As our dogs start to age and slow down, we become more aware of many of the obvious physical tell-tale signs, but there are also a number of less obvious signs that can indicate they are aging too.

The reality is that dogs generally live much shorter lives than we do, so the aging and degenerative process sadly happens so much faster for them.

It seems like one day they are running, playing, jumping around like puppies and the next day they are stiff, sore, slow and reluctant to do many of the activities they used to be able to do.

Even climbing up stairs or getting up onto the couch become challenging and also potentially an injury risk for an older dog.

So how do I know my dog is aging? Here are the more obvious signs …

• They are reluctant to go for a walk as often or as far as they used too.
• They are slower to get up when they have been lying down, and appear stiff and sore.
• They hesitate before or are reluctant to get up and down stairs, or in and out of the car, or up on the couch.

 

But what about some of the less obvious and often non-physical cues of aging that many of us might miss or not draw the connection with?

• They can become insecure as they realise they are physically less able to do many of the things they used to be able too. This can lead to heightened levels of sensitivity and anxiety, which can lead to separation issues and even destructive behaviours.
• They can find it hard to settle at night and become restless.
• They show changes in their behaviour, for example, obsessive habits such as constant licking of certain body parts, or pacing and even excessively vocalising.

Some of these behaviours can become more challenging for the owners to manage than many of the physical issues.

So as your dog ages, many of their needs will start to change. If they start to exhibit some of these behaviours, you can do more than you think to help them.

Regular manual therapy and personalised older dog exercise programs can help with many of the physical challenges an older dog faces and significantly enhance their quality of life.

If your older dog is more comfortable and secure, this will have a flow on effect and help with many of the non-physical issues they might experience in their senior years too.

If you would like to know how we might be able to help your older dog as it ages, download your FREE copy of by The Older Dog Longevity Blueprint™:The 5 Steps You Can Take Today To Help Your Older Dog Live Longer clicking HERE.

If you have any questions, you can contact Tim on 0408 699371 or [email protected].

Visit www.bothendsofthelead.com.au or join our Facebook community www.facebook.com/BothEndsOfTheLead.