13 Most Common Lhasa Apso Old Age Symptoms
Lhasa apso old age symptoms can be disturbing for owners who have no clue about it. Keep reading to find out more…
Lhasa apso dogs are known to be gentle and loving dogs, but they can also become very old.
There are many symptoms of aging in this breed, both physical and mental that require extensive dog care.
If you’re concerned about your older dog’s health or want to know more about what to expect at this stage of life, keep reading!
Lhasa Apso Old Age Symptoms
Lhasa Apso owners should be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of old age in their furry friends.
While there is no specific timetable for when Lhasa Apso owners should expect their pet to experience these symptoms, some common signs to be aware of include:
Changes in personality
The Lhasa Apso is known for its loyalty and affectionate nature, making it a great companion.
However, as they age, the dog may become less playful and more aloof.
They may even stop playing with you altogether if they’re feeling tired or bored.
If your Lhasa Apso has started acting differently than usual, talk to your vet about possible causes of this change in behavior.
Disorientation and Memory problems
Lhasa apso dogs can have trouble remembering things as they age, especially if they are not given enough attention.
They may also have difficulty finding their way around as they age, which can make it difficult for them to get back home when they wander off.
If your Lhasa apso dog wanders away from home or is unable to find his way back after being missing for an extended period of time (more than two hours).
It could be a sign that he has lost his memory and needs some extra help from you as well as medical treatment for his condition.
Weakness and Lethargy
Lhasa Apsos are a very active breed, and they need to be kept busy. They are suited to apartment living but they will get bored and lonely.
Lhasa Apsos also need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy, so it’s important that you take your dog on long walks or runs every day.
As they age their strength diminish, and they become weaker, they will often be lethargic which is a sign of old age.
Changes in Appetite
The Lhasa Apso has a tendency to gain weight. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that they are prone to diabetes and pancreatitis.
Diabetes occurs when your pet’s body cannot properly use glucose as fuel for energy production; if untreated, it can lead to blindness or kidney failure.
Diabetes also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke—two common causes of death in dogs over 15 years old—and can cause polyphagia (an abnormal eating behavior).
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that results from sudden changes in blood flow around its digestive system.
All these health concerns will manifest as Lhasa Apso ages, which will directly lead to changes in appetite which is also a sign Lhasa Apso is dying.
Cognitive decline
Cognitive decline is the loss of mental functions. It’s a normal part of aging, and it’s not a disease.
If you’ve noticed any changes in your Lhasa Apso dog’s behavior, it may be due to cognitive decline. For example:
- Your dog may begin to lose interest in activities or toys they used to enjoy before they became bored with them;
- They may become more aggressive toward other animals or people around them; or even just act differently than usual altogether!
Excessive or Decreased Sleeping Habits
You may notice that your Lhasa Apso dog is sleeping more or less than usual as they age.
If you have a dog who has been diagnosed with arthritis, it is important to note any signs of pain or discomfort when they go to sleep, as this can be an early sign of the disease.
In addition to sleeping more than usual, Lhasa Apsos may also be having difficulty sleeping at night and waking up frequently throughout the night.
This could lead them to try and find something else in order to get some rest.
This includes laying on their backs instead of laying down flat on their bellies or even lying on top of each other so that one person can take over as watch dog while the other sleeps through out hours until morning comes around again!
If you notice that your dog has decreased amounts of time between naps during the day (for example: 10 minutes instead of 20 minutes).
Then there’s probably something wrong with how much rest he needs during those times so make sure you pay attention if it’s happening often enough before considering any other possibilities such.
Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
As Lhasa Apsos age, their joints can become increasingly stiff and difficult to move.
This can cause them to have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and even falling.
There are a few things you can do to help your Lhasa Apso stay mobile and comfortable as they age.
First, make sure to provide plenty of good, nutritious food. This will help keep their joints lubricated and help them maintain their mobility.
Second, make sure to keep your Lhasa Apso warm and comfortable. This will help keep their joints lubricated and help them maintain their mobility.
Finally, make sure to keep your Lhasa Apso active and talk to your veterinarian.
Frequent falls and injuries
Your Lhasa Apso may have the tendency to fall as they grow older.
They are prone to falling due to their size and weight, as well as difficulty getting up from a lying position.
Your Lhasa Apso may also have trouble climbing stairs or jumping up onto the couch or bed.
Muscle weakness and loss of balance
Lhasa Apsos have a reputation as being the “fairest” of the dog breeds. They are loving, loyal companions with a gentle demeanor.
However, some Lhasa Apsos may experience muscle weakness as they age.
This may be due to a number of causes, including genetics, diet, and injury.
While muscle weakness is not always a sign of a serious health problem, it should be investigated by a veterinarian if it occurs suddenly or appears to be getting worse.
- Weakness in the hindquarters
- Weakness in the forequarters
- Lack of balance
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
Dental Issues
Dental problems are a common problem in older Lhasa Apso dogs.
If you want to keep your dog’s teeth clean, brush his/her teeth daily and feed him/her dry food.
Lhasa Apso dogs are known for their long lifespan and generally good health.
However, as with all animals, there is a chance that Lhasa Apsos may develop dental issues as they age.
Dental problems in Lhasa Apsos can include gum disease, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
These problems can be exacerbated by the dog’s diet and lifestyle, which may include eating hard foods and chewing on hard objects.
If you notice your Lhasa Apso dog has dental problems, you should take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.
Loss of vision and hearing
Lhasa Apso suffers from progressive retinal atrophy, which is a condition in which the retina at the back of your eye begins to deteriorate. This can result in cataracts and blindness.
As a dog owner, you may be concerned about the potential for your canine companion to experience vision and hearing loss as they age.
While the exact causes of these losses are still unknown, research indicates that old age is a leading cause of vision and hearing loss in dogs.
Vision loss in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, eye disease, and exposure to UV light.
In addition, hearing loss in dogs can be the result of a number of different factors, including age, ear disease, and exposure to noise.
If you are concerned about your dog’s vision or hearing ability, it is important to seek out professional help.
Weight Gain or Loss
If your dog is losing weight, it’s time to get him or her checked out.
As dogs age, their bodies undergo a number of changes, including weight gain or loss.
Each dog experience with weight gain or loss is unique, but there are some general trends that can often apply.
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to weight gain or loss in older dogs is that there is no single right answer.
Each dog is unique and will experience weight gain or loss in a different way.
Some dogs will gain a lot of weight, while others will only lose a little bit.
Losing a lot of weight can be a sign of an underlying medical condition and should not be ignored.
The most common causes of weight loss are:
- Medications (especially heart medications)
- Poor diet or nutrition
- Lack of exercise
Increased shedding on sleeping spot
You may notice that your Lhasa Apso is shedding more than usual as they grow older.
This can be caused by increased activity or diet, but it is more likely to be a sign of old age.
The double coat of the Lhasa Apso makes it very easy for them to shed their hair.
Their long silky coats are also made up of many different colors and textures which means that if you’re looking at one specific area of your dog’s body (such as its back), there could be hair all over it!
Ways to care for an older Lhasa Apso
Here are some ways to care for an older Lhasa Apso:
- Feed your older Lhasa Apso a balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Exercise your older Lhasa Apso regularly.
- Groom your older Lhasa apso regularly.
- Keep them warm and dry during winter months.
- Provide plenty of toys and companionship to keep them entertained.
- Monitor their health regularly and seek veterinary attention when necessary.
- Teach your older Lhasa Apso proper obedience and manners.
- Keep their environment clean and free of distractions.
- Respect their personal space.
- Provide them with stress-free environment.
Conclusion
Lhasa Apso dogs are a very special breed of dog that can be prone to many health problems when they start showing signs of old age.
Their owners should know these common symptoms in order to make sure that their pets are taken care of and treated.
Older Lhasa Apsos are also known to act weird, make sure you schedule regular medical check-ups with the veterinarian.
