Five signs your dog may be slowing down
Dogs rarely announce that they are slowing down. It shows up in small changes, and because it creeps in, many owners notice late. Here is what to look for.
Five things to watch
- Hesitating at stairs, the car or the sofa. A dog that used to jump without thinking now stops and looks.
- Shorter walks. They turn for home sooner, or lag behind.
- Stiffness after rest. The first minutes after getting up look slower than the rest of the day.
- More sleep, less play. The ball is still interesting, but the interest does not last.
- Changes in eating, drinking or behaviour. Anything new in these deserves attention.
Do not just write it off as age
Each of these can have several causes, and some of them are treatable. “He is just old” is a reason to ask, not a reason to stop. A short vet visit can tell you what is going on and what, if anything, to change.
What you can do this week
- Write down what you see and when. Short notes beat memory.
- Film a short clip of the stairs or the first steps after resting. It helps your vet.
- Book a check-up if anything on the list is new.
- Ask your vet before adding any supplement, including ours.
This guide is general information for dog owners. It is not veterinary advice.