Generally, physical changes are the first signs that a pet owner may notice as their pet enters his golden years. Sooner or later, these physical changes can be accompanied by behavioral changes and there is a general slowing down of senior pets that becomes more pronounced as time goes by.

Slowing down

Senior pets are not as quick to respond to stimulus as when they were younger. The nerve impulses of young dogs travel at a speed of 6000 m/sec, thus they are extremely quick to receive and respond to a specific stimulus. However, the rate slows down to about 1300 miles per second in older dogs, thus they have a slower response to stimulus. Senior dogs also tend to sleep more and don’t engage as much in activities they once loved doing.

Separation anxiety

As their vital senses gradually decline, senior dogs become more prone to separation anxiety. When left alone, they can display undesirable behaviors like barking or howling, becoming destructive, or have potty accidents inside the house even if they have been housetrained.

If your senior pet has been diagnosed with a health issue, your Dayton, TN veterinarian may ask you to bring your pet to clinic for regular health checks and monitoring. Schedule an appointment here: http://vetdayton.com/