It's mind boggling how time can fly by, it seems not so long ago your dog was an energetic puppy.
The years have a way of creeping up on us and sooner than you would expect, you're dealing with an older dog and you will have to accept and adapt to certain changes in your dog's behavior and needs.
There are subtle signs that signal your dog is getting on in his years that you will have to look out for, some are normal due to the natural aging process while some can be avoided.
Observing your dog as he ages can make the difference between your dog aging gracefully or aging badly.
The majority of dogs slow down as they age.
You may notice your dog's energy levels decreasing and as a result so will his metabolism.
This can lead to obesity so you have to watch out for that and adapt your dog's diet to suit his activity levels.
Obesity, especially in an older pet, can lead to very serious health concerns.
It is important to introduce any dietary changes gradually to avoid upsetting your older dog's fragile dietary system.
As they age, a dog's protein requirements may decrease.
Increased fiber content may be helpful as well as lower fat content.
If your dog's appetite seems to be waning you should consider providing supplements to ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs.
If your dog experiences any sudden changes in weight you should take him to the vet as this generally indicates something is seriously wrong with your pet.
Just as humans go grey as they age, so do dogs.
You may notice your dog developing white hair around the muzzle and eyes.
Your dog's coat may become less shiny and this could be an indication that there may be a nutritional deficiency so consult with your vet to make sure you are feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your dog's age.
You dog's skin may also lose condition becoming thinner and less elastic, this could be a symptom of dehydration, you should always make sure your dog is drinking enough.
Excessive drinking, on the other hand, could be a sign of serious problems so always observe your dog's drinking habits.
Fish oil supplements can be very beneficial for older pets so check with your vet on which supplements will help your dog.
A common problem many owners of aging dogs may face is urinary incontinence.
A formerly housetrained dog may begin to have frequent "accidents" in the house or may even leak urine while asleep.
There could be underlying medical reasons for this and you should consult with your vet to see what can be done.
Hormonal treatment is sometimes given in these instances and can correct the situation.
Letting your dog out more frequently to "do his business" is also helpful.
Aging is a sad part of life, and you should have some comfort in the fact that your dog has lived to a ripe old age, not all dog owners are so lucky.
Be sure to take good care of your pet in his old age and remember the many years of love and joy he's given you.