Hi fellow animal lover,

Have you noticed your senior dog acting a little differently lately? Maybe they’re following you around more than usual, barking at seemingly nothing, or having accidents in the house despite years of perfect potty habits.

As dogs age, their behavior can shift in subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways. Some changes are just part of getting older, while others might signal an underlying issue that needs attention.

What’s Normal? What’s Not?

Here are some of the most common behavioral changes in senior dogs and what might be causing them:

• Increased Clinginess or Anxiety – If your dog is suddenly a velcro dog, it could be due to declining vision, hearing loss, or cognitive changes making them feel less confident in their environment. Hearing and vision loss in particular can make a dog more sensitive to sounds, which can turn into noise anxiety.
  
  
• Restlessness or Pacing at Night – This can be a sign of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), which is similar to dementia in humans. Nighttime disorientation and disrupted sleep cycles are common with age-related cognitive decline.
  
  
• More Frequent Barking or Whining – Your dog might be responding to confusion, discomfort, or even hearing loss. If they can’t hear well, they may vocalize louder or more often. They might be using barking as a way to find you or ask you to help them. Even though it can be annoying, try not to get frustrated. Your senior dog is just trying to communicate!
  
  
• House Soiling – A senior dog who starts having accidents could be experiencing incontinence, arthritis (making it harder to get outside in time), or cognitive decline affecting their potty training habits.
  
  
• Irritability or Aggression – If your once-friendly dog has become grumpy or aggressive when touched, they may be in pain from arthritis, dental disease, or another condition that makes handling uncomfortable.

FUN FACT

According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the oldest dog ever was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, who lived to the age of 29 years and 5 months. Bluey passed away in 1939.

Helping Your Senior Dog Feel Less Anxious

• Stick to a Routine – Consistency in meals, walks, and bedtime can help reduce anxiety.
  
  
• Engage Their Mind – Puzzle toys and gentle training exercises keep their brain active. Get some ideas for mental enrichment for your senior dog here.
  
  
• Support Brain Health – Diets like Purina Bright Mind (available at Chewy and Amazon) are formulated with enhanced botanical oils and nutrients that help promote alertness and mental sharpness in senior dogs—keeping their brain engaged and helping them feel more secure in their routine.
  
  
• Try Calming Aids – Anxiety treatments, supplements, and medications can help ease stress. One option is adding the Purina Calming Care probiotic to their food. This is formulated specifically for behavioral support.
  
  Medications, Supplements, and Treatments for Dog Anxiety
  
  
• Make Home Adjustments – Nightlights, anti-slip rugs, and clear pathways can reduce confusion and fear. Add more dog beds where you spend time, so your dog has a cozy spot near you at all times and can keep an eye (or ear) on you.
  
  

If your senior pup’s behavior changes seem sudden or severe, a vet visit is a must and connecting with a certified canine behavior consultant is also recommended. Anxiety and confusion can be symptoms of medical issues that need attention.

Coming up next week: We’ll be talking about mobility and joint health — how to keep your senior dog moving comfortably and the best ways to support aging joints.

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