Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Not all dogs get more obviously anxious as they get older, but it’s not uncommon. With age comes changes to their senses of vision, hearing, and smell, making the world a little less clear to them. Struggling to see, hear, and smell what’s around them can be anxiety-inducing for an older dog because it makes them feel vulnerable. Add in potential cognitive decline, and it’s understandable that a dog might feel anxious!

Symptoms of anxiety include hiding, pacing, shaking, panicked barking, drooling, potty accidents, destructive chewing, and more. There are quite a few ways to help a dog suffering from anxiety, whether it’s general anxiety, noise anxiety, or separation anxiety. The first thing you should do is connect with both your veterinarian and a certified canine behavior consultant. They can help you determine the type of anxiety and provide guidance for supplements, medications, management, and behavioral training (called desensitization and counterconditioning) that can help.