The age of a dog is not the same as that of a human, and someone will start to remember it from birth, so it is necessary to judge whether the dog enters In old age, you have to rely on the owner to identify. Generally speaking, the old age of small dogs starts at the age of 8, medium-sized dogs begin to enter old age at the age of 7, and large dogs begin to enter old age at the age of 6. Different dog breeds and breeding environments can also lead to differences in the ageing time of dogs. If the dog is picked up from the outside, the owner cannot tell how old the dog is, and it can also be judged from the dog’s body signals and behavioral changes whether it has entered the old age.
If a dog begins to age, there may be a corresponding decrease in appetite or water intake, an increase in the frequency and amount of urination, and urinary incontinence is likely, which is Drips, bedwetting, and stool consistency and frequency can also change. The skin and coat
of older dogs have more obvious changes, and oral problems will also be more serious. In terms of behavior, elderly dogs will have a decreased response to stimuli, become disoriented easily, have a confused mental state, often appear weak, have less interaction with their owners, and become more sensitive and irritable. In fact, these changes in dogs can be detected in time as long as the owner pays a little attention, and it is not difficult.
The diet of an older dog is more demanding because his body is more fragile. Dietary speaking, it is important for older dogs to avoid obesity because obesity can increase stress on the heart, lungs, muscles and joints. The exercise of the elderly dog will be reduced accordingly, and the energy required by the body will also be reduced, so the owner must pay attention to controlling its food intake to maintain a suitable weight. In the daily diet, try to give the dog some digestible food, because the digestive system of the old dog will gradually degenerate, and some high-nutrient and digestible food is suitable for it. In terms of feeding methods, because the appetite of elderly dogs will decrease, try to eat small meals frequently so that their bodies can absorb enough energy. Some elderly dogs may suffer from cervical spondylosis, so it will be more difficult to lower their heads to eat. In this case, the owner should raise the food bowl to a suitable height to facilitate the dog to eat smoothly.
Some ailments in older dogs can also be alleviated by making an effort in the diet. If the dog has kidney disease, it should reduce the intake of phosphorus and protein; if the dog has heart disease, it should reduce the intake of salt, etc. If the dog suffers from other diseases, the owner can also consult a professional doctor and adjust the dog’s diet under the doctor’s advice. The owner must also provide the dog with clean and sufficient water, and always pay attention to the dog’s water intake. If the dog’s water intake suddenly increases, it is likely to be suffering from certain diseases, and the dog should be taken to the hospital for treatment in time.
The life of a dog is only ten years, and many dogs will die due to some diseases or accidents before entering old age, so even if the dog is old, the owner should not Dislike it, it is not easy for a dog to live to old age, we must take care of it more wholeheartedly. If you have other related questions, you can also consult your veterinarian.
