Generally speaking, dogs over seven years old begin to enter their senior years, and small breeds tend to age later than large breeds. However, the process of dogs getting older seems to happen in an instant.
You suddenly notice that your dog often stops and lies down while walking. When you call its name, it slowly turns its head to look at you and then wearily lies back down. Your dog’s coat has also become lighter, it often doesn’t finish its food, and it no longer rushes towards you when you come home, as it used to…
If your dog shows these symptoms, it means that it is gradually getting older, and as an owner, it is important to recognize it early in order to take better care of it.
- Appearance of white hair: Just like humans, as dogs grow older, the color of their fur will become lighter, and white hair may appear, especially around their mouth, similar to human white beards.
- Loose or missing teeth: With age, dogs may experience loose teeth or even tooth loss due to calcium loss.
- Slower movements and reactions: Due to the deterioration of hearing, smell, vision, and other senses, older dogs tend to have slower movements and may even have difficulty walking steadily. Sometimes it takes a while for them to respond when called by their name.
- Canine cognitive dysfunction: Like humans, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction as they age. It is often characterized by wandering aimlessly in a room, forgetting what they were looking for, forgetting their own name, and sometimes even forgetting their owners, among other symptoms.
- Increased sleep time: When dogs get older, their sleep time gradually increases, and sometimes they may sleep throughout the day. Sleeping not only allows their bodies to rest but also provides mental rejuvenation, so it is important not to disturb older dogs’ sleep.
- Cloudy eyes: When dogs are young, their eyes are clear and bright, but as they age, their eyes may become cloudy. Some older dogs may also develop conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts.
- Incontinence: Due to the decline in bodily functions, older dogs may have difficulty controlling their bladder and bowels, resulting in incontinence. At this time, it is important not to scold them because they are already uncomfortable. When dogs experience this, it is important to clean up after them regularly to keep them comfortable.
How to care for senior dogs?
In general, dogs start to show signs of aging at around 7 to 8 years old. They may have dry and rough skin, white hair around the head and mouth, and a gradual decline in vision and hearing. Therefore, caring for senior dogs should be based on their physiological characteristics and adopt a scientific approach to feeding.
Provide good quality food: Senior dogs may have reduced appetite due to decreased sense of smell and reduced digestion. Therefore, their food should be soft or semi-liquid. Feed them small meals throughout the day and provide plenty of fresh water.
Ensure warmth: Senior dogs have reduced resistance to both cold and heat. Therefore, it is important to keep them warm in cold weather and protect them from excessive heat.
Reduce exercise intensity: The temperament of senior dogs may change, and they may no longer be as active and energetic as before. They may prefer to rest and sleep more, and they can easily get tired. When engaging in activities with senior dogs, it is important to prevent them from becoming fatigued.
Regular check-ups: As dogs age, it is recommended to have a comprehensive check-up at least once a year. This can help monitor their health status, detect any issues in a timely manner, and take preventive measures for potential problems.
Some say that owning a dog means living with a countdown. We cannot fight against time, but all we can do is take care of our dogs as best as we can and hope that they can accompany us for as long as possible.