Signs of aging in dogs

Age is always your biggest enemy. It is an unavoidable process. It slows you down and makes you inactive. While some dogs age gracefully as you can hardly notice signs of aging, other dogs are not so lucky as they would prefer lot of rest and quiet time. Some dogs can also turn prematurely grey just like humans.

Still, forearmed is forearmed right? Once you visibly notice the signs of aging in your dog you can spot any health problems and start treating it in its early stages. Here are a couple of signs to help you notice aging in your canine friend:

• Slowing down :  If you notice that your dog is not able to catch up with you during his usual exercise routine then it could be sign of arthritis or thyroid issues.
• Weight gain:  As your dog turns older, he may slowly pile on weight. This could be due to slowing down of metabolism or thyroid problem. The best thing to do is to put him on a low calorie diet, only after consulting with your vet.
• No response:  Did you notice your dog not responding when you call out to him? Well, do not think that he is trying to be difficult. He may have issues hearing.
• Trouble moving:  If you notice your dog having difficulty while getting up or sitting for a long time or if she is limping or having an unsteady gait; all these are signs of joint problem.
• Cloudy eyes:  If you notice a thin layer of coating in your dog’s eyes then take them to the vet immediately as it could be cataract or other infections.
• Accidents at home:  Bladder control may turn into a serious issue as your dog ages, so you may notice a lot of accidents happening at home even after you take them out for frequent breaks.
• Lumps:  You must always feel your dog for lumps as he ages as it becomes a common problem as they age. It is always best if they are detected at an early stage as it could be cancerous.
• Deteriorating coat condition:  Hair loss, dry or itchy coat are all signs of different medical problems. So if you notice any changes in your dog’s coat take him to the vet immediately.
• Bad breath:  If your dog has started to develop bad breath then this could be a sign of dental disease and he requires immediate medical attention.  

If you notice any of the above signs of aging in your dog take them to the vet immediately for effective treatment.