When Your Pet Dog Gets Older

Pet Dogs Life Expectancy

A dog is thought to be old around ten years of age, that number may vary and being elderly could be anywhere from 7 to 10 years of age, depending on the breed. Larger pet dogs, such as Rottweilers tend to have a shorter lifespan than a toy dog such as a Chiwawa. This is because this breed is larger, therefore the heart must work much harder. Frequent visits to the vet will keep you updated as to precisely where your dog is in the life cycle.

Pet Dog Health and Behavior Changes with Age

Regardless of when old age begins, there are changes that are common to all dog breeds. Behavioral problems like diet preference, increased wandering, soiling, and changes in the way your dog interacts with other dogs and people, are all signs that your dog is getting older.

Good Pet Health Dog Care and What to Look for

What you want to do when first noticing any of these behavioral changes is determine the reason. That means an examination and consulting with your vet. A pet dog will begin to have many health issues than they did not have when they were puppies and many times those issues will be the cause of problems such as unprovoked aggression. Regretfully, a grumpy pet dog may be more likely than a human to lash out physically. If a historically non-aggressive dog begins to exhibit aggressive behavior, determine whether it is due to physical problem that can be handled with medication or behavioral correction. If you cannot clearly determine this, make sure that family members and visitors realize that Rocky no longer likes to be petted in a certain manner, for example, the problem is an arthritic hip it is not a good idea to pet Rocky in this area.

Another Cause of a Grumpy Pet Dog

Sometimes, however, decreased functionality of vision or listening may cause fear aggression in a pet dog. When this happens, make sure people know that they should warn the pet of their approach, and not to approach the pet unexpectedly. By saying the dog's name, "Rocky, good boy," if the pet has eyesight issues, or making sure Rocky can see you approaching if he has hearing issues, will usually do help.

Good Pet Health Dog Care Awareness

Despite the fact your pet is not showing aggression, you will want to be aware of other changes in behavior associated with pain or failing senses. A pet dog with these problems may also become withdrawn and show signs of depression. If Rocky starts relaxing all day and won't participate in eating food or playtime, then that may be signals of depression in your pet dog. It is time to make the effort to help with the physical ailments, and make certain the pet is still included in family activities.

Other Signs of Pet Dog Health Effected by Age

Keep a close eye on Rocky for uncharacteristic behavioral patterns. You want to try and rule out that it is not a physical problem causing the change in behavior. Lowered bladder control and painful joints could keep your dog from wanting to go out frequently. Eating habits are also to be taken into account, as elderly dogs have different ones from puppies. Most importantly be patient with Rocky. Your dog's life and yours are always changing. Don't quit or leave him, because he needs you now more than ever.