When it comes to being a dog owner, one thing that all of us must prepare ourselves for is the fact that no canine will stay a cute and playful puppy forever. Adopting a dog is a lifelong commitment, and we need to support them through all stages of life. That also means it’s important to know the signs that your dog is beginning to reach senior age, because once this time comes, you will likely need to start making some adjustments to their daily routines.
Signs You Need to Look For in an Aging Dog
Every dog is different, and so is their aging process, which means that any time you notice some modification in their behavior, you should pay attention, and bring it up with your veterinarian. That being said, below are the most common signs that your dog is reaching their golden years.
Aging Sign #1: Showing Less Interest in Play
One of the most common signs of an aging dog is less interest in play, which is usually a culmination of numerous issues, such as increased fatigue, decreased joint mobility and reduced mental stamina. If your dog is showing lower physical activity, that’s a completely normal sign of aging – after all, it happens to us too.
Aging Sign #2: Exhibiting Reduced Mobility
You will likely notice that your dog is showing less mobility overall. Maybe they’re not running as fast as they used to, or they simply take a little longer to walk across the room. This is usually the result of both physical fatigue, and tired out joints. Dogs are prone to joint problems with age, and if your dog is clearly struggling with mobility problems, it may be time to take them to the vet and consider that they may have arthritis.
Aging Sign #3: Sleeping More
An older dog is likely to sleep more than they did when they were a young pup. This is completely normal – they get fatigued more easily, and they need more rest. Make sure they have comfy spots around the house to take a nap, by purchasing a few dog beds so that they have options to choose from when they’re ready to snooze.
Aging Sign #4: Urinating More/Exhibiting Incontinence
As a dog gets older, they’re likely to show decreased bladder control as the bladder itself is past its prime. This can manifest as increased urination, or incontinence, as they may have a hard time holding it in. It may be necessary to purchase pee pads for the home, because accidents become more common at this point.
Aging Sign #5: Barking or Whining More Frequently
Aging dogs have a tendency to bark or whine more frequently. The exact reason why isn’t quite known, but it’s likely that it has to do with them experiencing more confusion due to cognitive decline, and generally being less physically comfortable than they used to be, which can make them irritable.
Aging Sign #6: Grooming Themselves Less
You will likely notice at some point that your dog isn’t grooming themselves as much as they used to, which means you may need to take on a more involved role in grooming your dog. Your dog’s grooming routine takes more physical effort than we give it credit for, and it can be harder to get into their usual grooming positions as they get older.
Aging Sign #7: Becoming Less Tolerant to Stress
Showing more signs of stress and anxiety is a common symptom of aging in any canine. This can come from cognitive decline, as well as simply a lower tolerance to stress that comes with getting older. Make sure to give an aging dog plenty of love and affection, and also avoid exposing them to unnecessary stress whenever possible.
Aging Sign #8: Experiencing Forgetfulness
Cognitive decline, like we said, is common among aging dogs, and one way in which this may show itself is in the form of forgetfulness. If your dog isn’t as sharp as they used to be, they may be less obedient to commands, forget where certain things in the house are, or forget parts of their daily routine like going on walks or feeding time.
What You Can Do About an Aging Dog
To an extent, there’s really nothing that we can do once our dog reaches a certain age – aging is normal and expected, and symptoms will appear. The best that we can do is support them both physically and mentally. Here are some tips for how best to take care of an aging dog.
- Increase Trips to the Veterinarian: Your dog may benefit from going to the vet more often than they used to, as this gives you an opportunity to get expert advice about any changes that you see, so that you’re always doing everything you can to support their health.
- Make the Home as Comfortable as Possible: An aging dog wants to be as comfortable as possible, as they likely need more rest than they used to. Like we said, make a point to place comfortable beds throughout the home, and generally try to keep the house quiet and calm whenever you can.
- Make Sure They’re Getting Mental and Physical Activity: Older dogs may be less playful, but they still need both mental and physical stimulation to support their wellbeing. Take them on low-impact walks, and keep doing tricks with them to keep their minds active.
- Support Their Diet: A dog that’s getting older may need some changes made to their diet – like supplements added to their food to support their joints, or foods with fewer additives to support an aging digestive system. Talk to your vet about what foods will be best for your dog.
- Groom Them More Often: Again, you’ll probably need to help your dog out in the grooming department. This can mean grooming them more often yourselves, or possibly hiring a groomer.
- Give Them CBD: Cannabidiol (CBD) can be a godsend for an aging dog. Pet-friendly CBD products provide your dog’s body with cannabinoids in the hemp plant that support their endocannabinoid system (ECS) – the system of the body that regulates important processes like inflammation, cognitive functions, digestion, and more.
Chill Paws CBD: Perfect for Your Senior Canine
Chill Paws has got your aging dog’s needs covered with a variety of pet-friendly CBD products including CBD oils and treats. Our products are made with all-natural ingredients and lab-tested hemp extracts. Not only that, but even supply your furry friend(s) with effective servings of hemp to offer all-around support at any age.
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