Signs the Your Dog is Aging
Everyone gets older, including your dog. There may be physical and mental signs that your dog is getting older. Remember that different breeds and sizes of dog’s age at different rates. The more you are aware of the signs of aging, the sooner you can help your four-legged friend age gracefully. Please see our list below as we explore some of the dogs’ most common signs of aging.
Slowing Down – Older dogs may have difficulty moving around and will not be as quick as they were younger. The slowness can be due to a weakness in their back legs, arthritis, or another degenerative disease.
Bad Breath – Dog breath is not uncommon at any age. However, if your dog suddenly has bad breath, it could indicate infection, tooth decay, or gum disease. A dog’s immune system weakens as they age, so the body will have a hard time fighting off infections.
Cloudy Eyes – Eye cloudiness (nuclear sclerosis) is common in senior dogs. However, it does not affect vision.
Weight Gain or Loss – Older dogs who are less active sometimes gain weight. Therefore, you must adjust your dog’s diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. On the other hand, dogs may experience weight loss due to poor absorption of nutrients, reduced appetite, or a digestive illness.
Do not forget about the mental signs of aging. Your senior dog may experience anxiety, repetitive behaviors, fear of people or objects, confusion, or ignoring commands and cues. Being patient is one of the best things you can do when your dog gets older. Our dogs love us unconditionally, so ensuring they enjoy their senior years as much as possible is important.