Why does the hair on the face of a dog turn gray?

If your dog has been with you since birth, you may not know his exact age. And now her hair, especially around the muzzle, is turning gray. Does graying of the hair around the muzzle mean that the dog is getting old? Or is this a sign that something is wrong with her?

Gray hair on and around a dog’s face is a natural occurrence as it ages. Because dogs age faster than humans, they turn gray earlier than their beloved owners. And just like people, some dogs go gray much sooner than others.

Relationship between behavior and health

Although usually a sign of aging, graying of the muzzle can also occur in dogs as young as one year of age. A study of 400 dogs, published in Applied Animal Behavior Science, found that dogs with high levels of anxiety, impulsiveness, or fear of strangers, animals, and noise have a tendency to gray prematurely, similar to when people say, “I’m from – turned gray for you.

Gray hair on the face can also indicate health problems. For example, premature graying of the face is one of the signs of hypothyroidism. Therefore, if your pet begins to turn gray, you should consult with a veterinarian.

Aging

As a rule, a graying muzzle is a sign that the dog is aging. Typically, a dog becomes old between the ages of seven and ten, but depending on size, it can begin to age even earlier. For example, according to the American Veterinary Association (AVMA), very large breeds (those weighing 41 kg or more) can be considered seniors by the age of five. Small and medium breeds (up to 23 kg) can be considered elderly at the age of about seven years. Genes also play a role in the appearance of gray hair in a dog, as some breeds have a genetic predisposition to this. It is also worth noting that gray hair is more visible on a dark-colored muzzle than, say, a West Highland White Terrier.

Older dogs may benefit from switching to older dog food. While this does not eliminate the causes of your pet’s gray hair, the best senior dog foods are nutritionally formulated to help mitigate the effects of aging. For example, Hill’s Science Plan Youthful Vitality has been formulated with pets seven years of age and older in mind. Science Plan feeds contain advanced nutrients that are made using Hill’s proprietary formula of natural ingredients including fruits, vegetables, fatty acids and antioxidants, plus added vitamins, minerals and amino acids, all designed to fight the signs of aging. Their formula is designed to help support normal brain function, energy and vitality, as well as immune and digestive health in pets. They also contain essential fatty acids that make pets’ coats shinier and softer.

Graying – for any reason – can change your dog’s appearance. But she will still be happy and healthy thanks to the same love and attention that she always needed so much!