What to Expect When Your Dog Turns 13

It’s quite common for older dogs to develop problems with their eyesight. If your doggo’s big brown eyes have been clouded over with a white film, they may have cataracts. Depending on the size of the cataract, your pal’s vision may be compromised. In many instances the cataract is not painful, just a nuisance. Eye drops and surgery are treatment options. Since it is also appears as white clouds in your dog’s eyes, nuclear sclerosis is often mistaken as cataracts. Instead, this is a normal development that occurs in older dogs. As a dog ages, their lens harden causing light to scatter. Your buddy can still see and is not in any pain. Blindness can also occur in older dogs. If your furry BFF loses their sight altogether, establish a routine and keep obstacles out of their way. And don’t forget to give them plenty of love and keep things pawsitive, they can sense your energy.

As your four legged friend ages, it becomes clear that their internal systems just aren’t what they used to be. If your pooch is suddenly having accidents in the house or leaking urine when resting or sleeping, they may be incontinent. Cleaning up messes isn’t your idea of fun, and your pup is probably uncomfortable. Head over to the vet and have the doctor give your pup a once over to make sure the incontinence isn’t a symptom of another medical issue. If it’s not, the good news is the majority of dogs respond well to medication. That means that with a simple prescription, your dog can go back to, well, going outside. If additional assistance is needed, there is a whole host of canine diapers and pads on the market. Keep in mind that spayed females are prone to incontinence, as are Dobermans, Old English Sheepdogs, and Cocker Spaniels.

Your dog has been a perfectly behaved angel all their life, but all of a sudden they are exhibiting destructive behavior like scratching, digging, chewing, or eating inedible objects. What happened? Older doggos can experience new fears or anxieties that cause them to act out. Thunder, sudden movements, or new situations can be frightening. Help ease their mind by identifying the cause of their distress. Then either modify their environment or redirect their attention with something pawsitive.