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As pets age, they may experience changes in their physical and behavioral health. When treating pets with behavioral concerns, is important to identify and treat both the behavioral illness and any underlying medical conditions that may cause or exacerbate the behavior. It is a misconception that pets lose interest in participating in activities just because of their age. Addressing behavioral health can improve the quality of life for seniors for many years.
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As pets age, they may lose some of their cognitive abilities. Age-related brain changes are not reversible, but there are medications, supplements, and environmental enrichment opportunities that may slow the decline. Underlying medical conditions should be treated to keep senior pets comfortable.
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Several products are available to help with behavior management in cats. Various products promote play and exercise, provide cognitive stimulation, allow safe outdoor exploration, and assist with anxiety or undesirable behavior (as part of your veterinarian's treatment program for these problems).
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Foraging toys are designed to provide mental and physical exercise and enjoyment by simulating hunting and seeking for food. Both dogs and cats are natural hunters and scavengers. They benefit from exercising this part of their brain on a regular basis. Providing enrichment in the form of foraging toys can decrease boredom, improve enjoyment, and encourage dogs and cats to engage in species-specific behaviors in a desirable way.
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Foraging toys are great for dogs and cats. They can be filled with treats or with the pet's regular food as an alternative to feeding from a dish. They offer mental and physical exercise while also providing benefits from sensory stimulation as they search for their meals. Dogs in particular benefit from the opportunity to solve puzzles in order to access food.
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Seeking guidance before obtaining a new pet can prevent many behavior and health problems in pets. Such a consultation will help you select the best pet for the household, but also provide information on how to prepare in advance for the new arrival.
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Marker-based training such as clicker training is a positive reinforcement technique that allows great precision and can help animals learn complex behaviors. Charging the marker, marking correctly, and building a reinforcement plan will help with successful training.
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Tellington TTouch is a technique developed by Linda Tellington-Jones for conditioning relaxation through gentle massage. The technique can be used in behavior modification programs designed to treat stress and anxiety in people and many species of animals.
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Behavioral health medications are used in animals and humans. They include antidepressants, atypical antidepressants, antipsychotics, and amphetamines. Dogs and cats often require lower doses of these medications than humans and are sensitive to overdoses. As such, when a dog or cat gets into human doses of these medications or a pill vial of their own medication, behavioral health medication poisoning can occur.
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Benazepril is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, protein-losing glomerulonephropathies, and idiopathic kidney bleeding. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other ACE inhibitors. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.