Aging is a difficult but inevitable part of your pet’s life. Knowing what to expect with an aging dog—and being able to catch early signs—can help give your pup a higher quality of life even as they graduate to senior status. The first step to coping with an aging dog is to acknowledge and accept that they are getting older. “I encounter a lot of pet owners who brush things off as ‘Oh, he’s just getting old,’ and they don’t want to do anything about it,” says Dr. Betsy Miller, DVM, MPH. “But there are definitely interventions that can help make them more comfortable as they age.”
Do any of these signs sound familiar? Start to take notice and consult with your veterinarian about what you can or should do to ease any of the symptoms of growing old.
Sleeping—a lot
In the past when you came downstairs in the morning, your spritely pup started jumping off the walls to see you. But nowadays, he stays contently in his bed and seems to prefer snoozing over greeting you. Sleeping more is one of the most obvious signs that a dog is aging, given that they are generally more tired and have less energy than they used to. The excitement for exercise can also dwindle and they may start to prefer a long nap over a long walk.
Trouble or discomfort moving
If you notice your dog’s reluctance to go up and down stairs, a hesitation to jump up on things,…
