Aging is a natural part of life. Unfortunately, it happens much earlier in canines than it does in humans. Read on to find out when your little one is considered a big dog and 12 common signs that your fur baby is getting up there in years.
When Does a Dog Become a Big Man?
First of all, we can dispel the myth that one human year is equal to seven dog years. Dogs definitely grow at a faster rate than humans, but it’s not as simple as the standard 1:7 ratio. Actually, in the first year of a pooch’s life, that’s double the amount! The exact origin of the 1:7 rule is unknown, but it came sometime in the 1950s. At that time, the dog lived about 10 years and the average person 70 years—so: 1:7.
However, today researchers classify it in a very different way. Check out this infographic from the American Kennel Club (AKC)—I think you’ll be surprised. Note that the size of the dog also plays a big role in aging:
Top 12 Signs of Aging in Dogs
Cloudy Eyes
Do you notice visible changes in your dog? Maybe your pooch’s vision isn’t as good as it used to be. Do you ride things? Is your puppy surprised or scared when you approach him? Does your senior dog have cloudy eyes? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you’ll need a vet checkup to check what’s going on with your dog’s eye health. It may be benign or it may be dangerous and require treatment.
- Nuclear Sclerosis It is a thickening of the lens of the eye and is common in older dogs. It is a condition where the vision of the lens is cloudy and may be blue. Usually, the pooch can still see, though. No treatment is necessary for Nuclear sclerosis, but a veterinary examination is important for a proper diagnosis.
- You are a staron the other hand, it can damage your pooch’s vision. The eye(s) will become cloudy, white, or appear cracked. There is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which prevents light from passing through, eventually causing loss of vision. Cataracts can appear in one or both eyes. It is important that you get an accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your veterinarian. Although we are talking about senior dog challenges here, it should be noted that there are different types of cataracts, and it is possible to have them at a young age.
- Glaucoma A condition where the aqueous humor (fluid of the eye) does not drain properly. As the eyes will continue to produce fluid, failure to drain properly leads to increased pressure within the eyes. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eye, which leads to changes in vision and can eventually cause blindness. This is a very serious condition and should be treated by a veterinarian.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is another natural part of aging, and unless your pooch is experiencing severe hearing loss, you probably won’t even notice. If Fido is very hard of hearing, he may not come when you call him or follow commands. He may startle when you approach, especially when he is sleeping. If your pooch is hearing impaired, tread lightly when you approach and gently let him know you’re there.
Dental Problems
Teeth periodontal problems can lead to devastating consequences. If your pooch has bad breath, plaque buildup, swollen gums, or pulls when you try to look at his teeth, it’s time to get them checked. Bacteria from dental disease can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, and all kinds of systemic problems. Although this can happen to any dog, toy dogs are more common. Many show the first symptoms as early as three years of age.
Joint pain
Is Fido slowing down? Not running or jumping like he used to? Maybe you are sleeping and sleeping more than usual? Often, joint pain leads to limited mobility. It makes sense–if it hurts to jump, you will probably limit your jumping. Ask any adult who suffers from joint pain and they will tell you that the pain can be debilitating. Unfortunately, your pooch can’t tell you when it’s in pain, so you have to be aware of the signs. Couple that with the fact that most dogs are stoic and tend to hide their pain.
When a dog is in pain, you will probably find it laying down and laying down often. If you think your pooch is suffering from joint pain, talk to your vet. There are natural and over-the-counter remedies for joint pain that are known to be very helpful. Ask your vet about glucosamine chondroitin.
Obesity/Obesity
Hormonal changes, decreased metabolism, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to weight gain. Just like humans, canine oObesity can be a precursor to many health problems, such as diabetes, certain cancers, and joint diseases. As your pooch ages and loses weight, he will need to eat fewer calories. You don’t need to give him less to eat. Instead, you just have to be very smart about what you feed him. Instead of biscuits for a sweet treat, you may want to cut up carrots, boil or drain green beans, cut up apples (no seeds), or make them sour. These are just a few ways to allow your fur baby to indulge in delicious and nutritious snacks without the unnecessary added calories.
Lumps, Bumps, and Growths
As your dog gets older, the chances of lumps and bumps increase. Know what is normal for your pooch and it will be easier to catch anything new/unusual. During the quiet time you’re just sitting and petting your fur baby, run your hands up and down his head, back, stomach, neck, and armpits to see any lumps, bumps, or growths that may be present. If you find something suspicious, ask your vet to check it out.
Urinary Incontinence
A common problem with middle-aged and older dogs is urinary incontinence. It is more common in abused women, but it can also happen to men. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, which usually occurs when your pooch is sleeping. If you notice a lot of licking happening on the bottom, it may be the result of urine leakage. Talk to your vet. To keep things less funny around the house, if you notice that your pooch has urinary incontinence, you may want to put him in a doggy diaper. You can even use disposable baby diapers and cut a hole for the tail. They are cheap and very effective!
Digestive Disorders
It is important to look after your older dog’s bowels and digestive health. Healthy digestion is necessary for nutrient absorption so that your pooch can reap the full benefits of the food it eats. If your puppy has digestive problems, some of the symptoms you may notice are:
- Excess gas (belching or passing wind)
- Vomiting
- Bowel changes – constipation or diarrhea.
A Weak Immune System
Like humans, when a dog ages, its immune system may not be as strong as it used to be. This makes them more susceptible to disease. Make sure your pooch eats a nutritious diet, keep him mentally and physically active, and make sure any necessary vaccinations or titers are up to date.
Cancer
Just hearing the word cancer is enough to make tears flow. What’s more alarming—experts say about 50% of dogs over the age of ten will be euthanized or die of cancer. Canines get many of the same types of cancer as humans. Some are easier to spot than others. Stay alert for changes in your pooch’s foundation. I can’t stress enough the importance of increasing your vet visits to twice a year for your middle-aged and older children, and more often if you think there is a problem. Here are some of the warning signs of cancer that you should be aware of:
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Decreased appetite
- Pain
- New or changing lumps or bumps anywhere on your pooch
- Swollen lymph glands
- Sores that do not heal
- Unexplained bleeding or discharge from anywhere on your pooch’s body
- Urinary or bowel changes
- Breathing problems or coughing
- A swollen stomach
- He is depressed and sleeps a lot
Heart Disease and Respiratory Diseases
As your puppy grows, so do his heart and lungs. The heart, which pumps blood throughout the body, can get smaller with age. Things get old. Heart valves expand and blood circulation is often compromised, which can lead to congestive heart failure, a common condition in older dogs. The lungs also become less elastic with age, and they can also lose their ability to oxygenate the blood properly. Some of the symptoms of congestive heart, lung, and congestive heart failure are:
- Coughing while exercising, after exercise, or before bed
- The gums or tongue appear blue due to lack of oxygen
- Swelling in the stomach due to fluid
- Weight gain
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- It ends
Behavioral Changes, Dementia, or Forgetfulness
As Fido ages, the narrowing of blood vessels and/or possible nerve damage in the brain can lead to changes in blood circulation and nerves, which can alter cognition and behavior. If you notice any changes in your fur baby’s mental state, be sure to talk to your vet to get to the root of the problem.
Senior Dog Summary
Small dogs are considered adults at 9 or 10 years of age, and large dogs at 5 or 6 years of age. As humans, they will deal with age-related problems very differently. Some will go through old age with little to no problems, while others will be more frail. Stay alert for changes. If you suspect something is brewing, visit your vet.