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Photo by Claire DeLand

As with many people, dogs can grow grumpy in his their age.  Today, we are examining the behavior of an abused rescue with a history of biting, Mojo.  Recently, things have taken a turn in a negative direction, as he tried to bite his mom and another person he knows really well.  His mom does not know what she should do.  The catalysts for his mom’s e-mail to me involve their morning routine.  Previously, she could say “go get in your house” and he would run to his crate.  Now, he hides under the bed, and upon retrieving him, he snaps at his family, even breaking the skin on one successful snap.

Generally, a nine year old dog would be considered a senior dog, but there is not a set standard for determining this.  Whether a dog qualifies for the senior discount at Shoney’s varies greatly among different breeds, as well his size.  There is a saying about getting old and becoming set in your ways.  There is plenty of truth to that statement.  Personally, I do not like change in my world.  In fact, most dogs do not like change, especially us older ones.  Also, older dogs do tend to voice their dissatisfaction more frequently than younger ones.  Without spending any time with him, I think that he may be trying to communicate some type of pain.

That means that a trip to the vet is in order.  Upon arriving, it is imperative that you explain every detail of the recent issue to your veterinarian.  Ensure that your pooch is checked closely for arthritis, ear infection, decreased hormone productivity, loss of hearing, as well as eyesight and dental problems.  Mojo’s mom mentioned a noticeable increase in water intake in her request for help.  Excessive water intake can be a sign of several conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes and Cushing’s Disease.

Diabetes is the result or a dog’s pancreas shutting down or significantly slowing production of insulin, a hormone that helps the body process sugar in the blood.  Sometimes, diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces insulin that the body is unable to use.  In dogs, females are more likely to have diabetes, and overweight dogs have a higher incidence.  Diabetes can affect any breed, it is is prevalent in Miniature Poodles, Schnauzers, Pugs and Samoyeds.  Symptoms of diabetes include, increased thirst and urination, cloudiness of the eye and weight loss, despite an increase in appetite.

Cushing’s Disease occurs when adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, and it is common among older dogs.  Symptoms of Cushing’s include weight gain, weakening of the legs, an increase in water consumption, thinner and darker skin, an increase in appetite, hair loss, urinating more frequently and the introduction of a “pot belly.”

Kidney Disease can have any number of causes.  Some symptoms of it are an increase in thirst, a need to urinate more frequently, a loss in appetite, ammonia breath and a lethargic demeanor.

Photo courtesy of Claire DeLand

You may have noticed that we are focusing on the lone physiological symptom, increased water intake.  I think it may be Mojo’s physical condition affecting his behavior.  The increased water consumption goes hand in hand with an increased need to relieve himself.  When he is confined to his crate, he is unwilling to soil it.  His recent behavior indicates that he is upset because he cannot relieve himself in his crate.  Having to “hold it” for an extended period of time is not good for anybody, especially older dogs.

I suggest confining him to a tiled area, like the kitchen or bathroom to see if his mood changes.  I suggest a tiled area for its ease of cleanup of any urine messes.  In my opinion, a few cleanups is worth it to making your dog may be more comfortable, if you cannot increase his trips to his potty spot.  Once you have a diagnosis from the vet, he may be able to prescribe some medication for your dog and his condition.  With medication, he may be willing to return to his crate when you leave for work.

I am interested to know what the vet says about him.

Tags: abused, arthritis, BEHAVIOR, communicate, crate, Cushing's, diabetes, grumpy, increased water intake, kidney, older, pain, rescue, senior, snapping

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 10:41 am and is filed under AGGRESSION, BEHAVIOR, DOG AGE, HEALTH. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.