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  • 🐶When do dogs really start to age?..and how do you protect them?

🐶When do dogs really start to age?..and how do you protect them?

PLUS: ✔What makes dog playtime so important? ✔How dogs see and understand TV ✨Serotonin boost!..A multi-rescue-dog snuggle puddle to make your day.

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Read time: 5 minutes

🐶Welcome back pristine pawrent, Let’s take a caring sniff at understanding when your dog really begins their golden years & how to make them as wonderful as other years. Plus lots more for upping your dog parent smarts to protect their wellbeing & for sharing the closest bond.

Enjoy!

🧐FACT or FLUFF??

Dogs can ‘catch’ yawns like humans.

Dig down the page to find out…

THIS WEEK’S WOOF WISDOM

  • 🐶When do dogs really start to age?..& how do you protect them?

  • 🎾What makes dog playtime so important?

  • 📺How dogs see and understand TV.

  • Serotonin boost!..A multi-rescue-dog snuggle puddle to make your day. 

  • 🧐More to chew on…

😏OK..NOW WHAT? (your Q & A)
When do dogs really start to age?..& how do you protect them?

Adorable & wonderful at every age💓 

When do dogs really begin old age, & how can we keep them happy & healthy? It’s a great question that every dog parent thinks about.

The onset of old age in dogs varies based on several factors, including the dog's breed, size, & individual health.

How veterinarians view dog age:

A study from the University of Liverpool found that, on average, dogs are considered to be in old age at around 12.5 years.

However, this age can vary by breed. Smaller breeds, such as Jack Russell Terriers, may enter old age closer to 14 years, while larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are considered old around 12 years.

What about a dog’s mental age?

Research from ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, indicates that behavioral & cognitive aging in dogs begins around 10.5 years of age, but the onset & rate of aging depend on the dog's body size.

Larger dogs (over 30 kg or 66 lbs) experience an earlier onset of age-related decline, typically around 7-8 years of age, while smaller dogs (under 7 kg or 14 lbs) show cognitive decline later, around 10-11 years of age.

..and the dog parent view?

Interestingly, dog parents often consider their dogs "old" around the age of 6, regardless of the dog's size or breed, which is earlier than the actual onset of old age based on the view of vets & behavioral & cognitive changes.

Here are some things to help protect your pup as it grows older:

  • Common Issues: Older dogs may face health challenges like weight, arthritis, dental & skin problems, or decreased energy levels.

    Keeping an eye on these changes can help you address them early.

  • Care Tips: Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, mental enrichment & gentle exercise can make a big difference in your dog’s quality of life as they age.

    Simple adjustments in their routine can keep them feeling good.

Like us, dog aging is a natural part of life, & with some love & care, you & your pup can happily enjoy the glowing golden years.

💎FIDO FRIENDLY

As dog parents we love to revel in the adorable curiosity of our pups, and if we’re in need of some extra fuel to satisfy our own curiosity, a hugely popular choice is 1440.

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

If you're frustrated by one-sided reporting, our 5-minute newsletter is the missing piece. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you comprehensive, unbiased news—free from political agendas. Stay informed with factual coverage on the topics that matter.

The average dog is nicer than the average person”

Andy Rooney

🧠🌿WOOF WELLBEING
What makes dog playtime so important?

Playing together…wonderful, enriching bonding time.🥰

Playtime is not just fun, it’s essential for your dog’s health & happiness.

Keeping your pup active through games & walks contributes to their overall wellbeing. Here’s why:

  • Exercise: Playtime helps your dog stay fit & strong, which is crucial for their joints & muscles. Regular exercise prevents health issues like obesity & heart disease.

  • Bonding: Spending time playing creates a strong bond between you & your pup. These moments of joy strengthen your relationship & build trust.

  • Better Behavior: Keeping your dog entertained with play keeps them happy & less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors. A tired dog is a calm dog.

  • Mental Stimulation: Playtime challenges your dog’s mind, helping them to learn & grow. Engaging toys & activities prevent cognitive decline.

  • Socialization: Interacting with other dogs & people during play helps improve your dog’s social skills, making them more comfortable in various situations.

Regular playtime is key to a healthy & happy life for your pooch. So, grab a toy or head to the park. Your pup will thank you!

📺How dogs see and understand TV

Looks like someone scored a front row VIP ticket!😏

Curious about what your dog sees when they watch TV?

Many dog parents wonder if their dogs actually enjoy TV & what catches their attention. Let’s dig into it.

What Do Dogs See When They Watch TV?
Dogs see the world differently than we do. They have dichromatic vision, meaning they primarily see shades of blue, yellow, gray, & brown, which affects what they notice on screen. Plus, because dogs perceive motion better, they can see TV images flicker at a higher rate than humans.

Why Do Some Dogs Watch TV?
Not all dogs are TV fans, it really depends on their age, vision, & breed. Younger dogs with good eyesight are more likely to tune in than older dogs whose vision may not be as sharp.

What Do Dogs Like To Watch On TV?
Dogs are often drawn to shows featuring other animals, especially dogs. They might also enjoy sports, outdoors or anything with lots of movement that catches their eye, but being the unique wonders that they are different dogs have different TV tastes.

Do TVs Comfort Dogs Who Are Left Alone?
Many pet owners leave the TV on to keep their dogs company. While some dogs may find comfort in the sounds & images, others might prefer silence. It really depends on the individual dog's personality.

Whether your pup loves to watch TV or just ignores it, knowing their preferences can help you create a fun & relaxing home environment.

💎FOR PUPS & PAWRENTS.
Is your dog safe from unsafe human food?

Know quickly with the premium Unsafe & Safe Human Food For Dogs.

As a Best DOGS Life subscriber, for a limited time, you can grab this essential dog feeding safety aid at 20% off! Just use code DogSafe-20 at checkout.

🤔PAWSE TO REMEMBER

Inside Safety. Take a dogs eye view around your home to remove risks of harm including from climbing or jumping. Look for choking, poisoning, strangulation, suffocation, crushing or falling hazards. These can range from ‘ladders’ to cords, wires, heavy ‘tippable’ furniture, certain human foods, medications, chemicals & more.

👃🏻QUICK SNIFFS
More to chew on.

Who doesn’t enjoy a game of show & tell?🙂

😮OH MY DOG
Serotonin boost!..A multi-rescue-dog snuggle puddle to make your day.

This adorable pack of pooches is another reminder of how amazing dogs are.

They say dogs with challenging pasts seem to understand each others hardships. Happily this bunch of pups now share a happy home together.

Watch & warm your heart as they melt into sweet slumber cuddled up together.💗 

🐕TAP a TAIL TRIVIA

Which dog breed is often considered the most intelligent?

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🧐FACT or FLUFF??...Answer. FACT

Dogs can “catch” yawns & are more likely to yawn when their dog parents yawn due to empathy & the emotional connection. It’s a phenomenon called contagious yawning, & you’ve probably even done it yourself.

We are here to please🐶

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