Now that your dog has gained senior status, they have likely left behind some of their more mischievous behaviors, such as rolling in every foul-smelling thing they can find or hiding your favorite shoes. But, age can bring your pet a whole new set of confusing behaviors, especially if they develop cognitive dysfunction. You may be scratching your head about your pet’s new behaviors and wondering what has become of your long-time companion. Here are five odd senior dog behaviors, and what they may mean.

#1: Your senior dog paces the floors at night instead of sleeping

Is the sound of your dog’s toenails clicking on the floor, or their endless panting, keeping you up at night? Senior pets often experience insomnia, along with anxiety. Unfamiliar nighttime noises may heighten their fear, and they cannot settle down and sleep. This cycle leaves them exhausted, and they likely sleep through the day, when you are awake to “keep them safe.” If your senior pet has their days and nights backward, try playing a white noise machine to distract them from outside noise, and place nightlights throughout your home to make them feel more secure.

#2: Your senior dog prefers warm spots

Does your senior dog, who was once known for flattening their belly against the cool tile floor, now seek out heating vents and sunny spots? Older pets often can no longer regulate their body temperature, and can easily become chilly. If your senior pet repeatedly steals your favorite blanket and claims the spot closest to the fireplace, ensure they can keep warm. Provide a thick, cushioned bed with extra blankets for snuggling, and consider running a space heater near their favorite spot in winter. Senior pets can also overheat easily, so don’t overdo it, and ensure they can move to a cooler spot if they want.

#3: Your senior dog has accidents in the house

Is your senior dog soiling your floors, despite being perfectly potty trained their entire life? Unfortunately, house soiling is common among senior pets, with many possible explanations, including:

* Cognitive dysfunction — Dogs with cognitive dysfunction often become confused and forget their normal potty routine. They may not remember that urinating and defecating in the house is unacceptable, and they should be going outside.

* Mobility issues — If your older dog has arthritis, they may find getting outside too difficult, especially if they have to go up or down stairs, or walk far.

* Incontinence — Many older pets simply cannot hold their urine for more than a few hours, and will have an accident if left alone all day.

#4: Your senior dog doesn’t seem to recognize you 

Does your senior dog bark when you come home from work, or startle when you walk into a room? If your dog has cognitive dysfunction, they may not recognize you as their long-time companion. Cognitive dysfunction causes memory loss similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people, and your pet may think you are a stranger in their home. 

Vision and hearing loss are also common in older dogs. Your dog may no longer see well, and their hearing may be waning, and they will easily startle if you walk up on them unexpectedly.

#5: Your senior dog scoots across the floor on their behind

Dogs typically scoot across the floor to soothe an itchy or inflamed hind end, with anal gland issues the most common reason for discomfort. Your dog may have gone their whole life without anal gland problems, but now arthritis may prevent them from grooming normally. The small ducts can become filled with built-up debris, blocking the secretion of the anal gland fluid, and causing the glands to overfill and pressure to build. If your senior dog is scooting, have your family veterinarian or groomer check their anal glands for problems. 

Abnormal behaviors may become increasingly common as your senior pet ages and may impact their quality of life. If you would like help supporting your senior pet during their final days, our telehospice service can help you assess their quality of life, and establish veterinary hospice care. When the time is right, a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area can perform in-home euthanasia to grant your companion the most peaceful passing possible.