The zoopsychologist listed the ways to recognize aging in dogs

The age at which a dog becomes elderly directly depends on its size: large breeds age faster and can be considered age-appropriate by the age of 8, while small dogs move into this category by about 10 years. Svetlana Kapustina, a zoopsychologist and invited expert of the Triol brand, told about this on July 3.

According to the expert, the first signs of aging are noticeable externally: the animal's muzzle turns gray, stiffness of movements appears, but owners do not always immediately understand how to adjust care.

The expert stressed that changes should start from the home environment. Slippery surfaces in the apartment increase the risk of falls in dogs with weakened muscles and joints, so it is important to use non-slip mats on the main routes of movement of the pet.

Also, according to her, it is worth reviewing the sleeping place of the animal. Thin bedding does not provide sufficient support for joints, while orthopedic bedding helps to reduce stiffness and discomfort after sleep. Kapustina advises paying special attention to activity. With age, the load cannot be kept the same, but it is also dangerous to completely exclude movement.: it supports muscle tone and cognitive functions.

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"The load should be different: shorter in time, without sudden accelerations and jumps. Three quiet walks are better than one long one, after which the dog can barely move," the expert said.

As dogs age, their emotional state also changes.: they become more anxious due to the deterioration of vision and hearing, so a stable regime, a familiar environment and predictability in everyday life are especially important.

"Most dogs over the age of seven have some kind of behavioral changes associated with cognitive impairment, but only one in ten owners tells a specialist about it at all. The sooner the changes are noticed, the more opportunities there are to help," Kapustina noted.

She added that symptoms such as nighttime anxiety, loss of orientation in space and decreased recognition of people may be signs of age-related brain changes and require the attention of a veterinarian. According to the expert, an elderly pet needs not less attention, but a more careful and informed approach, since early detection of changes can significantly improve its quality of life.

Elena Frolenko, a veterinarian at SUPERPET, a manufacturer of natural diets, warned on June 10 that an animal's brain, liver, kidneys and heart could suffer from heat stroke without timely help. She added that if the pet is conscious and just breathing heavily, first of all you need to move it to a cool place — in a room with air conditioning, a fan or in deep shade.