Aging is an inevitable process, even when it comes to our pets. This process is common for every dog, and yet, every dog is like a human, different. Aging in dogs brings with it many changes – in appearance, physical characteristics, abilities, behavior.
Although each dog is special, there are some special signs that are recognizable, and which will indicate to you that your pet is entering old age. The formula for calculating the age of a dog is a bit more complicated, but it could be said that all dogs around the age of seven enter the period of older age.
Most of you will experience certain changes, and read below what is waiting for you and what signs can be a signal that it is time to start taking care of your friend with increased attention.
MOVES SLOWLY, LOSES MUSCLE MASS, ARTHRITIS
Have you noticed changes in your dog’s way of getting up, lying down or stepping on steps compared to before? Stiffness or hesitation before some physical activity? These can be signs that your pet is experiencing changes that are common in old age.
Also, mild muscle loss, especially in the hind legs, is common in old age. Arthritis, especially in larger and heavier dogs, is a common companion of old age. It especially affects the joints of the legs, neck and spine, and here you need the professional help of a veterinarian, as well as the use of appropriate medications. supplements and foods.
SEDE HAIR
A characteristic phenomenon for dogs between the ages of six and seven is a change in the color of the hair, ie the appearance of gray hair, most often on the face, around the muzzle, eyes, cheeks, as well as on the hair of the ears. As time passes, these changes become more noticeable on parts of the paws, group and tail.
HEARS WEAKER
If your dog has been waking up lately, not responding to long-distance calls, he is frightened when you approach him from behind if he has not seen you before – this is most likely another process related to aging. It is important to rule out causes such as infections or a foreign body in your pet’s ear.
When you rule out these causes and you are sure that it is aging, you must make sure that your friend is protected from dangers such as traffic or children. It’s good if you can teach them to follow your commands with their hands when you call them, give them an order to sit, wait, or the like.
WEAKER SEE
Another sign of aging in dogs is the bluish-gray mass that occurs in most, and which covers the pupil. Over time, it becomes more noticeable and opaque. The professional term for this condition is lenticular sclerosis, but you don’t have to worry right away, because it doesn’t affect your eyes too much. If you notice such changes in your dog, be sure to contact your veterinarian to determine exactly what the change is. Dogs can also suffer from cataracts, which are white and opaque and drastically affect your dog’s vision.
