4 Things Elderly Dogs Do Not Like That Young Dogs Do
Much like people, dogs change as they grow older. Perhaps the most noticeable of all changes is their temperament. Older dogs often have a lower tolerance level for rough play and they can easily be irritable at times. However, elderly dogs also become a lot calmer, which can be a welcome change for a lot of pet parents.
For example, some young dogs have a yapping problem as they needlessly vocalize for long durations. As they grow older, this annoying habit usually becomes less and less frequent to a point it goes away completely.
As a pet parent, it’s important to know what your dog likes and dislikes. Considering that senior dogs have different likes than young ones do, pet parents need to update themselves. They simply cannot follow the same pet care routine and expect the same happy reaction from their dogs.
The following are 4 things elderly dogs do not like that most young dogs do. Keep in mind that these are generalizations and not concrete rules. You are the best judge because all dogs are different in their unique ways.
Being Interrupted When Napping for Playtime
If you have a dog like a labrador or a bulldog, then you know how much they love their afternoon naps. The only difference that happens when they grow older is their ability to snap out of nap mode for a session of play. Young dogs would typically jump up as soon as they hear key phrases like “outside” or “ball,” but senior dogs may not be as enthusiastic. The reason for that is simple, older dogs need more sleep. Senior dogs may also have undiscovered joint aches and other discomforts, causing them to prefer sleep over play. There are plenty of pet meds online for elderly dogs that can improve mobility and manage pain. Consult a vet if you think your pet is showing signs of excessive lethargy.
Excessive Petting or Cuddling
Young dogs often love petting for extended periods of time and they usually respond by kissing their humans back just as enthusiastically. Older dogs sometimes have little patience for aggressive petting or cuddling. They usually value their personal space and may be reluctant to spoon with their humans or enjoy cuddling. A lot of dogs show their displeasure by growling. Even if your elderly dog is too nice to growl, look for signs of discomfort. A wide gaze when being embraced or petted is a definite sign that they want you to cut it out.
Socializing with Other Dogs
According to most experts, dog socialization sessions are happier when the group is made up of young dogs. Senior dogs can be irritable when in a group and can show their unhappiness when other dogs attempt to play with them.
Long Walks and Rigorous Exercise
This is pretty much common sense, but something that needs to be said. Parents of elderly dogs need to need to decrease their pet’s regular exercise. Some elderly dogs are even known to lie down mid-walk because they don’t feel like walking anymore. However, that doesn’t mean you should stop exercising your dog altogether. Keep the walking sessions relatively short and prefer early mornings and evenings over hot afternoons.