How Old is Old? Understanding Changes Associated With Aging in Dogs

As our furry friends grow older, they go through many changes, much like humans do. Understanding these changes can help us provide the best care for our dogs and ensure their quality of life as they age.

In this post, we will discuss the physical, behavioural, and health changes associated with aging in dogs. We hope this information will be useful for dog owners who want to give their pets the best possible care throughout their lives.

So, let's dive in!

Life Stages

Physical Changes

As dogs age, they experience a variety of physical changes. Some of these changes include:

Gray hair or fur
Reduced muscle tone
Decreased activity level

These changes are a natural part of the aging process and are often accompanied by a decrease in mobility and flexibility. As a result, older dogs may have difficulty climbing stairs, jumping up onto furniture, or running for long periods of time.

Look for Signs of Slowing Down

One of the most obvious indications of old age in a dog is a decrease in activity or speeding up. Your pup might not be as excited about long walks or playing catch as he was in his younger days, or move more slowly at times. These changes stem from general stiffness due to arthritis and stiffness caused by inflammation in the joints that naturally comes with age.

Arthritis is a common condition in aging dogs. It occurs when the cartilage in a dog's joints begins to break down, causing pain and inflammation. Some signs of arthritis in dogs include:

Limping or favouring a particular leg
Stiffness or difficulty moving
Reluctance to climb stairs or jump up onto furniture

Treatment for arthritis in dogs may include medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes. Your veterinarian can help you develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Monitor Changes in Weight and Appetite

If your pup is losing muscle mass without an explanation such as illness or lack of exercise, it might be an indication that he's aging. Dogs often experience metabolic rate slowdown and less effective digestion, leading to decreased appetite due to failing organs and changes in metabolism during old age. Careful monitoring is needed if your pet's weight significantly decreases without explanation – and alternatively, an increase of one five pounds can signal major health problems like heart disease or other serious diseases seen among elderly dogs. Also, take note, seniors are more prone to dehydration-induced weight loss because they often do not consume enough fluids.

Drinking Patterns and Urination

How much your pet is or isn’t drinking can be indicative of many problems, from endocrine issues to kidney disease. Urinary incontinence in female dogs may also be a sign of trouble. It’s challenging to watch for, especially in multi-pet households, but should be monitored if possible.

Monitoring your dog’s urination and defecation on walks can be a useful tool. Even if both are normal, you may notice your senior dog being slower or more resistant to posturing.

Lumps and Bumps

Being aware of your pet’s overall body condition may also help you spot any abnormalities, like cancer. Many dogs develop lumps and bumps while they age. Not every lump will need to be tested or removed, but keeping track of them can avoid problems. Lumps that are new, growing or different from the other ones on your pet can indicate a problem.

Track Visits to the Vet

Another way to identify when your dog is entering his senior years is by tracking veterinarian visits for routine exams making sure his annual vaccinations are up-to-date should become more frequent – twice per year checkups instead of once per year when your pup hits seven years old. A vet will also perform blood tests and urine tests on your pooch regularly during this time. An increase in vet visits might not always mean something bad; however, it can be beneficial in predicting any potential health complications ahead of time.

Watch out for Mental Impairment Symptoms

Elderly dogs can suffer from cognitive decline similar to dementia experienced by humans.

Symptoms involve:

Forgetfulness
Confusion or disorientation
Increased anxiety or agitation
Loss of house training

If you start noticing changes in behaviour such as excessive barking, difficulty recognizing people who live with him or weakening housebreaking/potty training habits, you should consider talking to a vet about whether mental decline could be present in your pet’s case.

“Regardless of the age of a dog, they remain our babies to the end of time.” – Anonymous

Wag & Wildflowers
A West Coast Dog Mom's Blog