The common signs are urinating/defecating in the house, disorientation, forgetting previously known behaviors, not going up stairs or walking slower, onset of aggression/fears, and decreased recognition of people. Many of these pets have Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which is a form of Alzheimer’s.

Many others have a urinary tract infection, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or are becoming blind or deaf. Others are in chronic pain from dental disease or arthritis and are becoming aggressive so people will stop touching them. It is extremely important for your veterinarian to perform a physical exam and blood
work with a urinalysis. If your pet does have an illness, it can usually be effectively treated, and the unwanted behavior will disappear.

If the diagnostics are normal, then Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or other causes of neurological malfunction (i.e. brain tumor) need to be considered. These conditions are not as common, but do exist. While both of these conditions are somewhat treatable, they do require more diagnostics. CDS is a syndrome that is diagnosed after all other possibilities have been eliminated.

It is very important not to assume your pet is showing any behaviors just because “they are getting old”, and there is nothing that can be done. Age is not a disease. Most conditions that senior pets suffer from can be managed, and they will become much more comfortable. You CAN make their golden years wonderful for both of you.

Some pets have a mild form of anxiety, and confinement with a chew toy and time is all that is needed. If the dog can be confined safely while you are gone, placing him/her in a crate or in a bathroom/laundry room should be attempted. Most dogs with a severe case of separation anxiety will still defecate in the crate and attempt to chew through it. Some dogs have been reported to chew through doors and Sheetrock. These dogs will need to have behavior modification and possibly anti-anxiety medication.

Behavior modification involves desensitizing your dog to being left alone. If your pet becomes anxious when you are leaving, perform the rituals you usually exhibit (i.e. jingle keys, put on your shoes, grab your purse), but don’t leave. Reward your pet when he/she calms down, NOT while they are anxious. When you can perform those rituals without the pet becoming anxious, leave for several minutes. Return, and reward your pet when he/she calms down. Gradually extend the amount of time you leave. This process can take many
months and requires patience. Remember that most of these pets exhibit this anxiety because they desire contact with you. Training the dog independence while you are at home (having them sit/sleep away from you) can also be helpful.

There are medications that can help this condition. It is recommended throughout the training, but should be discontinued at some point. Talk to your veterinarian about which drug is best for your pet.

Most pets with Sarcoptes are extremely itchy. They will develop hair loss, reddened skin, and scabbing especially on ear flaps, elbows, feet, and chest. These signs are not seasonal and will progressively worsen,
sometimes to the extent of the patient not sleeping or eating due to the pruritus. Clinical signs usually develop within 2-6 weeks of exposure to an affected animal.

The mite Sarcoptes scabiei is the causative agent with this mange. These mites burrow deep into the skin and cause extreme itching by local irritation and by producing allergenic substances that the pet reacts to.
The most common treatments include Selamectin (Revolution) applied every 14 to 30 days, Ivermectin injections every 1-2 weeks, or milbemycin (Interceptor) every 2 weeks until the patient is cured. Some pets need to be treated for at least 4-6 weeks. Many veterinarians will treat a pet on the assumption the pet has mange since Sarcoptes is very hard to find on a skin scraping. Some pets will still itch up to one month after the treatment has started. Any dog that has come into contact with a Sarcoptic-positive dog need to be treated regardless of clinical signs to prevent spreading.