{"id":44130,"date":"2025-11-28T09:15:03","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T08:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/nos-conseils\/les-troubles-du-comportement-chez-votre-animal-age\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T14:26:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T12:26:01","slug":"behavioral-problems-of-aging-animals","status":"publish","type":"nos-conseils","link":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/en\/our-advice\/behavioral-problems-of-aging-animals\/","title":{"rendered":"Behavioral problems of aging animals"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As they age, cats and dogs, just like us, can suffer from pathologies which affect different organs as well as their joints. They may also, over time, develop other problems affecting their behavior which can result in unusual and\/or improper actions or reactions: disorientation, irritability, uncleanliness\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The signs that should alert you<\/h2>\n

If you observe any changes in the behavior of your dog (over the age of 7) or cat (from 10 years on), consult your vet who may be able to differentiate \u2018normal\u2019 problems linked to aging from those caused by neurological degeneration such as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) whose diagnosis requires further image testing (scan\/MRI) and specific treatment.<\/p>\n

\"Behavioral<\/p>\n

In dogs<\/p>\n

Initially, progressive reduction in sight and hearing as well as the onset of pain, most often originating from osteoarthritis, will be noticed. This may make your dog more anxious and lead to behavioral problems:\u00a0barking, destroying things, irritability or even aggression<\/strong>\u00a0towards the people or other animals in the home.<\/p>\n

His\/her physical ability diminishes with age, causing\u00a0more fatigue<\/strong>. He\/she sleeps more,\u00a0objects to going up or down stairs<\/strong>\u2026 Your aging companion\u00a0shows less interest in things that stimulated him\/her previously<\/strong>\u00a0and greets you with less enthusiasm. You may also find your dog roaming by day or night,\u00a0being disoriented<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0forgetting cleanliness, obedience<\/strong>\u2026 Sleep and appetite problems may occur.<\/p>\n

In cats<\/p>\n

Older cats may become\u00a0more irritable, play less, no longer jump around or self-groom as much as before<\/strong>,\u00a0or may become more and more isolated<\/strong>\u00a0and also show signs of anxiety (meowing, fear). As cats are naturally more independent than dogs, these signs can be more discreet and go unnoticed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Behavioral problems: what are the solutions?<\/h2>\n

To ensure the best quality of life for your aging companion, you can make some\u00a0changes to his\/her environment and habits<\/strong>:<\/p>\n