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3 Aging-Related Challenges in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners

Indre Jasineviciute PhD, DVM
4 min readJan 24, 2024

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In the past couple of decades, our furry friends have been living longer, thanks to better veterinary care and improved diets.

It’s great news, but it also means that we’re seeing more health issues as they age. Determining when a pet is officially a senior can be a bit fuzzy; some experts say small dogs hit senior status around 12 years, medium-sized ones at 10, large dogs at 9, and giant dogs at 7. As our pets enter their golden years, they’re more prone to two types of problems — physical and mental. It’s like how humans might face different health issues as they get older.

So, it’s crucial for us to understand these challenges and find ways to keep our aging pets happy and healthy

Photo by Jean Alves: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-petting-a-dog-2123773/

Understanding and Managing Aggression in Senior Dogs

Regular check-ups for senior pets are crucial, even in the absence of apparent health concerns, and it’s advisable to schedule them at least twice a year.

A comprehensive approach includes physical examinations, laboratory tests, and thorough behavioral screenings. Aggression in senior dogs often stems from similar causes as their younger counterparts, tied to physical changes like pain or central nervous system diseases. Age-related factors, such as…

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Indre Jasineviciute PhD, DVM
Indre Jasineviciute PhD, DVM

Written by Indre Jasineviciute PhD, DVM

Pioneering animal researcher enhancing animal well-being.

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