What happens when a dog gets too old

In the long river of time, dogs have been our most loyal companions, accompanying us through countless days and nights. They transition from energetic puppies to old age, a process that carries the memories we share with them. When dogs get older, their bodies and behaviors undergo many changes, which are like silent language, telling the traces of time and requiring more attention and care from us.

From the perspective of physical function, as dogs age, their physical decline is particularly evident. They used to jump up and down with unlimited vitality, but now they are prone to fatigue, and daily walks may make them gasp for breath. Sleep time has significantly increased, often lying in corners for long periods of time, quietly sleeping. Getting up, walking, jumping, and other movements become slow, and each step seems to carry a heavy burden. This is because as dogs age, their muscles gradually atrophy, bone density decreases, and joint cartilage wears severely, like an old machine, with components beginning to age, rust, and no longer operate smoothly. For example, as some large dogs age, the problem of hip dysplasia becomes increasingly prominent, leading to difficulty moving their hind legs and unbearable pain when climbing stairs.

Hair will also undergo significant changes. The originally smooth and shiny hair becomes rough, dry, and prone to tangling. The hair on the mouth, face, and other parts of the body turns white first, and then other parts of the body are gradually covered with white hair, as if time has quietly dyed them with frost. This not only affects the appearance of dogs, but also reflects the slowing down of their body metabolism, the gradual decline of hair follicle function, and the inability to provide sufficient nutrition for their hair as when they were young.

Visual impairment is a common problem in elderly dogs. The eyes become cloudy, the crystalline lens gradually becomes cloudy, and the incidence of cataracts greatly increases. Dogs may become blurry in their vision and may also collide with furniture or obstacles in familiar environments. They are less sensitive to light and move more cautiously in dim environments. The eyes that used to be able to keenly capture the trajectory of frisbee have lost their agility and precision of the past. At the same time, hearing gradually declines, and the response to sounds such as the owner's call and doorbell ringing becomes sluggish. They may no longer be as alert as before, immediately raising their ears when they hear a sound, and instructions that were once easily distinguishable are now often ignored. This reduces the communication between dogs and the outside world, making them more prone to getting stuck in their own world and becoming quieter.

Dental problems also bring many troubles to elderly dogs. Long term chewing and wear can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, and the gums to become fragile. The oral hygiene condition deteriorates, with the accumulation of dental calculus, leading to diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and the problem of bad breath. This not only affects the appetite of dogs, but may also lead to systemic infections, as bacteria in the mouth can enter other parts of the body through blood circulation. When dogs are faced with their favorite food, they may not be able to fully enjoy it due to tooth pain, and can only helplessly look at the food, with a hint of disappointment in their eyes.

The respiratory system is also affected by age. The trachea becomes narrow, and there is often a whistling sound when breathing, with rapid and laborious breathing. Some elderly dogs with respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema may experience more pronounced symptoms of breathing difficulties after exercise or when the weather changes. They may require more effort to complete each breath, with their chest heaving violently as if they are engaged in a difficult struggle against the air.

In terms of weight, elderly dogs have slower metabolism and reduced energy expenditure. If the diet is not controlled, it is easy to become obese, and obesity will further increase the burden on various organs of the body, causing a series of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc. However, some elderly dogs may experience decreased appetite and gradual weight loss due to physical discomfort, such as dental problems, gastrointestinal diseases, etc. Whether it is weight gain or loss, the owner needs to closely monitor and adjust their diet and lifestyle in a timely manner.

In addition to physical changes, dogs' behavior and cognition can also undergo changes. Some elderly dogs may experience cognitive impairment, similar to human dementia. They may forget familiar commands and habits, defecate and urinate anywhere at home, have no response to their owners' calls, and even fail to recognize their daily companions. Once gentle and well behaved dogs may suddenly become irritable, prone to anger, and exhibit aggression towards family members or other pets. The sleep pattern can also be disrupted, with daytime sleepiness but nighttime activity, pacing back and forth at home, affecting the rest of family members. These behavioral changes are not intentional by dogs, but rather a gradual decline in their brain function, making it difficult for them to control their behavior as before.

Older dogs are also more susceptible to various diseases. Heart disease is one of the common killers of elderly dogs, where heart function gradually declines, myocardial contractility weakens, heart valve disease leads to poor blood circulation, and may cause serious consequences such as ascites and pulmonary edema. Diabetes is also common. With the decline of pancreatic function, dogs' ability to regulate blood sugar decreases. Once they eat too much high calorie food, they are prone to diabetes, and symptoms such as excessive drinking, eating, urination and weight loss will occur. Diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems are also common in elderly dogs. Male dogs that have not been sterilized may suffer from prostatitis and testicular cancer, while female dogs may develop endometritis, breast tumors, etc. In addition, the incidence rate of cancer has also increased significantly in older dogs, such as lymphoma, osteosarcoma, skin cancer, etc. These diseases are often found in the late stage, which is difficult to treat.

When dogs get older, changes in their body and behavior are the traces left by time, as well as the signals they send to us that they need care. They accompany us for a lifetime, giving us endless joy and warmth. When they enter old age, we have a responsibility to love and care for them, so that they can still feel happiness and peace of mind in their last moments of life. Let us cherish every moment spent with them and add warmth and beauty to their later years.