It is key to pay attention to the signs and accompany the process of your pet.
Los dogs they are man’s best friends, not to mention the most popular pets in human homes. But contrary to our wishes, the average life of dogs is far from that of a person.
The aging of dogs consists of a gradual process, much faster than that of humans. That is why you have to be attentive to the signs and factors that our four-legged friends show as the years go by. A recent investigation by the BBC argues that the aging of dogs varies depending on breed; Larger dogs have a shorter lifespan than small dogs.
The factors of aging of a dog
British media investigation ensures that there are several factors that can affect the average life of dogs. One of the main ones is weight: The more the animal weighs, the shorter its average life will be. However, this may also depend on the quality of the food you eat, your habits and hours of exercise.
Other factors are the teeth and the fur. Around the age of 6 or 7, dogs usually show inflamed gums or even some teeth that fall out. On the other hand, gray hair begins to appear in the area of the muzzle and legs; In addition, the hair becomes finer and lose thickness.
Immune system problems
Two other central aspects to take into account are the weakening of the senses and his immune system. Just like in humans, it is normal for the dog to start contracting more diseases. This is mainly because his immune response becomes more vulnerable, according to Argentine veterinarian Juan Martín Molinari, creator of the veterinary clinic that bears his name.
Another problem linked to the loss or reduction of some senses is the alteration of his behavior. It is normal for the aging of the dog to lead to a decrease in its sight, smell or hearing; that can make the dog more introverted or aggressive. In this regard, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends:
- Understand your behavior and the changes your body is going through.
- Make periodic and regular visits to a veterinarian.
- Try changing your habits and lifestyle, especially your physical activity.
- Make changes and adjustments to your diet.