral changes are part of the natural aging process, but this is not always the case. Older dogs can sometimes develop phobias and show anxiety in situations that never used to bother them. Let’s look at why your old dog is anxious and what you can do to help him.
The Symptoms of Anxiety
If your dog has always been a confident pooch, you may be surprised when he starts fretting if you leave the room. He might howl or whine if you go outside or pop to the shops. He may tremble or pant excessively. He may decide he wants to sleep on the bed or start peeing indoors. He may also become depressed and lethargic, losing interest in toys or not getting excited about walk time. Some dogs also stop eating or become agitated. All of these symptoms point to anxiety and psychological problems.
A Change in Environment or Routine
All dogs are sensitive to changes in their routine or environment, but older dogs may not adjust in the same way as a younger dog would. We can’t always avoid a house move, but be aware that your dog may react badly. The same applies if your dog is used to going out at a certain time and you change his routine, perhaps because you switched to a new job.
Allow for a longer adjustment if you need to change your dog’s routine or home environment. Look out for symptoms of anxiety and deal with them if they do arise. You can find natural cannabis products for dogs on https://cannacompanionusa.com/.
Doggy Dementia
Some dogs develop a form of Alzheimer’s. it affects them in much the same way as it affects humans. They become anxious, confused, and display behavioral changes. You may notice that your dog becomes increasingly upset when you leave him on his own or he may develop irrational phobias. Talk to your vet if you suspect your dog has Canine Dysfunction Syndrome.
The Aging Process
As your dog ages, their eyesight begins to fail. Their hearing is likely to be affected too, and they may also experience a reduction in their sense of smell. This is a frightening experience for a dog and it can cause great anxiety, especially when combined with a change in environment.
Trauma
Younger dogs will often bounce back from a traumatic experience, but an older dog is less resilient. If your senior dog has a traumatic experience such as a bad time at the vet, watch out for symptoms of anxiety.
Always consult your vet if your pet begins to behave differently, as it could point to an underlying health problem.
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