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Anxiety in Senior Dogs Part 1: Signs To Look For

perkedearstraining

Updated: Feb 5

We all love our dogs and wish they could live… well, forever!


While this, sadly, is impossible, many of our dogs are living longer than ever thanks to advances in veterinary care!


However, it’s not uncommon for dogs to become more anxious as they age.


Unfortunately, anxiety in senior dogs is a topic that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves from pet professionals or pet parents.


As dogs grow older, they can experience a range of physical and mental changes that can make them more susceptible to stress and anxiety. Being aware of these changes and understanding how to address them is essential for ensuring a senior dog’s well-being and quality of life in their final years.


Over the next few blog posts, I will be discussing senior dog anxiety-- the signs, the common causes, and what we can do to prevent & help!


In this first post, we’ll focus on recognizing the signs of anxiety in senior dogs.


How Anxiety Manifests in Senior Dogs


Just like in humans, anxiety in dogs can present itself in various ways. Being able to recognize these signs early can make a big difference in our ability to help maintain our dog's health and quality of life.


  • Difficulty Sleeping Or Settling: Your dog might seem unable to settle and relax, or may have a hard time sleeping at night


  • Vocalizations: Increased whining, barking at sounds or sights, or growling


  • Changes in Interactions: Body language changes, hesitation, fear, or aggression towards familiar housemate pets or human family members


  • Loss of Interest in Activities: Your day may suddenly seem uninterested or afraid to do activities that they typically enjoy, such as walks or games like fetch or tug


  • Separation-related Behaviors: Destruction, inability to settle, vocalizing when left alone


  • House Soiling: Dogs who were previously housetrained may begin having accidents indoors due to anxiety or confusion


  • Handling Sensitivity: Increased fear or aggression with things such as grooming or vet visits


The key message I want to highlight in this post is that behavioral changes in senior dogs are often signs of anxiety and stress, which can stem from various underlying causes.


These shifts in behavior shouldn’t be dismissed as just "normal aging." While it’s normal for dogs’ preferences and habits to evolve over time, any significant change deserves our attention.


Recognizing these signs and understanding their root causes is the first step in improving our senior dog’s quality of life. In the next post, I will dive deeper into these potential causes, helping you better understand what might be contributing to your dog’s anxiety. Stay tuned for more ways to support your senior dog’s emotional well-being!


Check out my many resources for senior dogs:


Close-up view of a senior dog relaxing on a cozy blanket
A senior dog enjoying a comfortable moment on a soft blanket.

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