At first glance, the gray hair around the muzzle is noticeable and then you notice that the dog reacts increasingly hesitantly to commands. Because in older dogs, the sensory performance is often weaker. The hearing and the eyes also deteriorate. The dog wants to sleep more and like to rest longer after romping.

But that’s not a cause for concern, because just like humans, aging is a natural process in dogs. The transitions from natural aging processes to diseases of old age are often fluid and not so easy to perceive. In any case, it is helpful to find out exactly how the dog ages. In addition, the dog should be closely observed and abnormalities noted in order to do valuable preparatory work for the veterinarian.

The dog is getting older – what are the signs to look out for?

• Depending on the size or breed, the aging phase begins between the ages of 6 (larger dogs / breeds) and 8 years of age (medium to small dogs / breeds)
• Hair around the muzzle, eyes and paws turns gray
• Muscle mass decreases and body fat increases
• The performance of the sensory organs decreases / hearing and vision deteriorate
• Slowed metabolism and sluggish digestion
• Dexterity and motor skills decrease
• Sense of balance diminishes
• Reduced willingness to move and play
• The need for rest and sleep are more pronounced
• General risk of illness increases Constitution
• General constitution becomes weaker
• Anxiety and irritability may occur
• Longer recovery from illness

Dog owner and veterinarian – teamwork for a healthy four-legged friend

The dog owner knows his four-legged friend very well and can best judge to what extent he behaves or looks differently. All observations are important to the veterinarian as some of these signs and behavior changes may indicate pain or illness. Regular age check-ups at the vet are recommended. Here, for example, blood values ​​are determined, the organ functions tested and the condition of the eyes, ears and teeth examined in order to analyze the general constitution and identify age-related diseases at an early stage. The veterinarian can easily identify age-related diseases and recommend appropriate treatment.

Take good care of the dog and enjoy each other every day

An older dog usually requires more care and special care. For this, the habits should be changed gently and the environment adapted to the needs. This can mean that, for example, the dog no longer has to walk the stairs and the alleys are shortened if the dog senior should get tired quickly. At the same time, it is important to give your four-legged friend as much support as possible by stabilizing and improving their general constitution. Among other things, preparations that alleviate the symptoms of old age or maintain and increase vitality are useful. The administration of blood circulation-enhancing agents such as Karsivan® is highly recommended: The mental and physical degradation is slowed down by improved blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain, heart, muscles and other vital organs. Karsivan® thus helps to maintain the well-being and health of dogs.

How old is my dog? Racial differences easily explained

• The aging process in dogs is dependent on size and breed
• Giant breeds such as the Great Dane or Newfoundland are already senior citizens at around 6 years of age
• Large dogs like the German Shepherd or Labrador are considered old from around 7 to 8 years of age
• Medium-sized dogs such as schnauzers, cocker spaniels or medium-sized poodles have reached retirement age at around 8 to 9 years of age
• Very small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles and Chihuahuas do not count as senior dogs until they are around 10 years old
• Mixed breeds, small breeds and neutered dogs are getting older, according to statistics
• In general, the aging process can take place differently from person to person, so signs of aging can occur sooner or later (reasons for this are hereditary predisposition, posture, diet).

The most important thing is that dogs and humans can spend more healthy, harmonious and fulfilling years. Quality of life is the magic word: It creates the opportunity to accompany the vital and cheerful dog through the best years and to enjoy each other every day.

You can find more information about signs of aging in dogs at www.karsivan.de

Karsivan® 50 or 100 mg, film-coated tablets for dogs, Active substance: propentofylline. Areas of application: Circulatory disorders in the cerebral and peripheral area. Note: Specific organ diseases (e.g. heart failure) are primarily to be treated causally. If there is no improvement in the symptoms associated with the circulatory disorders during use, the treatment must be discontinued in good time, depending on the type of illness, but no later than after 4 weeks. Pharmaceutical entrepreneur: Intervet Deutschland GmbH Feldstrasse 1a D-85716 Unterschleißheim.

For information on risks and side effects, read the package insert and ask your veterinarian or pharmacist