THE dogs they are man’s best friend, not to mention the most popular pets in human homes. But contrary to our wishes, the average life span of dogs is far from that of a person.
The aging of dogs consists of a gradual process, much faster than the human one. That’s why you have to be attentive to the signs and factors that our four-legged friends show over the years. A recent BBC investigation claims that aging dogs varies by breed; Larger dogs have shorter life spans than small dogs.
The aging factors of a dog
British media survey ensures that there are several factors that can influence the average life of dogs. One of the main ones is weight: The more the animal weighs, the shorter its average life will be. However, this can also depend on the quality of the food you eat, your habits and hours of exercise.
Other factors are the teeth and the fur. Around the age of 6 or 7, dogs usually show inflamed gums or even some teeth that fall out. Instead, gray hairs begin to appear in the area of the muzzle and legs; Also, the hair becomes finer and lose thickness.
Immune system problems
Two other central aspects to take into consideration are the weakening of the senses and its immune system. Just like in humans, it is normal for the dog to start contracting more diseases. This is mainly due to the fact that their immune response becomes more vulnerable, according to Argentinean veterinarian Juan Martín Molinari, creator of the veterinary clinic that bears his name.
Another problem related to the loss or reduction of some senses is the change in his conduct. It’s normal for dogs to age and lead to a decrease in vision, smell or hearing; which can make the dog more withdrawn or aggressive. In this regard, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends:
- Understand your behavior and the changes your body is going through.
- Make periodic and regular visits to a veterinarian.
- Try changing your habits and lifestyle, especially your physical activity.
- Make changes and adjustments to your diet.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.