It seems like yesterday they were a puppy zooming around, and before we even know it years have passed, and our trusted companion is having trouble getting up on their favorite chair or wandering at night.
Different breeds and sizes of dog age at different rates. A large breed like a Great Dane is considered senior at around six years old. A small dog, like a Chihuahua, for example, may not be considered old until she is seven to ten years old. The more tuned-in you are to the typical signs, the sooner you can help your dog age gracefully.
Different breeds and sizes of dog age at different rates. A large breed like a Great Dane is considered senior at around six years old. A small dog, like a Chihuahua, for example, may not be considered old until she is seven to ten years old. The more tuned-in you are to the typical signs, the sooner you can help your dog age gracefully.
With proper nutrition, exercise, and a strong consistent dose of our Healthier Pet Health Drops you can slow the process and alleviate many of the symptoms.
Physical signs that your dog is aging
Cloudy eyes or difficulty seeing: Eye cloudiness (nuclear sclerosis) can happen so gradually that you might not notice it right away. While it is a common occurrence in senior dogs and doesn’t affect vision, it may also be a sign of cataracts or other eye diseases, most of which are easily treatable. Your dog may also start bumping into things or have trouble locating a toy on the floor or other familiar objects. This could signal vision loss.
Horrible breath: While doggie breath is not uncommon at any age, if your dog suddenly has awful breath, it could indicate gum disease, tooth decay, or infection. The immune system weakens as dogs age, and they are not able to fight off infections as easily as they did when they were younger. Along with a good dental cleaning, your vet may decide to do blood work to rule out infection.
Slowing down or difficulty getting around: An older dog may have trouble with stairs, jumping into the car, or just getting up after a nap. You might notice weakness in her back legs. While we all slow down as we age, your dog’s mobility issues could be caused by arthritis or another degenerative disease. Along with any medication or supplements your vet recommends, you will have to adjust your dog’s exercise regimen to slower and
shorter walks or a new exercise routine. Swimming, for example, is gentle on the body and many dogs love it.
New lumps and bumps: Some dogs are prone to harmless fatty lipomas, but these lumps under the skin are more common as dogs age. However, any new lump should be checked by a veterinarian to rule out a malignant tumor.
A change in weight: It is not surprising that older, less active dogs sometimes gain weight, and you may have to adjust your dog’s diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. However, you should also pay attention if your senior dog loses weight. This could be the result of reduced muscle mass, which is common in older dogs, or it might be caused by reduced appetite, poor absorption of nutrients, or a digestive illness. If your dog loses more than 10 percent of her body weight in a few months, or even in a year, consult your vet.
Incontinence or difficulty “going”: If your dog suddenly forgets his housetraining or seems to strain when urinating, these could be signs of a urinary tract infection or kidney disease. However, incontinence is not unusual in elderly dogs and there are medications that can help.
Behavioral and mental signs of aging in dogs
Physical changes are not the only differences you may notice in your dog as he ages. Changes in behavior can signal an underlying physical problem or may be a normal sign of aging. For example, if your sweet pup has suddenly turned into Grumpy, she may be in pain caused by arthritis or be experiencing some other physical discomfort. Or your high-energy companion may be sleeping hours a day. Older dogs need more sleep, just let him nap. However, changes in behavior may also be the result of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS). According to a study at the National Center for Biotechnology Information, CCDS affects 14 to 35 % of dogs over eight years old. A dementia like Alzheimer’s in humans, CCDS can bring about pronounced changes in your dog’s everyday behavior:
Fear of familiar people or objects.
Changes in the sleeping-waking cycle, including restlessness or pacing at night.
Increased barking and vocalization.
Repetitive or compulsive behaviors.
Forgetting commands and cues that she once knew.
House soiling.
Increased anxiety.
Confusion and disorientation.
Marked change in
The Good News
Our Canine and Feline friends respond incredibly well to our Healthier Pet Health Drops. It is safe and natural and works very quickly. The main thing to understand is that the dosage required varies dependent on a lot of factors. Typically pain related issues will require less dosage than anxiety or dementia related issues.
Our success with CCDS has been consistently occurred with dosages on the higher end of the spectrum ( 40-50 mg). For best results contact us for a free dosage consult.
Call us at 1-855-422-3463.
Sources: Pub MD, American Kennel Club (AKC), Cornell University