It’s something no dog owner wants to talk about - his aging pup. Avoiding the topic can negatively impact the years your furbaby has left, though. If you can notice the signs that your dog is entering his senior years, you can work with your trusted vet to help make the transition a smooth one.

Signs Your Dog is Aging

Going Gray

A dog’s coat is typically one of the first things to show his age. Notice around his eyes, ears, and nose for signs of graying or white hair.

Hearing Loss

It may take a louder call for your dog to hear you as he starts getting older.

Weight Gain

While your dog may still be hungry and eating well, he is not burning as many calories. The scale typically goes up as dogs slow down.

Forgetfulness

You may not notice the signs of confusion or forgetfulness right away. It’s easy to overlook until there are several episodes back-to-back. It can be as small as forgetting a command or as large as not knowing where his bed is, but they will become more frequent as time passes. 

Stiffness in Joints

Your dog may start moving a lot slower, stretching a lot more, and even whining or avoiding typical tasks like climbing stairs or taking a longer walk.

Cloudy Eyes

This sign of aging comes on slowly, but it needs to be checked out as soon as you notice it. Cloudy eyes can be a sign of many eye diseases that are easily treatable. 

Sour Breath and Teeth Changes

The puppy breath is long gone, but his normal ‘dog breath’ may be replaced with a sour-smelling, pungent breath. This should not be ignored, as it can be caused by serious problems, such as: gum disease, tooth decay, or infection.

Repetitive Behaviors

It’s as if your dog develops OCD overnight. His behaviors may become more compulsive and repetitive.

Fatigue

Naps and couch snuggles will become longer and more frequent.

Increased Anxiety and Fears

Separation anxiety increases as your dog starts becoming more fearful of everyday things. His anxiety of being alone will leave him begging to be with you constantly. 

Increased Barking

This comes with the increase in anxiety. Older dogs are easily triggered by noises and people, even ones he should be familiar with.

Accidents

Loss of bladder control is one reason for older dogs to have accidents; however, that typically takes place later into his senior years. The first accidents will most likely be due to anxiety.