In my last blog post, Anxiety in Senior Dogs Part 1: Signs to Look For, I discussed some of the common signs of anxiety that we can see in our senior dogs.
Now, let’s dive into the different possible underlying causes of this anxiety so we can better understand how to help our pups feel more relaxed and less stressed as they age.
Aging Brains Are More Susceptible to Stress
The initial point to keep in mind is that, similar to humans, dogs' brains undergo changes as they grow older. These changes are both chemical and structural, and can make adapting to new situations more difficult for them. Changes in hormone levels can impact memory, learning, emotional regulation, and our dogs' ability to solve problems. These changes can cause increased stress for our pups, which we can especially see when trying to adjust to something new. This can explain why your dog who used to love going new places or meeting new dog friends might struggle with those experiences now.
Cognitive Decline
One significant cause of anxiety in senior dogs is cognitive decline. Not unlike in humans, cognitive decline can sometimes progress into Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. This condition is very similar to dementia in humans and affects up to 30% of senior dogs. Dogs with CDS can experience confusion, memory loss, and sleep disruption, which can all lead to increased stress, anxiety, and sometimes aggression.
Changes in Senses
As dogs enter their senior years, many often begin to experience a gradual decline in their senses such as hearing and vision. Because this typically happens gradually, it can sometimes be difficult for pet parents to notice. When a dog's ability to see or hear changes, they may become more easily startled, confused, or afraid of things that they experience in their daily life, which can all lead to increased anxiety and stress.
Pain and Illness
Research suggests that as many as 80% of dogs over the age of 8 suffer from osteoarthritis. Chronic pain is one of the most prominent symptoms of arthritis, and it's just one of many conditions affecting aging dogs.
Chronic pain caused by these conditions can often cause anxiety. Dogs in pain may become more irritable, less eager to participate in activities they previously enjoyed, and may find it more challenging to get comfortable to rest. Since dogs experience and express signs of pain differently tan humans, it is essential to be aware of common signs of chronic pain in dogs, to closely monitor your dog as they age, and work with a veterinarian if you suspect that they are in pain.
Changes in Routine or Environment
As outlined above, our senior dogs experience numerous physical, psychological, and emotional changes, making it harder for them to adapt to new things in their life. This is why senior dogs thrive from consistency and predictability. Disruptions to their routine—like relocating to a nw home, welcoming a new family member (whether human or animal), or changes in their schedule—can lead to increased anxiety. This is why older dogs may take longer to adjust to life changes.
Supporting Your Senior Dog Through Anxiety
Understanding the main causes of anxiety in senior dogs is essential in being able to support them. In the next post in this series, I will go over practical strategies to help reduce anxiety and improve your senior dog’s overall well-being.
If you suspect your senior dog is struggling with anxiety, reach out to your veterinarian and a canine behavior professional to assess and support their needs and ensure that they maintain a positive quality of life.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll explore actionable steps to manage and ease anxiety in senior dogs!
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