Anxiety-Including Separation Anxiety
Common concerns are increased sensitivity and irritability, fear of unfamiliar pets and people (sometimes accompanied by aggression), decreased tolerance of touch and restraint, increased following and desire for contact, and increased anxiety when left alone. Noise sensitivity from hearing loss can also make some dogs more anxious and vocal. Your frustration and distress over your dog’s behaviour can add to your dog’s anxiety as well.
If it’s the guardian’s departure and absence that causes a dog’s anxiety, it’s called separation anxiety.
Predeparture anxiety, pacing, panting, hiding, trembling, or depression as you prepare to leave
House soiling, destructiveness or vocalizing that occurs after you leave the house
Destructiveness directed at exit points, like windows, doors, and house soiling, when you are gone
Refusal to eat when left alone
A distinct feature of geriatric (late-onset) separation anxiety is that it can manifest as nighttime anxiety, almost as if your dog views your sleeping as a form of separation. Your dog may keep you awake by pacing, panting, and pawing at you, and demand attention
Sensory changes, such as eyesight or hearing loss, can affect your dogs’ depth of sleep. His sleep-wake cycles may be affected by cognitive dysfunction or other types of central nervous disorders.
Try keeping your dog away from whatever triggers his fears or phobias, or masking the noise with background music.