In dogs, like humans, aging is a series of biological changes constantly.

The aging process begins when the dog is born and continues until death. Although the dog is aging ever, the process becomes more noticeable after reaching six or seven years old. But this does not mean that the dog is six or seven years decrepit or senile, far from it, many dogs of that age are awake and active. But age weighs on them. The dog of six or seven years can be compared to a forty: they both have telltale signs of age.

Many animals stay healthy until the time they are six or seven years, and beyond. They still have good vision, hearing, hair, teeth and muscle coordination. But when they spend six or seven years, the aging process affects them.

The aging dog

With reasonable care, the dog can live up to twelve years of age. Many reach fourteen and seventeen. Some live to be twenty-five! But these ancient dogs are usually the exception, and usually are small dogs or lap dogs. There is a definite relationship between the size of the dog and its longevity. In general, small breeds mature earlier and live longer than large breeds. And another curious of canine longevity is that males live longer than females, ie, the opposite happens among human beings. For comparison, we say that a dog of seventeen years is equivalent to a person in a hundred.

A few years ago, the Gaines Dog Research Center in New York conducted a survey on the longevity of the dogs. Center said he was interested, above all, the “ancient dog,” dog of seventeen or older. Were questioned hundred dog owners who were seventeen or more about what contributes to the longevity of their animals. The general opinion was that good care, proper diet, caring and friendly atmosphere were the GenF20 Plus major factors that contributed to this longevity. Of course, the lack of inheritance and disease also contributed, but had to supplement these latter factors with good care.

The survey carried out by the Gaines Center referred only to dogs of seventeen or more, but many of the conclusions drawn from it can be applied to more than six years.
Physiological changes of aging dog

When the dog is six or seven years old, begins to show clear physiological changes.

You can have meat and chubby look, or may be weak, depending on how you spent the years. The hair may be more dry and sparse, especially in the abdomen, which is a consequence of reducing the activity of the glands of the skin. The hair of the old dog’s nose turns white or gray. Make their appearance of skin tumors, and it becomes thicker with age. Corns are very common in older dogs and are formed in the knees, elbows and other bony parts. The old dog’s tits hang, and the nipples become wrinkled and old. Deafness and blindness attack the old dog. There is almost always falls in dogs over ten years old. Finally, you wear the teeth is broken or fill with cavities.

There is a general loss of muscle tone in the old dog, with consequent muscular atrophy. The respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive and urinary undergo changes and alterations. The old dog has less resistance to disease and the efforts that the younger animals. It adapts well to changes in routine and environment.
Changes in behavior

As humans get older, the old dog becomes “a slave to his habits.” Becomes eccentric, grumpy and even irritable at times. In some cases, can bite with ease. Any change in your routine as bother. It has long been used to doing things a certain way.

In short, it gets old. Must cater to the extent possible.

The old dog can be very jealous and possessive. Afterthe all, for many years has been the world center of the reader’s pets. He does not like children or other animals, especially when his master shows them affection. You have to keep showing his good spirit that is still being important. And you have to prevent children and visitors about feelings, nature and pains of old dog.

Many dog ​​owners get a puppy when they still have an old dog. With regard to the desirability of this, we have an opinion one way or the other.

The reader must decide. But we must be careful and tactful in this situation. No doubt that the old dog will be jealous of new puppy. Must be separated, especially at lunchtime-until one is convinced that there will be no fight. Above all, reassure the dog
old and let him know that is still number one. The puppy will have plenty of time to receive praise and affection when the old dog is gone.