River Road Veterinary Clinic

River Road Veterinary Clinic
Box 309
Norwich, Vermont 05055
Phone: 802-649-3877 Fax: 802-649-1345
email: RRVC@Valley.net.com
www.rrvetclinic.com

Dr. Christine Pinello - Dr. JoAnne Giel - Dr. Kathy Ling Newcomb

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AND YOUR SENIOR DOG

Is your old dog starting to exhibit new behaviors? Is he or she sleeping more, interacting with you less, or forgetting his housetraining? Before blaming "old age" as the reason for these changes in your pet, make sure an underlying illness isn't responsible. Dogs are living much longer than they used to and, as a result, veterinarians are seeing many more cases of chronic disease in older patients.

Early intervention is the key to managing many of these conditions. Being alert to subtle changes in your pet's health and behavior, and responding to these promptly, could add many enjoyable, active years to your pet's life. You may notice some of the following changes as your pet ages. These are typically considered part of normal, healthy aging:

COMMON AGE-ASSOCIATED CHANGES:

Increased body fat and decreased lean muscle mass.
Impairment or loss of vision, hearing, taste, smell.
Changes in skin thickness, flexibility and color.
Changes in sleep patterns.
Changes within the brain resulting in minor memory loss or cognitive dysfunction.

Decreased function of immune system.
Decreased metabolism.
Decreased function of kidneys, liver, heart and lungs.
Decreased ability to handle stress, both environmental (heat/cold) and psychological.

As a result of these changes, your older dog may be less interested in food and his environment. He'll be less active, less alert and slower to respond to commands. While these are considered normal changes they can also be indicative of disease!

Many diseases occur with greater frequency in the geriatric pet compared to his younger counterpart. Older dogs are more likely to develop neoplasia, heart or kidney disease. Arthritis is common in the geriatric dog, as is periodontal disease. Endocrine disorders such as Cushings, Diabetes or Hypothyroidism are more common in the older dog. Neurological disorders such as senile dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction (the canine counterpart of human Alzheimer's disease) are now seen with greater frequency. Each of these diseases or disorders can alter your pet's behavior and may mimic normal age related changes and behaviors!

COMMON BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN GERIATRIC DOGS

Separation anxiety
Loss of housetraining skills
Excessive Vocalization
Aggression towards people or other dogs

Noise Phobias
Destructiveness
Compulsive or stereotypic behaviors
Nighttime restlessness

So when should you discuss your pet's behavior with a veterinarian? How can you tell if your dog has a true behavior problem or if the behavior is in response to an illness or simple old age? If the behavior is out of character for your pet, discuss it with a vet! Let him or her determine the cause of the behavior and select appropriate treatment. Behavioral techniques, pharmacological intervention and treatment of underlying disease are options available to help return your pet to his or her old self!

POST THIS HANDY CHECKLIST IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD
AND CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN
IF YOUR OLDER DOG STARTS TO EXHIBIT ANY OF THESE CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR!

-----Behavior Problems and Your Senior Dog		River Road Veterinary Clinic Box 309 Norwich, Vermont 05055 Phone: 802-649-3877 Fax: 802-649-1345 email: RRVC@Valley.net.com www.rrvetclinic.com Dr. Christine Pinello - Dr. JoAnne Giel - Dr. Kathy Ling Newcomb BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AND YOUR SENIOR DOG Is your old dog starting to exhibit new behaviors? Is he or she sleeping more, interacting with you less, or forgetting his housetraining? Before blaming "old age" as the reason for these changes in your pet, make sure an underlying illness isn't responsible. Dogs are living much longer than they used to and, as a result, veterinarians are seeing many more cases of chronic disease in older patients. Early intervention is the key to managing many of these conditions. Being alert to subtle changes in your pet's health and behavior, and responding to these promptly, could add many enjoyable, active years to your pet's life. You may notice some of the following changes as your pet ages. These are typically considered part of normal, healthy aging: COMMON AGE-ASSOCIATED CHANGES: Increased body fat and decreased lean muscle mass. Impairment or loss of vision, hearing, taste, smell. Changes in skin thickness, flexibility and color. Changes in sleep patterns. Changes within the brain resulting in minor memory loss or cognitive dysfunction. Decreased function of immune system. Decreased metabolism. Decreased function of kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. Decreased ability to handle stress, both environmental (heat/cold) and psychological. As a result of these changes, your older dog may be less interested in food and his environment. He'll be less active, less alert and slower to respond to commands. While these are considered normal changes they can also be indicative of disease! Many diseases occur with greater frequency in the geriatric pet compared to his younger counterpart. Older dogs are more likely to develop neoplasia, heart or kidney disease. Arthritis is common in the geriatric dog, as is periodontal disease. Endocrine disorders such as Cushings, Diabetes or Hypothyroidism are more common in the older dog. Neurological disorders such as senile dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction (the canine counterpart of human Alzheimer's disease) are now seen with greater frequency. Each of these diseases or disorders can alter your pet's behavior and may mimic normal age related changes and behaviors! COMMON BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN GERIATRIC DOGS Separation anxiety Loss of housetraining skills Excessive Vocalization Aggression towards people or other dogs Noise Phobias Destructiveness Compulsive or stereotypic behaviors Nighttime restlessness So when should you discuss your pet's behavior with a veterinarian? How can you tell if your dog has a true behavior problem or if the behavior is in response to an illness or simple old age? If the behavior is out of character for your pet, discuss it with a vet! Let him or her determine the cause of the behavior and select appropriate treatment. Behavioral techniques, pharmacological intervention and treatment of underlying disease are options available to help return your pet to his or her old self! POST THIS HANDY CHECKLIST IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IF YOUR OLDER DOG STARTS TO EXHIBIT ANY OF THESE CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR! ¨. Increased drinking or urinating ¨. Excessive panting or heat seeking ¨. Change in eating habits resulting in weight change ¨. Difficulty rising, climbing stairs ¨. Urinating or defecating in the house ¨. Change in sleep patterns or restless at night ¨. Wandering or pacing aimlessly ¨. Walking in circles ¨. Appearing lost or confused ¨. Forgetful ¨. Performing repetitive movements or compulsive behavior ¨. Difficulty finding doors ¨. Not obeying commands ¨. Less interested in attention from family ¨. Less excited about greeting family members ¨. Increased barking or whining ¨. Destructive behavior ¨. Aggressive with people or other pets ¨. Increased anxiety or fearfulness ¨. Any behavior that is abnormal for your dog! Pet Name:________________________ Owner:_________________________ Veterinarian:______________________
-----Behavior Problems and Your Senior Dog
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