My Aging Dog Shows Changes in Personality

The life expectancy of our household dogs has doubled since the 1950s, notes Dr. Svenja Joswig.

You’re probably aware that older dogs can suffer from back pain and hearing loss. Age also changes them mentally.

Changes in temperament can start as early as six years old in large dogs. Today, I’ll tell you where they come from.

I’ll also walk you through the changes you can expect as your dog gets old. You’ll learn what to watch for, how you can help your dog, and whether you can delay these changes in temperament.

Changes in temperament with age in senior dogs: in a nutshell

Changes in temperament with age are normal and are often linked to physical problems or age-related changes.

Pain and declining hearing and vision lead to increased clinginess and what can look like age-related stubbornness.

Meet your dog with understanding and make sure they can’t get hurt in the house. Have your vet check them regularly.

Is it normal for dogs to get quirky as they age?

Over the course of a dog’s life, their temperament changes more than once. As puppies they’re playful and exuberant. In adulthood they settle down and are content with less action each day.

Toward the end of life, they go through more changes again. So it’s completely normal if your senior behaves differently than they did a few years ago.

When that late stage of life begins depends on your dog’s breed, because average life expectancy matters here.

Once a dog has entered the last quarter of their expected lifespan, we consider them old. Since small dogs generally live longer than large ones, they usually reach this stage later.

As a rough guide, you can keep these ages in mind as the start of the “old dog” stage:

• Small breeds up to 15 kg: 12 years
• Medium breeds up to 30 kg: 10 years
• Large breeds up to 45 kg: 8 years
• Very large breeds from 45 kg: 6 years

Of course, the signs don’t begin right on a birthday. Dogs age individually.

There are seven-year-old Great Danes that are still fit, while the Dachshund next door may already be declining at the same age. These numbers just give you a general idea.

Where do the changes in temperament come from?

We can’t always say exactly why an old dog is acting strangely. Often the changes can be traced back to physical symptoms and age-related conditions.

When these last longer, as age-related issues do, they also change your dog’s character.

Physical limitations in old age are completely normal in dogs. It’s also not unusual for them to seem less mentally sharp.

In the sections below, I’ll tell you more about the possible causes of these temperament changes.

Diminished senses

With age, vision and hearing decline most noticeably. You can even spot reduced vision from the outside. In older dogs, a limited sense of sight often shows up as lens clouding. The lens looks milky.

Beyond that, there are other age-related eye diseases. The eye muscles get weaker, so your dog becomes dazzled by light more quickly.

The retina also deteriorates, so visual stimuli are no longer sent fully to the brain.

No matter what is affecting your dog’s sight, their vision is impaired. They may now bump into objects more often or run into furniture.

We recognize age-related hearing loss in dogs when they seem to ignore commands. You call your four-legged friend by name, and they don’t react.

That isn’t necessarily age-related stubbornness. Try changing your voice. As they age, dogs especially lose the ability to perceive high tones.

If you call in a deeper voice, they should still be able to hear you. If that works, you can assume your dog simply can’t hear as well anymore.

Pain

Pain is unfortunately a very common problem in older dogs. It’s not just joints and the back that cause trouble. Teeth and digestion can trigger bouts of pain too.

Back pain in dogs is often caused by spondylosis. Spondylosis refers to bony growths that form between the vertebrae.

The condition appears mainly in middle-aged dogs (Source). It progresses with age. It can lead to severe pain, paralysis, and even incontinence.

Joint pain is often due to osteoarthritis, the progressive breakdown of joint cartilage. That cartilage protects the joint.

When it’s gone, bones eventually rub against each other with every movement. The result is severe pain, swelling in the joints, and inflammation.

Dental issues in old age are often caused by tartar. It consists of food residue and bacteria and keeps building up over time. It attacks the gums and the tooth beneath. Left untreated, it often leads to tooth loss, secondary infections, and bleeding gums.

Digestion in old age no longer works like it does in a young dog. It slows down and nutrient needs change.

If those needs aren’t met, your dog may respond with digestive issues like constipation, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

Less energy

Older dogs aren’t as capable as they used to be. That’s partly because they lose muscle mass. Muscles consume a lot of energy, so the body converts them to fat.

That fat also helps protect seniors from getting too cold, since older dogs feel the cold more quickly.

Because of the loss of muscle, older dogs tire faster and can’t manage their usual walks anymore.

You’ll notice your dog walking more slowly, staying close to you, and showing little interest in their surroundings. If you turn around to head home though, they might perk up again.

Dementia

Unfortunately, dementia isn’t limited to humans. The disease can affect our dogs too. Because it targets the brain, it can be responsible for a whole range of age-related temperament changes.

Early signs of dementia in dogs include

• a sudden loss of housetraining,
• constant howling and whining,
• trembling,
• a strong urge to move around (the dog paces through the house until they can barely stand from exhaustion), and
• forgetfulness (the dog can’t find their food bowl anymore or can no longer perform commands they actually know).

Typical temperament changes in old dogs

These four causes lead to many different changes in temperament. It’s important to mention that your dog doesn’t have to be demented to seem quirky or confused. Even if they pee on the rug once or rarely, dementia doesn’t have to be the reason.

Clinginess

Older dogs often hardly leave their owners’ side. That can be due to loss of senses or physical pain.

Your dog senses that they’re not as fit as they used to be. They prefer to stick close so you can protect them. Clinginess can also be triggered by the onset of dementia.

Keeping distance

On the flip side, some older dogs prefer to keep more distance from their owners. That’s also a normal sign of aging. In your dog, it’s probably linked to a greater need for rest.

Your dog needs more sleep and quiet, which they may not get right next to you. So they retreat to their dog bed more often or to a rarely used room.

Age-related stubbornness

Age-related stubbornness is often tied to declining senses. Your dog simply doesn’t hear or see what you want. They aren’t ignoring you out of spite.

The change in behavior can also be due to dementia or a decline in mental capacity unrelated to dementia. In that case, your dog still hears your command but can’t interpret it anymore.

It’s also possible your dog hears you and understands you, but can no longer do what you ask. Pain could be the reason. Jumping into the car, climbing stairs, or even simply sitting down to be brushed … all of that can be painful for your old dog.

Startling easily

Startling easily is likely related to diminishing senses. A classic example is a dog whipping around in surprise when someone pets them from behind on the back or head.

If your dog has dementia, they may struggle to make sense of impressions. Sounds can overwhelm them, which also contributes to being easily startled.

Confusion

Confusion is often a sign of early dementia. Your dog seems overwhelmed, starts barking or whining without any obvious reason, and their mood changes constantly. They can suddenly become anxious or even aggressive.

Can you prevent temperament changes with age?

You won’t be able to prevent your dog from changing as they age. That’s normal and, unfortunately, part of getting old. You can delay or ease some symptoms though.

Keep your dog healthy

If the changes in temperament are due to physical problems, make sure your dog gets veterinary care.

Go to routine checkups and have your dog examined if you feel they’re changing.

Osteoarthritis caught early can be treated well. For spondylosis, your vet can prescribe physical therapy and pain medication.

You can have tartar removed if your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia. For digestive problems, have their bloodwork checked and get advice about changing their diet.

Adjust food and portion size

Even without digestive issues, your senior likely needs a different diet. It should contain less fat and more zinc and protein.

You may also need to adjust portion sizes. Seniors have a lower energy expenditure, so they gain weight more easily. Excess weight wears down their joints faster.

So make sure your dog stays slim in old age.

Delay the progression of dementia

If your dog has dementia, you can give them small thinking tasks. Mental stimulation can slow the progression of the disease.

Good options include simple scent or search games. Just toss a few kibble pieces into the grass and let your dog search for them.

You can also try new walking routes. New impressions activate your dog too. Keep a certain amount of routine though. That’s just as important as mental stimulation. If you have set walk times, stick to them. That way the new impressions won’t overwhelm your dog.

How you should handle the temperament changes

You can’t prevent the changes, so you’ll need to find ways to handle them. In the sections below, I’ve collected a few tips for you.

Make the environment safe

If your dog’s senses are declining, make sure they don’t get hurt. Secure stairs, avoid rearranging your furniture constantly, and provide a nightlight for your dog. If they slip more often on tile floors, lay down rugs or runners. That gives your dog solid footing and prevents injuries.

Be lenient

Anger and force won’t get you anywhere with an old dog. They aren’t trying to annoy you by being disobedient. Either they don’t fully understand you anymore or the task is too difficult. Look for alternatives instead.

If your dog can’t jump into the trunk anymore, get a ramp. With high vehicles, it may also be easier for them to get in on the passenger side and ride in the footwell.

If they can’t hear you anymore, speak in a deeper voice. If they’re sleeping, wake them by holding a treat under their nose.

Adjust the daily routine

If your schedule allows, change your daily routine so your dog is alone less. Plan several short walks. That not only protects your senior from exhaustion, it also helps with a weakening bladder. Muscles are shrinking everywhere, so they’ll need to go outside more often.

After making these changes, be sure to settle back into a routine. That helps dogs with dementia feel more secure too.

Conclusion

It’s completely normal for your dog’s character and behavior to change with age. Sometimes illnesses are behind it. Other times it’s simply common signs of aging that lead to these changes.

My recommendation is to handle your dog gently. Even if they seem stubborn or disobedient, they’re just as overwhelmed by the situation as you are. Don’t be angry with them. Try to understand them.

Don’t forget their physical health either. Even if they seem fit, you should take older dogs to your vet regularly, at least once a year.

Frequently asked questions