• Is your dog merely growing older or becoming senile?dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
  
  Like humans, many dogs experience decreased cognitive function as they grow older and can even become senile. The exact cause of canine senility is unknown, although veterinarians suspect that genetics often plays a role. Symptoms of senility vary, but the condition often goes untreated because many dog owners assume their pet is getting old rather than losing its mind. Contact your vet if you notice any of the symptoms of senility because treatments are available.
  
  

Abnormal Sleeping Patterns

• Sudden changes in your dog's regular sleeping patterns may indicate the onset of senility. You may notice that your dog is sleeping much more than usual, is frequently napping, or is exhibiting decreased levels of alertness. You may also notice that your dog is sleeping less or showing signs of insomnia. Dogs with abnormal sleep patterns will often appear to wander aimlessly or pace around the house more.
  
  

Disorientation

• Senile dogs often become disoriented more than dogs with healthy minds. Your dog may appear lost at times, pacing around the house or yard looking for a dog door, feeding bowl, or other familiar landmark in his canine world. Senile dogs will sometimes get stuck behind furniture or in corners of the house. You may also notice that your dog appears listless, staring at the wall or into space for extended periods of time.
  
  

Decreased Sociability

• Many senile dogs start to become distant from the family members that they have been close to their entire lives. You may notice that your once attention-hungry pup prefers to be alone and avoids contact with humans. A senile dog may suddenly stop greeting its owners when they arrive home. In some cases, senile dogs even become irritable or aggressive, a sure sign that something is wrong in their brains.
  
  

Loss of Housetraining

• Incontinence is very common in older dogs and often indicates weakening of the bladder. However, it can also be a symptom of senility. Senile dogs will often defecate or urinate indoors without realizing it. You may also notice that your dog neglects to signal when it needs to do its business outdoors.