When Does a Dog Become a Senior?

1 When Does a Dog Become a Senior?

How can you tell if your dog is a senior? Owners can judge by the following four signs.

1. Teeth start to loosen

An important feature of old age is that the teeth begin to decline; once-hard teeth loosen, upper and lower teeth wear down or even fall out, and appetite drops noticeably.

2. Coat color fades

As a dog ages, body functions decline and pigment production weakens. The fur around the mouth, body and face fades noticeably, much like human beards and hair turning white with age.

3. Slower movement

In old age the joints stiffen and the limbs are less flexible, so the dog becomes reluctant to walk and lies down all day. Consider supplementing calcium and protecting the joints.

4. Sensory decline

When the dog often fails to hear your call or its eyes look cloudy and unfocused, its vision and hearing are fading. This is also a clear sign of aging.

An older dog can no longer take the roughhousing it handled in its prime. Owners should note the following when caring for senior dogs:

1. Watch the diet

Digestion declines in old age and teeth loosen and fall out, so feed easily digested food in small, frequent meals. If the kibble is too hard, soften it with warm water first.

2. Keep clean

Self-grooming drops in old age, shedding increases, more fur mats form and skin becomes more sensitive. Be patient: help remove dead hair from the coat so the dog stays clean and tidy.

3. Give companionship

Older dogs become more sensitive and prone to loneliness and anxiety. Give them more time and company so they enjoy a happy later life.