Ageing canine companions: Most common manifestations and the impact of selected factors

Abstract

Commonly observed signs of ageing, which owners frequently misattribute as normal ageing, can have an impact on a dog's welfare. This study aimed to achieve the following objectives: (1) to identify indicators of ageing and their manifestations observed by the owners; and (2) to investigate whether sex, castration/neutering, weight of the dog, and type of housing (outdoor/indoor) have an impact on the ageing process. Data were collected from 785 owners of dogs aged over 8 years. The results showed no sex-based differences in ageing manifestations in dogs. With age and castration, dogs gained weight, particularly in the neutered group, which saw double the weight gain compared to intact dogs, leading to increased mobility issues, more common in heavier breeds. Regarding the type of housing, in the category of dogs kept indoors owners more often reported behavioural changes, changes in urination and sleep patterns. The manifestations of ageing were more evident with the increasing weight of dogs, particularly more frequent locomotory problems. At the same time, eye diseases, dental problems, or faecal soiling were reported more frequently by the owners in small and miniature dog breeds.