Dogs are man's best friends, not to mention the most popular pets in human homes. But contrary to our wishes, the average lifespan of dogs is vastly different from that of a person.
Aging in dogs consists of a gradual process, much faster than that of humans. That is why we must be attentive to the signs and factors that our four-legged friends show as the years go by. Recent BBC research argues that dog aging varies depending on the breed; Larger dogs have a shorter average lifespan than small dogs.
The British media's research ensures that there are several factors that can affect the average lifespan of dogs. One of the main ones is weight: the more the animal weighs, the shorter its average lifespan. However, this may also depend on the quality of the food you eat, your habits, and hours of exercise.
Other factors are teeth and coat. Around 6 or 7 years old, dogs often show swollen gums or even the loss of some teeth. On the other hand, gray hair begins to appear in the area of the muzzle and legs; In addition, the hair becomes finer and loses thickness.
Two other central aspects to consider are weakening of the senses and your immune system. Just as in humans, it is normal for the dog to begin to contract more diseases. This is mainly due to the fact that his immune response becomes more vulnerable, according to Argentine veterinarian Juan Martín Molinari, creator of the veterinary clinic that bears his name.
Another problem linked to the loss or reduction of some senses is the alteration of your behavior. It is normal for the aging of the dog to lead to a decrease in its sight, smell or ears; That can make the dog more introverted or aggressive. In this regard, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends:
Understand your behavior and the changes your body goes through. Make periodic and regular visits to a veterinarian. Try changing your habits and lifestyle, mainly your physical activity. Make changes and adjustments to your diet.
