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| Dog Source: Gayla Baer, cc-by-3.0, flickr |
No dog owner wants their dog to get to the age where everyday tasks are hard to complete. But sadly, that day is going to come. Dogs, like humans, age, and as they get older, their mind and their body start to work less efficiently. Because dogs tend to age more quickly than humans, the symptoms of their aging may come on much earlier than you had anticipated.
When your dog ages, you may have to make adjustments. For example, your dog may require daily medications, or you may need to alter his or her diet or exercise routine. In order to ensure you are treating your dog properly as they get older, it’s important to recognize the following are six signs that your dog is aging.
1. Your dog has accidents in the house.
As your dog gets older, he or she may lose the ability to control their bathroom habits. Because of this, your dog may end up having accidents in the house more frequently than they did before. If your dog is going to the bathroom in the house more often, it could also be a sign that your dog’s brain is not working as properly as it used to. Either way, it’s’ a sign your dog is getting older.
2. Your dog is showing signs of mental decline.
Your dog’s brain will get worse and worse as he or she gets older. Symptoms of mental decline in your dog include increased anxiety, forgetfulness of past knowledge (including tricks), decreased interest in surroundings, and a higher amount of sleep. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it means that he or she is getting older.
3. Your dog’s energy level declines.
Young dogs are rambunctious. They constantly want to play and move around. Older dogs, though, tend to lose their drive to be active. Sure some older dogs will still want to go for walks or play fetch, but they may not be as interested in other physical activities as they once were. Also, you may notice that while they still enjoy going for walks, it may take them longer to get around the block.
4. Your dog starts to lose his or her hearing.
As a dog gets older, their hearing gets worse. If you notice that your dog doesn’t react to noises they way he or she used to or that they don’t listen to your commands, it could be a sign that they can’t hear you. This is a sign your dog is getting older.
5. Your dog is turning gray.
Just like you, your dog’s fur will start to turn gray as he or she gets older. This graying typically occurs around the face and mouth of your dog, but it can also take place around other parts of the dog’s body. Sometimes a dog will start to gray around middle age, which is typically around 5-7.
6. Your dog is not as strong as he or she once was.
Older dogs are susceptible to joint and muscle issues, and this has an impact on your dog’s strength. For example, arthritis in dogs may make it harder for your dog to get up from lying down, and it may also inhibit their ability to jump or even climb stairs. Understand that if this occurs, you may need to help your dog get from one location to another or put them on a daily medication.
Getting older is natural, but if your dog is showing signs of aging, it’s important to discuss it with your veterinarian. This way, if your dog develops any illnesses or diseases, you and your vet can work on treatments right away and ensure your dog is comfortable as a senior.
About Author:
Dr. Susan Wright, DVM shares her love of dogs through freelance writing on topics that teach owners how to be better caregivers and friends to their loyal companions.
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