The aging of the dog: how to best support your pet?

Older dog: What are the signs that my dog is getting older?


 As with any living thing, the dog's aging is accompanied by physical and sometimes behavioral changes. The appearance of signs of aging naturally varies according to dogs and especially according to their breed and size, since large dogs live shorter lives than small ones. Here are the main signs of aging that you can detect in your doggie.

At what age is a pooch thought about a senior canine?


A dog is considered to be old in proportion to its life expectancy. Thus, the first signs of aging are likely to appear around 9 years of age for small dogs, 8 years for medium dogs and 6 years for large dogs. This threshold above which the animal begins to age is called the senescence threshold. We can then observe various physiological changes (graying hair, difficulty in moving, alteration of the senses...) and psychological changes (senility, anxiety, incontinence...). Obviously, the aging process in dogs will not happen overnight, it fortunately takes several years! It is nevertheless important to know how to recognize the signs in order to adapt your lifestyle, your diet and the care you need to provide in order to accompany him as best as possible in his old age. 

Physical signs of aging in dogs 
Being attentive to the symptoms of aging in your dog helps to keep him healthy for longer. To do this, several signals can be observed that are relatively easy to take into account: a duller general appearance, mainly found in the hair: grey or white hair, local hair loss, thinner and less shiny fur. Altered vision: older dogs tend to lose their sight, up to blindness in the event of cataracts; the opacity of the lens is observed and the animal may appear more and more disoriented in its environment, bumping into itself while moving because it becomes visually impaired. hearing impairment up to advanced deafness: it happens when the dog no longer responds to calls, has surprise reactions because it does not hear you coming, etc. weight loss possibly accompanied by loss of appetite: like the elderly, older dogs may be less attractive to food, more difficult and have difficulty eating; conversely, they may gain weight if their diet is no longer adequate. Digestive and intestinal disorders, renal failure: diarrhea and vomiting, constipation, incontinence (sometimes due to senility), dehydration, increased thirst or, on the contrary, refusal to drink and/or eat in case of renal failure. Diabetes: Any dog who has passed the age threshold should be checked for diabetes by the veterinarian, in case of weight loss and increased thirst with or without decreased appetite. a poorer overall fitness: lack of vitality, difficulty with effort, shortness of breath, fatigue, decreased motivation for play and outings, loss of motor skills, stiffness, osteoarthritis, long periods of sleep... 

Psychological signs of aging in dogs
They necessarily go hand in hand with the physical difficulties and fatigue experienced by the dog. He may then show less enthusiasm for his previously favorite activities, be less responsive to your requests, seem disoriented in certain places even known, want tranquility or even isolation, become homey or morose, show signs of depression. Some or all of these symptoms may or may not be related to what is called dog senility, degeneration due to the progressive degradation of brain tissue. The senile dog can bark or moan for no apparent reason, sometimes unexpectedly, suffer disorientation in space, no longer tolerate loneliness and feel anxiety that can lead him to do stupid things in the absence of his owners: do his business inside, behave destructively in the house, lie on beds, enter rooms that have always been forbidden to him... These signs of separation anxiety may occur when he or she did not previously suffer from it.

HOW TO HELP YOUR AGING DOG


 A dog's life expectancy varies from one breed to another, but one thing is certain: time passes quickly, as do the moments you share with your dog. Gradually, old age gains it and reduces its physical and intellectual faculties.
This decrease in the number of dogs is often difficult for owners who are attached to their companion, and some even refuse to see the changes that occur as the dog ages. However, during this delicate period of life, the dog needs his owners and all their attention.

How to help your dog to age in good conditions?


 The first thing to do to help your aging dog is to be aware of his age and difficulties.

Indeed, many owners do not accept the idea that their dog should age. However, this acceptance is important, because it is by observing your dog and interpreting his behavior well that it is possible to adjust your daily life.

So, if your dog is old, try to follow these few rules:
Wear your companion if he shows difficulty climbing stairs. For large breed dogs, there are dog harness systems with handles. The same applies to get in and out of the vehicle while driving with your dog.

 Make sure that there is a quiet and warm place in the house, without being out of the way;

 Do not reprimand him if he has forgotten himself on the dining room carpet;

 Redesign daily outings, for example by favoring shorter walks on flat ground. It is imperative to continue to take walks with your dog, as well as games and activities that motivate him, while taking into account the limits of his abilities. This will prevent him from a depressive state of the dog due to the decrease in his abilities;

 Give him food for an older dog, adapted to his condition and activity, which could compensate for any deficiencies;
If he has difficulty sleeping at night, offer to sleep next to you in a dog basket next to your bed. Your reassuring presence will help him to find a calmer sleep;

 Weekend departures, holidays, moves are very disruptive for your old companion. Spare him these changes as much as possible.
Also, avoid adopting a very strong dog: it could exhaust your old companion. And if you ever decide to buy a puppy, be sure to appreciate your dog's ability to experience the upheaval that comes with having a puppy at home.

Finally, calling on a canine behaviorist is a reflex to have, as it will help you to properly interpret the dog's behavior and allow you to organize your daily life in his interest.

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