Distinctive Traits of Senior Dogs: Recognizing the Sign

As dogs enter their senior years, they exhibit a variety of agerelated characteristics, primarily manifesting in the following aspects:

Skin and Fur Changes:

The skin becomes dry, loose, and lacks elasticity, making it more prone to skin diseases and slower to heal from injuries. Dark fur, such as black or brown, tends to turn gray, and white fur may appear around the head and mouth. The coat also becomes dull, losing its luster, and there may be an increase in shedding.

Digestive and Absorption Decline:

Senior dogs often experience a decrease in appetite and a reduction in food intake, along with a decline in digestive and absorption functions. This can lead to diarrhea or constipation. Their sense of smell diminishes, and teeth may become loose or fall out, making it difficult for them to eat and digest hard foods. Their diet becomes more restricted, particularly in terms of the texture of the food they can consume.

Weakened Immunity and Disease Resistance:

As the primary organs in senior dogs begin to decline, their immunity and disease resistance significantly decrease. They are more susceptible to various illnesses, such as tumors, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, cataracts, and joint disorders. The incidence of these conditions increases. Additionally, their ability to regulate body temperature is compromised, making them sensitive to both cold and heat, and more prone to catching colds or suffering from heatstroke.

Behavioral Changes:

Senior dogs often become less active and more sedentary, preferring to rest and sleep. Their movement decreases, and they can become more easily fatigued. With diminishing vision and hearing, their reactions become slower, and their actions may become more deliberate. They may also exhibit increased irritability.

Senior Dog Care:

To maintain the health of senior dogs, it's important to engage in moderate exercise, ensuring it is not excessive to avoid fatigue. When taking them for walks, avoid forcing them to move against their will and allow them to decide when to continue or rest. Regular, moderate exercise should be maintained. Their diet should consist of soft, easily digestible food rich in highquality protein and adequate fiber. Feeding should be done in small, frequent meals, rather than one large meal. Aim for three to four meals a day, and avoid feeding them hard foods.