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Aging is a process that happens to everyone – dog or human. We may not want to think about it, but knowing how we can help our pups as long as we can. How long your specific dog will live depends on a variety of things, but we compiled a list of some common signs you can look for!
Slowing Down
You may notice as your dog gets older that they may start to slow down. This could be not running as much or as fast as they used to, having a harder time getting up, or trouble staying on their feet. This is a common sign of aging, and happens to all dogs. Ask your vet what you can do to help with joint stiffness or soreness!
Behavior/Memory Problems
The older your dog gets, the more they start to resemble us humans in our old age! They may be stubborn and cranky, but they are still the same pups we have come to love. They may have other problems like more frequent accidents. Some dogs can develop dementia which can result in behavioral problems. Any major changes should be reported to your vet!
Vision Or Hearing Loss
A common symptom of aging in dogs is vision or hearing loss. If you think they are “ignoring” you, they may actually just not be able to hear you. If they also start to get clumsy and run into things more frequently, they may be losing their vision. You should speak with your vet on what to do if this happens and how you can help your pup.
Oral Problems
The older your pup gets the more they might experience bad breath, gum bleeding or irritation, or even loose teeth. They should visit the vet regularly for a professional cleaning, as they can also aid you in good ways to manage these issues.
Excessive Weight Gain Or Loss
An older dog gaining weight could be a result of less activity, slowed down metabolism, thyroid issues, etc. If you notice your dog has gained a decent amount of weight, you should check in with your vet. Some dogs require a special diet when they get older because of this. The same goes with dogs losing excessive weight. While they might not be cause by the same thing, your vet is the one who can offer you the best advice to care for your aging pup!
