Don’t miss 4 critical signs of early aging in your senior dog

Your dog is nothing less than a vital and wonderful family member. In the best-case scenario, how you care for your dog means they’ll live a long and happy life. The caveat to this is that it means your dog will age.

Preparing to ensure your dog ages comfortably and is healthy requires a few aspects to consider, so it’s essential to dive into the subject even if your dog is still relatively young.

It’s vital for you to recognize early signs of aging in your senior dog to help it age gracefully.

Understand the first signs

It wouldn’t be a huge exaggeration to say that most dog parents still see their dogs as puppies long after they’re fully grown.

This is a beautiful testament to the joy they bring, but it can also skew perception.

Some dog owners may not recognize that their pet is getting old until later, affecting their ability to take preventative measures early on.

So, it’s worth understanding the signs of early aging to look out for.

Some of these include:

• Mobility changes: Like people, when dogs age, they may begin to have mobility issues. This symptom of aging doesn’t necessarily immediately present as limping. Rather, they may get tired earlier on long walks or frequently get minor injuries from being active. Struggling a little to jump into the back of the car when heading out on journeys can suggest age-related discomfort, too.
• Dental unwellness: Dental care for senior dogs is extremely important, especially for smaller breeds. It’s not uncommon for dogs’ dental health to deteriorate with age, even if you regularly brush their teeth or use dental chews. Signs of gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss can be indications that your dog is aging.
• Altered sleep: As dogs age, their energy levels can change. This can result in their sleep patterns shifting, with them taking more naps during the day or sleeping longer at night.
• Behavior shifts: Your dog isn’t necessarily going to become a grumpy old lady or man just because they’re heading toward their teens. Nevertheless, as some dogs age, their behavior can also shift. Behavioral problems may stem from cognitive dissonance, where they easily become lost or confused. They might also become more restless or irritable due to discomfort and disrupted sleep.

The changes are generally specific to the dog and their unique personality. Nevertheless, watching for common signs empowers you to act in your pet’s best interests.

Adjust care routines

Once you’ve noticed the signs of early aging in your dog, it’s time to make adjustments to how you care for it. If possible, do this slowly and gently.

Gradually easing your dog into new care routines is less likely to be stressful or disruptive for them.

Diet

One of the most common care adjustments is your dog’s nutrition. In recent years, diet adjustments have become more accessible with the growth of pet foods geared explicitly toward dogs at different stages of life.

Depending on the health issues associated with aging, dietary changes may also benefit from supplements or low-fat recipes designed to combat the weight gain dogs commonly experience later in life.

Veterinarian

It is vital to ensure that your dog can access reputable medical care as it ages. After all, it may require more visits to the vet and attention from those who specialize in the ailments of aging animals. Finding vets with qualifications and experience working with senior dogs, plus their manner with your dog, is crucial to consider.

Thorough veterinary cleaning and disinfection is also a good sign of a professional with high standards.

Look for evidence of disinfected surfaces, floors, and equipment. Their cleanliness efforts minimize the potential for spreading diseases to vulnerable and aging animals, and they show attention to detail.

Consider your environment

Like most pet owners, you’re committed to giving your dog a healthy and happy home. However, what makes it a supportive environment can change as your dog ages.

Taking the time to review your space and take preventative steps to help your dog is important.

Here are a few areas to look at:

• Noise levels: Particularly if your dog is starting to show signs of cognitive decline or anxiety, they may find excessive noise confusing and stressful. Finding ways to soundproof your home from traffic and other noise can help. This might include installing thicker insulation and sealing your windows.
• Water quality: Hydration is always important, especially as your dog ages and may be more vulnerable to illness. Be wary of still water, especially at dog parks. Poor water quality can affect your dog’s health in many ways. Water contaminated by parasites can cause skin irritation in pets. Long-term exposure to water-soluble toxins has also been linked to cognitive impairments. Researching the water quality in your area and implementing safeguards — like purification systems — can help your dog and you.
• Steps and stairs: Dogs showing early signs of mobility issues may struggle with stairs. Moving their bed to ground-floor areas so they don’t have to climb is a good option. If they struggle to get up onto sofas, introducing steps that ease their passage is another way to accommodate your dog.

Again, the environment isn’t something you should change rapidly or unexpectedly wherever possible.

Like you, the home is a place of safety and comfort for your dog.

If you must make quick changes, ensure they see what you’re doing so there isn’t a sense of dramatic and jarring environmental alterations.

Final thoughts on recognizing signs of early aging in your senior dog

You naturally want your dog to live a long life, but ensuring it is also healthy is equally important.

As dogs transition into later life, taking a few well-informed preventative measures — from recognizing the signs of aging to adjusting their environment — is essential.

Each dog’s needs differ, so be vigilant and follow your furry friend’s lead.

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, education, and pet-related content. You can find her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Ruca, when she isn’t writing. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter. 

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