Behavioral Issues: Senior Pets

As your beloved pet ages, unfortunately, they may experience a variety of health issues that can result in behavioral problems. Even though it’s difficult to see them going through this, if you remain aware and vigilant you’ll be able to recognize these potential troubles quickly and get the help they need.

 

Senior pets & excessive vocalization

If your once-quiet pet has recently started yapping, meowing, moaning, or grumbling more often in their senior years, they may be trying to tell you something. Osteoarthritis is a common condition among aging pets that can cause them pain and distress – vocalizing being one way of communicating this discomfort. Additionally, cats (and dogs alike) also suffer from cognitive dysfunction, which can manifest as an Alzheimer’s-like symptom resulting in increased vocalization too. Pay close attention to any signs of suffering exhibited by your elderly pet – it could be the key to unlocking better health for them!

 

Senior pets & house soiling

As your beloved companion ages, they may start urinating and defecating outside of the litter box or outdoors. Osteoarthritis can be to blame for this issue since it could be painful for them to reach their usual bathroom spot or posture correctly when eliminating. Other potential causes include cognitive dysfunction, urinary tract infections or cancer, gastrointestinal problems, renal failure, diabetes, and other endocrine disorders.

 

Senior pets & disrupted sleep patterns

When your aging pet seems to have disrupted sleep, it could be due to cognitive dysfunction or difficulty finding a comfortable position. Pets suffering from heart and respiratory diseases can find it difficult to lie down and relax when breathing becomes uncomfortable, whereas those with arthritic conditions may experience pain during extended periods of lying down. Furthermore, dogs affected by urinary incontinence, gastrointestinal issues, or endocrine disorders will likely require frequent trips outside in order to relieve themselves at night, which they were not doing before. If your pet is having difficulty sleeping at night, you can aid them in getting a good rest through providing exercise and attention during the day, as well as making sure that any health issues are managed.

 

If your senior pet is experiencing an emergency, contact our team.