Symptoms of Aging in Dogs
Symptoms of aging in dogs include changes in appearance, poor metabolic function, lethargy, tooth luxation, loss of appetite, urinary incontinence, personality changes and joint pain.
1. Appearance changes
When the dog grows older, the body will gradually grow white hairs during the hair change, especially the hair on the nose and mouth will become white, and the hair is not as bright and smooth as before. Owners should pay attention to this when grooming their dogs.
2. Metabolic function deterioration
As dogs age, their metabolic rate decreases and their physiological functions gradually deteriorate. As a result, dogs may start to become obese, similar to what happens to humans when they get fat in middle age. If you find that your dog is getting heavier, remember to take improvement measures as soon as possible because overweight dogs will increase the burden on the joints and cause related diseases, as well as lead to other health problems!
3. Lethargy
If the owner can notice that the dog's exercise is obviously reduced when he/she is with the dog on a daily basis and his/her interest in the interactive games that he/she used to like is reduced, it means that the dog has entered the old age (it may also be due to illness, please do not ignore it!). So the physical ability to decline, gradually become love to rest and sleep, do not like to run.
4. Tooth Luxation
When you find that your dog's teeth show the sign of loosing, or sometimes their teeth are falling out, these are the signs to remind you that the dog has become old. Owners can provide nutritional supplements for their old dogs to maintain the health of the dog's teeth and joints.
5. Loss of appetite
Owners can pay more attention to the changes in the amount of food the dog have taken when feeding. If you find that the dog eats less than before, or can't finish it, it means that the dog is really getting old. As the digestion of the stomach maybe weaker than before, owner has to pay attention to the nutritional supplementation and adjustment of the feeding method and the amount of food.
6. Urinary incontinence
Older dogs may have urinary incontinence, which may be due to urinary problems. It is recommended to take your dog for appropriate examination and treatment according to the examination results.
7. Personality Change
Older dogs may experience personality changes, such as becoming more irritable or agitated. This may due to physical discomfort or cognitive decline. It is recommended to take your dog for appropriate examination and treatment according to the results.
8. Joint Pain
Older pets often suffer from joint pain and arthritis, which can be accelerated if the dog is 'obese'. Ensure that their range of motion is appropriate, provide soft mattresses and comfortable resting areas, put down "non-slip mats", trim nails regularly as long nails can make it difficult for dogs to grip the ground, and consult your veterinarian about joint supplements or treatment options.
Conclusion
Dogs, like people, will experience ageing, sickness and death. As pet owners, we can only prepare for the care of our beloved one when we are able to recognize what stage of the dog's life cycle they have reached. Aging is inevitable, but owners can do their best to help their dogs to cope with the physical aspects of aging, so that they can live comfortably and peacefully by relieving symptoms such as discomfort.