What are the signs of aging in dogs? Watch out for these changes

Dogs kept as family pets generally begin to gradually age after they reach 10 years old. The main signs of aging in dogs include: estrus behavior becomes less pronounced, reproductive capacity stops completely, the skin becomes dry and wrinkled, the muscles age, stiffen, and lose elasticity, and the coat loses its luster, begins to thin, and becomes messy. The mouth, ears, skin, and other areas give off an unpleasant odor different from before. If the dog has a darker coat color, white hairs can be seen mixed in. The whiskers around the mouth begin to thin, teeth fall out, chewing becomes difficult when eating, and appetite decreases. Vision and hearing decline, reactions become slower, and sometimes while walking the dog may lose control and bump into other objects. A dog that has begun to age tires very easily, loses interest in exercise and play, likes to sleep in all day, and is especially sensitive to cold, preferring to lie on the heater or in a warm place in winter. In addition, some dogs may also develop incontinence or inappropriate elimination. We must never scold or blame them for this. Instead, we should give them more care and help, so that our beloved dogs can spend their later years happily!