…Have you ever wondered what your dog would tell you if they could talk?

As we age, our needs and our lifestyle change and that’s absolutely normal. The same rule applies when it comes to our dogs as well. They aren’t the same as they were before and you have to pay attention to the changes that might occur to them.

By doing so, you will make the last years of their lives as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. At the end of the day, you care about them, right?

Many people say that having a dog is one of the best things in their lives, but unfortunately, there are also some cons to this. One of the worst aspects of being a pup owner is the fact that they age quite quickly. For instance, the majority of dogs reach their senior stage at around 7 years old.

As a result, they start gaining weight, they move a lot slower, they get lazy, and their senses are not as strong as they used to. Their behavior will give you plenty of clues regarding what their needs are, but sometimes, it’s easier to put all of these in words. Here are 5 things your senior dog would tell you if they could.

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.

3. “I get cold more easily nowadays”

Senior dogs love staying in beds that are warm and cozy because it’s not easy for the old ones to adjust their body temperature. If you want to take your senior dog outside for a walk on a cold day, make sure to give them a sweater.

If they are cold when they’re inside, you can move their bed closer to a heat source. Helping your pet stay warm can help them with minimizing muscle and joint stiffness.

4. “I have anxiety now”

When dogs are older, they have a hard time handling stressful situations. They might suffer from separation anxiety at night or when you leave them alone for several hours.

In addition to that, they can get anxious when they meet with other dogs or when there is someone they don’t know entering the home. You can help them have an easier time by taking short walks more often, keeping a constant routine so they know what to expect, and playing games or food puzzles to keep their memory stimulated.

5. “I would love to move more, but my joints hurt”

Besides obesity, joint pain and arthritis are also common issues for senior dogs. These health problems can make it harder for your pup to go up and down the stairs or walk in the cold weather.

In order to prevent the symptoms of these issues, make sure to schedule an appointment with the vet to find out more about how you can help your fluffy dog.

…If you want to read something else about dogs, make sure to check this article out as well: 9 Reasons Not To Let Your Pet Sleep In Your Bed Tonight!