As they age, our dogs suffer a decline in brain function. This happens with memory, their ability to learn, senses of sight,and hearing. Their awareness will deteriorate as well. They often will stare into nothingness. Seniors will forget house training and soil, even after returning from outside. They will often vocalize more and appear to be needy or clingy. The opposite is also true, often they don’t want to be bothered with anyone, human or other dogs.
As they age, they will sleep more and often gain weight. Many signs of aging , are treatable as medical disorders. Don’t asssume, it is just them “getting older.” Check with your vet for treatment options. We as pet parents can manage pain, and keep your guy as comfortable as possible, as he ages.
These are some of the signs you will encounter. Our goal is to be prepared as much as possible:
1) Gets lost in familiar locations
2) Goes to the wrong side of door (where the hinge is)
3) Gets stuck and can’t navigate around or over obstacles
4) Less inetrested in petting, interactions, greeting people, or other dogs
5) Stares, fixates on or snaps at objects
6) Paces or wanderes around aimlessly
7) Vocalizes more
8) Eats more or eats quickly
9) Sleeps more during the day
10) Eats less
11) Seems restless or agitated
12) Develops incontinence
13) Demonstrates an impaired ability to perform tasks
Again, if any of these present, the first thing you should do is see your vet, to determine if there is medical reason for any of the above mentioned symtoms.
At first glance these things may seem over whelming. I assure you , they are not. Considering that this little guy has given you unconditional love and affection , g, taking him to vet to determine correct course of action is a small prove to pay.
In the end, we want to give “him” the best quality of life possible and have him with us as long as we can.