The changes your dog goes through as he ages are natural and are, in fact, very similar to those same changes we humans experience.

For instance, with aging, your dog's activity level slows. Without mental stimulation to keep him sharp, an aging dog may become slow and lethargic and his appetite may change.

Your older dog may begin to have "accidents" in the house with little or no warning, again for no known medical reason. An older dog's sleep cycle changes too, and he may begin to sleep more during the day and less at night.

As your dog ages, expect his interaction with you (and other family members) to begin to diminish -- he'll greet you less enthusiastically (or not at all); he'll follow you less (if at all); and he'll rarely seek your attention.

A dog's mobility becomes reduced as he ages and he might become more aggressive.

Don't be surprised if your older dog appears confused or disoriented. Some older dogs actually exhibit symptoms very similr to human Alzheimer's disease, and suffer short-term memory loss, changes in behavior, and just a general slow-down in their thought process.

What can you do to help your aging friend? One place to start is your dog's diet. Check with his veterinarien and make changes to your dog's diet according to his medical needs. Small, more frequent meals are best. Keep his weight down, too. There are many low-calorie commerial foods available. That extra weight is not only unhealthy for Fido, but it makes it harder on his joints. An overweight dog has trouble with mobility, and this is only complicated with age.

Brush your dog frequently. This helps stimulate his circulation. Be sure your dog is getting enough exercise, and adjust your walking schedule to allow for more frequent, shorter walks. And be sure to allow him to do his business after each meal, just before bedtime, and first thing in the morning to reduce accidents. As your dog ages, it's more important than ever to provide him with a warm, comfortable place to sleep.

Keep in mind that many aging symptoms are similar to symptoms of a sick dog, so it's important to have your dog examined by his veterinarian at least two times a year to rule out any illness.

Author Claire Bessant has written one of the best books I've seen on caring for an older dog. It's called How to Give Your Dog a Longer and Healthier Life: The Complete Owner's Guide to Caring for the Older Dog..

About the Author:

Lisa Pallardy is the owner of BarkTalk.com, an interactive site for dog lovers featuring articles and information on dog care and training, a photo gallery to post your favorite pet photo, a message board where you can meet other dog-lovers, and great dog gifts (for Fido and for Fido's parents). She is a work-at-home mom of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. In her spare time, she also creates cards from kids' artwork at www.MyLittleRembrandt.com.