Senior dog care

The age at which the dog can be considered elderly varies according to several factors including size:

• A small dog will start showing signs of aging by the age of 10;

• A medium-sized dog (26 to 43 kg) at 8-9 years that drops to just over seven for dogs over 45 kg in weight.

The most obvious signs of a dog's old age are:

• The hair turns gray on the muzzle and around the eyes

• The dog tends to decrease physical activity and consequently gain weight, the nails become brittle, the skin becomes thinner and is more exposed to bruises and wounds

• May become slightly incontinent

• Breath becomes heavy

• Sensory perception decreases

• There are also noticeable changes in behavior