Dogs do not suddenly become old. Aging is a process affecting parts of the body and mind at differing rates. Given the various dog breeds, their range of activities and different life expectancies, one dog may age quite differently to another.
Any dog keeper will know his dog and by observing relevant changes, can decide what actions are the most appropriate for the dog he knows so well.
Signs of Old Age in Dogs
Physical signs of the aging process do not always precede changes in an older dog's behavior, but the physical signs are often the first that are taken seriously.
Aside from the obvious indication in darker-coloured dogs of the muzzle going grey, the coat gradually loses its sheen by not recovering quite as well when groomed or bathed. A particularly poor coat in a normally well-groomed dog can signify something possibly serious.
Sight and hearing are fairly commonly affected as dogs grow older, to various degrees. If the owner is familiar with the dog, the signs are usually obvious as the dog starts bumping into things or begins not to respond to its name or normal commands.
Muscular deterioration, especially arthritis, is common. It is also painful but can be treated to at least ease the discomfort for the dog.
The telling signs that often come first are changes in the dog's behavior, but these are often overlooked or ignored. In fact, without worrying unnecessarily, these signs should be the ones that the keeper looks for, in order to be able to react to curable illnesses.
Changes In Dog Behavior
Some changes will be signs of deteriorating eyesight and hearing as noted above, but a responsible keeper should be prepared to react to others. Some signs are inevitable. For example, most but not all dogs will naturally slow down as they grow older. Nevertheless, the keeper should be prepared to check a little more or consider wider aspects when presented with signs such as:
- The dog sleeping much more than normally the case
- Reduced interest in playing and exercise
- Much slower to eat food
- Frequent or prolonged occurrences of constipation or diarrhoea
- Unexpected, possibly even fierce, reactions to events
Many common illnesses such as skin diseases, tumours, cataracts, ear infections and others, including diseases of the internal organs, can be treated and can be inexpensive, especially if detected and diagnosed early enough. It is worth noting that many lumps, even if they are tumours, are benign.
In many circumstances, delay in seeking a vet's advice may turn out to be a false economy. The benefits and downsides of operations and use of anaesthetic on older dogs have to be weighed in each individual case.
Ways to Help an Older Dog
In many cases an older dog continues to need stimulation rather than being left more "because he's old" when on occasion, this is also convenient to busy keepers.
As well as changes in toys, as much affection as ever will be welcome in most cases. Many other day-to-day activities such as diet, exercise and grooming should be continued, but perhaps more frequently and in moderation.
Changes of sleeping and travelling habits to make allowances for the older dog will also positively contribute to the dog's health and wellbeing.
Two further contributors to a decline in health of older dogs can also be addressed relatively easily:
- Dental health, including gums, by brushing the dog's teeth
- Avoiding obesity in both the younger and ageing dog
These examples serve to show that with some consideration and practical application, the older dog's ageing process can be made so much more comfortable.
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