Behavior changes in your pet can serve as the first indicators of aging. These changes might be due to discomfort or pain (arthritis, etc.) or worsening sight or hearing, but they may also be due to the normal aging process. Some behavior changes in older pets may be due to cognitive dysfunction, which is similar to senility in people.
Common behavior changes in older pets that may be signs of cognitive dysfunction:
easily disturbed by loud sounds
unusually aggressive behavior
increased barking/meowing
anxiety or nervousness
confused or disoriented behavior
increased wandering
house soiling (“accidents”)
changes in sleep patterns
less interest in playing
repeating the same
not responding to voice commands
more grouchy or irritable than usual