When dogs age, there are a number of conditions that could limit their responses to you.Partial hearing loss or even deafness can occur. When your dog loses his hearing, he may not run over and great you when you come home. They will continue to lie down until they feel the vibration of your feet on the floor as you come toward them. Impaired vision or even blindness can occur. You may a first notice this in the evening when the lighting is poor. The cause for this is sclerosis in the lenses of the eyes or cataracts. Your pet may have trouble recognizing you because all he’s seeing is shadows. Sometimes, older dogs develop a kind of mental disorientation which is called cognitive dysfunction. They may be restless or wander around the house. Some will go into a corner and not know how to get out. Some dogs will bark at nothing.

Your older dog should be evaluated by your veterinarian every six months or so. He will monitor his condition and prescribe the proper treatment or pet medication if necessary. Remember to be patient and always give him plenty of tender loving care!

Remember, pets are family!

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