An old dog is a special friend. We remember
the times we shared and are often saddened by the changes we see. As our
companions age, they undergo both physical and metabolic changes that affect
our interaction with them. These physical and metabolic changes can often
manifest themselves as behavioral changes. Understanding these changes
can help increase our enjoyment of the "golden years."
Musculoskeletal Changes
The aging dog undergoes many physical changes as time passes. Within the
Musculoskeletal system these changes can be profound. Many older dogs develop
arthritis in their joints and spondyliti changes the spine. Geriatric dogs
also show a decrease in muscle mass. These changes may be accompanied by
outward physical manifestations that the owner can see. When arthritis
is present, the animal may limp or hold up the affected
limb, or the joint may be painful to movement or touch. In the case of
spondylitis, the animal may be unwilling or unable to go up and down stairs,
jump on furniture, or even sit comfortably. These changes in mobility can
then affect the dog's behavior. A dog that can no longer follow its owner
from room to room may become depressed. Dogs are social animals and wish
to be with their family, but if they are unable to dog so because of mobility
problems, they may suffer the effects of isolation. One solution may be
to give the dog a resting place that is the center of activity and does
not require the dog to move to be with people.
Because of loss of muscle mass, the older dog may need a softer place to
lay down and may no longer be able to lay on a hard floor. This too needs
to be considered so that the dog can join in with the family.
These musculoskeletal changes can make it difficult for older dogs to walk
on smooth or slippery surfaces such as wood, tile, or linoleum floors.
Non skid area rugs strategically placed may enable the dog to navigate
the home.
Changes in the animal's joints can often be accompanied by pain. Some dogs
show very little evidence of pain, while others become irritable. this
irritability can lead to aggressive encounters with family members and
visitors. In consultation with a veterinarian, medications can be given
to decrease pain and therefore increase the dog's ability to interact with
people. Accommodations in sleeping arrangements and walking surfaces need
to be considered to maximize the dog's comfort and minimize pain.
Decreased mobility also affects how the pet may react to stressful events.
Previously, the dog may have moved away from such a situation, but in its
present condition, a lack of mobility or an unwillingness to move
may require the dog to stay. This can result in a fearful situation for
the dog that leads to aggression. One example is an older less mobile dog
in a home with a new, very mobil baby. The dog may be unable or unwilling
to get out of the way of the baby, yet it may find the constant intrusions
of the child unwelcome. This may lead to aggression toward the baby in
an attempt to get the child to leave. Carefully monitoring the interaction
and watching the dog for signs of stress or fear are important. If the
dog shows any of these reactions, then remove the dog from the situation
for its comfort and the child's safety.
Visual Changes
Alterations also occur in the visual system of an elderly dog. The most
common change is nuclear sclerosis, a hardening of the central portion
of the lens that results in a clouding of the lens. While overall vision
appears to be unaffected in advanced stages, a dog may have problems visualizing
near objects, for example, food dropped on the floor.
The most common age-related visual change that results in a behavioral
change is the formation of cataracts. This can result in a functional vision
loss that is noticeable to the owner. One of the greatest difficulties
for the blind dog is any change in routine. Often he navigates familiar
surroundings very well, so well, in fact, that owners often are unaware
at first that the dog is blind. When furniture is moved or the dog
is taken to a new location, the owner then notices visual deficits. If
the visual loss is coupled with a hearing loss, an area of concern is possible
aggression if the dog is reached for or touched while sleeping. If the
dog's hearing is intact, people should speak to the dog prior to touching
it.
Hearing Changes
Deafness is another common condition that accompanies aging in dogs. three
common problems arise out of deafness. The first is a loss of control and
ability to discipline the dog. A dog that was previously well trained may
begin to be difficult to control. With time and patience. the dog can be
taught to respond to hand signals for common commands such as sit, down
and come. Occasionally, these dogs can still hear loud
sounds or vibrations, and stamping the floor may be used to get their attention
so that you can give the hand signal.
Secondly, some deaf dogs may begin to bark uncontrollably. Often this behavior
is inadvertently encouraged by the owner who gives the dog food treats
to stop the barking. A strategy that can be more effective is isolating
the dog until the barking stops, even if it is only for a short time. As
soon as it is quiet, let it out and reward the quiet behavior.
A third problem with deafness is the threat of automobiles. Many dogs seem
to avoid cars by the sound, and when they are deaf, they are at extreme
risk for injury, often in their own driveway.
House Soiling
House soiling can be a major problem in geriatric dogs, and one that frustrates
owners. Kidney function does decline with age. There is also some evidence
that the decline in kidney function is related to changes in the brain
of elderly dogs. At the present time, a new drug being tested by Deprenyl
Animal Health, Inc. (Overland Park, Ks.), seems to have an effect on inappropriate
urination in geriatric dogs.
Concurrent medical problems need to be investigated to rule out metabolic
causes of urinary incontinence or inappropriate elimination. For some older
dogs, an increase in the frequency of access to the outside is helpful
in controlling house soiling. If the dog must be left alone for long periods,
paper training may be helpful. Often
owners resort to isolation of the dog to avoid ruining household possessions.
This can lead to other problems of loneliness or barking for attention.
One possible solution is to keep the dog on a leash while with people so
that it can alert someone to its need to go outside and cannot wander off
to eliminate in the house.
Defecation can also be a problem due to loss of sphincter control. Dogs
also respond to stress by soiling the house with stool. If the stress can
be identified, the animal can be acclimated to the change and hopefully
the house soiling will subside.
Mourning
Many animals today live in multi-pet households and therefore have house
mates that they share experiences with well into old age. A common behavioral
problem for older dogs is mourning for the loss of a house mate. Although
there has not been a great deal of research on mourning in pets, it is
well known that pets form attachments to other animals they live with,
and anecdotal evidence indicates that animals grieve over the
loss of their companions. For some animals this grieving process may be
short, or it may not be evident or visible to the owner. For other animals,
especially geriatric pets, mourning can be a real phenomenon with behavioral
ramifications.
Dogs may undergo several behavioral changes after the loss of a companion.
these include a decrease in appetite and activity, possible anxiety or
restlessness, depression, or sleep disturbances. Some animals have been
observed to be "searching" for the missing companion. While not all of
these reactions occur, they are not uncommon. These changes often abate
over time, especially if the owner attempts to
follow a few of these suggestions.
Keep the routine as close to the previous routine as possible.
Avoid rewarding negative behavior changes with petting or food.
Create opportunities for positive associations with the dog.
Additional walks, playtime, or games can help ease the transition.
It is important to realize that the dog is mourning the loss of a specific
companion, so replacing the lost companion with another pet is often the
solution to the problem.
These changes can occur with the loss of a human companion as well. For
example, if one member of a family, with whom the dog was closest, leaves
or dies, the dog may start exhibiting behavioral changes unless the surviving
member of the family puts time in with the dog.
Whenever there are changes in eating or drinking in an elderly dog, they
may signal health problems and should never be ignored. Veterinary attention
should be sought to rule out a possible metabolic cause.
Changes in Routine
Geriatric canines can be very resistant to change. New routines, new locations,
and increased social situations can be stressful to the elderly dog. In
some situations, it may be better to isolate the dog to avoid short-term
stress. These include situations with many visitors, visits from small
children, or the presence of workmen in the home.
Sometimes, the new situation cannot be avoided. Changes in location and
territory, for instance, when a family moves to a new home, can result
in behavior changes such as house soiling. Care must be taken to give the
dog adequate time to eliminate in a new location and perhaps to provide
a surface that is similar to what the dog was used to previously. If a
dog is used to going out into a yard to eliminate and now has to eliminate
while on a leash, time and patience are necessary to change old habits.
Praise and rewards are much more effective in changing behavior than scolding
or punishment.
The following example illustrates this point.
A 9 year old German Shepherd was eliminating in the home. It has a previous
history of urinary marking, from time to time, but now was soiling with
stool and urine to an excessive extent. For the past 8 months, there had
been a great deal of construction around the grounds of the house, and
the dog was no longer being walked three times a day.
Concurrently, the hose soiling began. On examination, the dog showed lack
of normal gait in the rear legs. Because of the construction work, the
dog was now being asked to go out into a dog pen and eliminate on gravel.
The change in surface was uncomfortable for the dog, and it therefore was
eliminating in the house. A return to walks helped abolish the problem.
Changes in Social Structure
In multi-dog households, there usually exists a social structure in which
one dog is the dominant animal. This often can be the dog who was there
first, usually the older dog. As a dog ages and a young companion matures,
there can be dominance challenges from the young dog toward the older dog.
When size is a compounding factor, serious damage can occur. An older dog
may have to relinquish its dominance role to the
younger, stronger and bigger dog. If the fights are severe, the professional
assistance of a behaviorist should be sought.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Recently, the veterinary literature has discussed a group of age-related
changes in dogs and grouped them together under the heading of canine cognitive
dysfunction syndrome.
These behaviors include circling, tremors, stiffness or weakness, inappropriate
vocalization, compulsive behaviors, and changes in sleep patterns, house
training, interest in food, attention and activity, and awareness of surroundings.
The dog may exhibit separation-related behaviors where it never has before,
uneasiness with visitors, and other problems discussed earlier in this
article. Trials with drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease in humans
have been shown to be useful in some dogs for selected behaviors. Hopefully,
one or more of these drugs will be marketed to help control some of these
age-related cognitive changes in dogs.
Summary
Many changes take place both physically and behaviorally as a dog ages.
With good veterinary care, love and patience, our friends can live a long
and comfortable life while bringing us joy.
Definitions:
Arthritis - inflammation of a joint
Cognition - awareness and judgment, which is important in daily functioning
Cognitive Dysfunction - a term used in aging dogs to describe the loss
of awareness and judgment
Geriatric - referring to the process of aging nuclear sclerosis
Nuclear Sclerosis - hardening of the central portion of the lens of
the eye
Spondylitis - inflammation of one or more of the vertebrae
References
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Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 11 (4): 643-652, 1981
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Pract 19 (1); 103-123, 1989
3.Ruehl WW, Depaoli A: Treatment of geriatric-onset inappropriate
urine eliminations in elderly dogs. J Vet Intern Med (abstract)
8(2): 178, 1994
4.Lagoni L, Butler C, Hetts S: The Human Animal Bond and Grief,
Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1994, pp 270-273
5.Ruelh WW, DePaoli AC, Bruyette DS: L-deprenyl for treatment of
behavioral and cognitive problems in dogs; Preliminary report of
an open label trial. Applied, Anim Behav Sci (abstract), p. 8, 1994