When a dog begins to age, certain signs are clear and easy to spot. But another is more complex to perceive.
Like us, dogs evolve over time and inevitably end up aging. As the breeds are very different, they are not considered to reach “third age” at the same time. If, according to a study by the University of Liverpool, dogs enter the old age phase from the age of 7 and a quarter (very precise!), this is not the case for all: Jack Russell Terriers are in great shape up to 14 years on average, compared to 11.7 years for Cocker Spaniels, 12.7 for Border Collies, or 6-7 years for Rottweillers.
Since not all dogs age in the same way, it is not always possible to use their age (unless you are an expert) to determine if ours is already “old”. We can then refer to quickly identifiable signs, such as loss of energy and mobility, weight gain, because fat replaces muscle mass, etc.
Other signs that your dog is getting older are a little less obvious, like his hair changing color. And this generally happens on the muzzle, where white or gray hairs gradually appear… A bit like humans with thinning hair and fur! This symptom can be more difficult to notice in our doggies, because we don’t always have our eyes glued to their muzzle, but also because it will appear very gradually: at first, we may not really notice it. These lighter hairs may also remain scattered, so that they will not necessarily be visible at first glance. These are not very serious symptoms of old age, but they can be associated with other invisible concerns. It is therefore important to pay even more attention to your dog’s health as he ages.
You can adapt his diet if he gains weight, take care to stimulate him and, above all, continue to take him regularly to see his veterinarian, particularly in the event of a change in behavior (a disoriented dog may have vision problems or hearing, for example). This will be able to ensure that he does not have a problem of osteoarthritis, kidney failure, tumor, diabetes, or even depression, because physical degradation can lead to depressive symptoms (demotivation, periods of longer sleep, etc.). And, if this is the case, he will then be able to propose solutions so that the animal ends its life in the best possible conditions.
