1. “I may have the same appetite, but my metabolism is not like it’s used to”

According to experts, the main health issue that our dogs have to face is obesity. They eat the same amount of food, but their metabolism isn’t working as fast as it did when they were younger. Besides that, they are also more tired when they’re older, so they don’t move as much.

Obesity can affect our pets in many ways, but the main reasons for concern are the fact that they can become the victims of joint pain, breathlessness, and also liver issues.

In order to prevent this, you should switch to food that is created especially for senior dogs. It contains a lot of fiber, and less fat, it doesn’t have as many calories, and it’s packed with nutrients and vitamins. Another thing you can do is minimize the number of treats you feed them in a day.

2. “I can’t see or hear well anymore!”

If you believe that your dog is ignoring you when you call their name, it might be because they simply don’t hear you well. Besides this problem, they also might not see the ball you throw at them to play fetch.

Unfortunately, dog owners don’t see these problems until it’s actually too late and their pups suffer from severe sight and hearing loss. There are dogs that might seem aggressive if someone comes and touch them without the pup noticing. The reason why they might get defensive is that they might suffer and the touch can trigger pain in sensitive areas.

In order to prepare for an easier transition to deafness, you can start teaching your dog different hand signals. If you want to help your senior dog that suffers from poor vision, the ASPCA recommends keeping a clear space on the floor and marking the rooms with different types of scents or variously differently textured rugs, so the pup knows exactly where he is.

Other than that, make sure to keep the water and food bowls in the same place, so it is easier for your beloved dog to find them.