20 Signs That Your Dog is Aging - What You Should Expect

You aren't getting older, you're getting better - at least, that's what a lot of people tell themselves. The same goes for our dogs, but we can't ignore some of the changes that occur as the years advance. Every dog ages differently but there are some common changes that occur, as the body gets older. Here is a list of some of the most common things that develop in elderly pets. 1. Loss of hearing. As dogs age, the nerve cells and hearing apparatus degenerates, resulting in a slow loss of hearing. 2. Loss of vision. The lens of the eye becomes cloudy with age. Natural changes result in lenticular sclerosis, which typically does not cause significant vision loss. However, cataracts may develop, which do interfere with vision. 3. Decreased activity. As dogs age, their metabolic rate slows. This results in a decreased activity level. 4. Weight gain. Elderly dogs require 30 to 40 percent fewer calories. By eating a normal maintenance diet, obesity often develops. 5. Infections. As the body ages, the immune system weakens, making it harder for the dog to ward off infections. There are 15 more things that are common changes in aging dogs. Read about them and learn what they are so that you know what to expect. Go to: What to Expect in Aging Dogs. Treating a dog, as he gets older will be expensive. To make sure that you can provide the very best care for your dog I recommend that you get pet insurance while they are still under 6 years of age and in relatively good health. A small pet insurance premium is more affordable that large veterinary bills. Take 2 minutes to learn about the benefits of pet insurance and how it can save you money and give you peace of mind so you can care for your dog. To learn more go to: veterinarypetinsurance.com Thanks to better nutrition, better veterinary care and excellent care on part of the owner, dogs are living longer. Learning what to expect as your dog ages, can give your dog the best quality of life possible in his golden years. Until next time, Dr. Jon P.S. - If you do not have pet insurance, you should be saving money for your dog on a regular basis so you can be prepared for a major pet expense. If you are not good at saving every month (most of us are not), then consider pet insurance. They have a number of different plans to fit different budgets. To get a quote and see if there is plan that is right for you Go to:petinsurance.com.