Helping clients recognize anxiety in their senior pet

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The 2023 American Animal Hospital Association Senior Care Guidelines indicates that anxiety is a clinical sign associated with Canine and Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD/FCD) that may be directly treated.¹

Anxiety has been recognized to significantly compromise the quality of life (QOL) of both the pet and family.¹

Some of these behaviours can be hard to identify if the client is not there to see them. A camera can be useful if you suspect their pet might be suffering from anxiety.

Here is a short review of common, unwanted, nervous or stressful behaviours in pets.

Unwanted behaviours can include:

• Attempts to escape

• Peeing and pooing in the house

• Not eating or drinking/Food or water bowl may still be full

• Excessive “greeting” behaviour on the client’s return

• Following client everywhere while at home

• Barking and/or whining

• Comments from neighbours about noise

• Excessive panting and/or drooling

• Pacing

• Destructive behaviours, like chewing furniture

Nervous or stressful behaviour may include:

Dogs:

• Trembling, tail tucked, Hiding
• Excessive licking
• Excessive vocalization
• Panting
• Drooling
• Averting gaze
• Pacing

Cats:

• Tendency to run away or hide
• Cowering, trembling, or lying motionless
• Over-grooming
• Unfriendly behaviour
• Eliminating outside of the litter box

Remind your clients that they are not alone – your veterinary team is always on hand to help them if they are struggling or have any concerns.

To find out more about managing cognitive dysfunction and behaviour anxiety in your senior patients, read the 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines.

Reference:

1. https://www.aaha.org/resources/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/