Aging Dogs

[veggienut]

My Yorkshire Terrier recently turned 4 years old, so is this the age that dogs tend to slow down~? Seems like lately he will play ball to eat his meals and then not much longer afterwards. He really enjoyed playing ball for treats and wanting to go in 5 mins after he done eating and ball play and this has me worried a bit. Otherwise, he's a fast boy chasing the ball or flyer (frisbee-like). I hate to see him slow down and age

[Maximo]

At 4, dogs are not as active as puppies, but they should not slow down too much. Only you can judge if there has been a significant change and when you should take him in for a checkup with the vet.

Is it hot there? My boys were quicker to tire in the heat this summer.

[BanditSocks2]

Has he had his yearly physical? You could always voice your concerns to your vet and have her run extra tests.

[107barney]

Mine just turned 11. Take a look at his smile box in the gift exchange forum and you'll see an 11-year old puppy having the time of his life opening his box. Mine didn't slow down. They are just as active as they were at 2.

[veggienut]

I turned the a/c back on since it was getting warm to me. I had switched the thermostat to heat and then totally off since we've had a change of weather. He's perky now and we're playing ball in the house off and on since it is raining here. Maybe it was the temp in here.

[MyTrixie143]

Mine haven't slowed down at that age. Destiny turned 5 several months ago and she is as active and ornery as usual. Still climbing over gates and playing hard. Same goes for my others too.

[TxVicki]

I have a 14 1/2 yr old that just slowed down at 13 yrs old.

You said you turned the AC back on that is good. Because being too hot can make them sluggish.

I hope he is doing better now.

[veggienut]

He's better now and wanting to go out, and then wants to come in. I have a gated fence so he lets me know when he wants to go potty or just to go out and see what is going on with the neighbors next door that are out.

[Lovetodream88]

Callie is 4 and shes still has a lot of energy but boy when she has a full day of playing and exercise can she sleep. I do notice that if she is to warm she will get tired faster and not be as playful.

[lovemy3babies]

My Holly is 4 and hasn't slowed down. She chases the other dogs around and play fights with them and runs through the house at full speed. She is a bright-eyed, spunky little girl. To me, 4 years old is still very young, considering little dogs can live way into their teens.

[Sandysbabies]

Kayla was 4 in June. My goodness, I still look at her like a baby. Well, she is my baby. lol!!!! But no, they are still young at that age considering you are looking at having them, if you are fortunate, 15yrs. or so. Maybe he needs to see the vet and make sure everything is okay.

[Britster]

I wouldn't say Jackson has "slowed down" per say. Matured some, yes. But he's still super active. He will be 3 next month (hard to believe!)

[margaritaville]

My two 6 year olds are no where near slowing down. They tumble around a couple of times a day like litter mates.