What are the common signs of ageing?

As our dogs get older they begin to show signs typically spoken about as ‘slowing down’. The natural ageing of the musculoskeletal system and the reponse times of your dogs nervous system will give the impression that your dog is slowing down when going about their daily activities, such as walkies, running, playing etc.

The natural ageing of the muscles will reduce muscle strength and can also cause things such muscular atrophy. This reduction in strength of the muscle will also make it more difficult for the dogs to jump on and off of the sofa, jump in and out of the car, and also things such as not being able to go for as long walks etc.

Other things you may see are:

• Slowing down

• Stiffness

• Shaking/trembling

• NSAID Intolerant (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

• Pacing around/finding it difficult to settle

• Finding it difficult to get up and down from lying/sitting position

• Difficulty getting in and out the car

• Difficulty going up and down stairs

• Reluctant to go for a walk

• Arthritis

• Grumpy with other dogs

• Spondylosis

• Miserable/Depressed

• Off food

• Lost their sparkle