Changes in behaviour in elderly cats and dogs, part 2: management, treatment and prevention

As discussed in Part One of this article (Warnes, 2015), behaviour changes in elderly cats and dogs can indicate the presence of a number of different medical problems as well as the development of age-related cognitive dysfunction. This article will discuss management strategies that can improve the quality of life for elderly animals with mobility problems including conditions associated with chronic pain, sensory deficits and cognitive dysfunction. The various treatment strategies for animals with cognitive dysfunction will be outlined, as well as preventive strategies that may reduce the rate of cognitive decline and delay onset of cognitive dysfunction.

Elderly animals need to be able to move around their environment and access important resources easily. This can be particularly challenging for animals with medical problems affecting their mobility, including conditions associated with chronic pain such as degenerative joint disease or spinal problems, reduced sensory abilities or cognitive dysfunction, which can be associated with impaired spatial awareness and navigational ability (Gunn-Moore, 2011; Landsberg et al, 2012). Important resources include food, water, comfortable resting places, toilet locations and, for cats in particular, places to withdraw to or hide if they do not wish to interact with people or other animals in the home. Suggestions for improving access to the environment and individual resources are outlined in Table 1.