At some point the nose will turn grey, the movements slow down and you will notice that your dog is getting old.
Dogs often change their behavior as they get older. In this article we will explain what it is all about if your old dog only wants to lie outside.
Old dog just wants to lie outside – possible causes
1. Your dog is looking for rest
Especially in a busy household with children or a lot of visitor traffic, your old dog may prefer to withdraw. If it’s quieter outside, he might prefer to lie there.
2. Your dog doesn’t hear you
No, your dog is not necessarily disobedient or stubborn. If you call him into the house but he just doesn’t respond, he may just not hear you.
Because the senses are often not as good in old age as in young dogs. your dog could hard of hearing be.
3. Dog warms itself in the sun
In good weather, your dog may seek the warmth of the sun to relieve age-related pain.
In addition, the happiness hormone serotonin ensures that your dog feels better.
4. When the strength is lacking
After a certain age, your dog can no longer stand up or walk back and forth all the time. He wonders if he’ll bother to go inside.
Also one Stairs can be an obstacle represent and even make your dog want to sleep outside.
It has also been observed in some dogs shortly before their death that they would rather withdraw and not stay with their people.
5. Incontinence
Does your old dog get restless and just want to get out? This can also be a sign of age. Some dogs become incontinent as they age and prefer to be outside.
Good to know:
When a dog is old often depends heavily on its size. While large breeds are considered old at 8 years of age, medium and small breeds are only considered old at around 10 years of age.
Old age in the dog – tips for everyday life
Make your home senior-proof
As your dog ages, it can become very limited. Also his perception may not be the best.
Make sure he can’t bump himself and he doesn’t have to climb stairs anymore. If stairs are unavoidable, they can help a dog ramp.
Also smooth floors can cause problems in old age and lead to falls. Carpets reduce the risk of slipping.
You shouldn’t rearrange your apartment if possible, because an old dog can do that too disoriented when the eyes, ears and nose no longer function as well.
Take a break more often
Long walks and hikes are over. You should also tell your dog senior regular outlet offer, but the rounds should be smaller.
The Tempo may be more leisurely and you should give your old dog breaks when he needs them.
My dog just wants to lie outside: when to the vet?
If your dog has joint pain as it gets older, your veterinarian can help with pain therapy.
To reduce signs of aging and to identify problems earlyyou should take your dog to the vet regularly.
From the age of about 8 years, it is advisable to have your four-legged friend checked twice a year.
When is the time to redeem my old dog?
Unfortunately, very few dogs die peacefully in their sleep.
Anyone who decides to get a dog usually bears the responsibility up to their death.
When your dog’s last days are numbered, you as a dog owner are often faced with the difficult decisionwhether to put your dog to sleep.
Veterinarian euthanasia is an option when you see your dog suffering greatly and no longer has a life worth living.
From when that applies, there is no general answer. You can assume your dog is suffering if he:
- can no longer get up and do his business
- has severe chronic pain that can no longer be numbed with medication
- only has a low quality of life and there will be no improvement
But you as a dog owner you know your dog best and can therefore best decide when it is time to redeem your four-legged friend.
Conclusion
Age does not leave our furry friends unaffected. Older dogs in particular often show a change in character.
One of these changes may be that your dog only wants to lie outside.
The reasons for this are often very different.
Try to figure out why your dog always wants to be outside to help if necessary. If you are unsure, you can too ask your vet for advice.
If you’ve noticed that your old dog just won’t come in or even wants to sleep outside, let me know what you think is the reason in the comments.