Many pet owners will notice the telltale signs of their adored animal getting older, like getting slower, taking longer to chase a ball or taking longer and more frequent naps.
One easily spotted symptom of your dog aging is gray hairs, often around their face. But what causes graying in dogs and should you be concerned?
According to Amber Batteiger, a PR and communications manager and veterinary technician at Embrace Pet Insurance, dogs gray for “a lot of the same reasons we do—it’s a natural part of aging.”
“However, just like humans, some dogs may start graying earlier than others,” she told Newsweek. “Genetics play a big role, and certain breeds may be more prone to early graying,” usually first around the muzzle and face before spreading to other areas.
And while age plays a major factor, some dogs may start showing signs of graying at just 2 years old. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to premature aging, Batteiger said.
The conversation was generated by TikTok user @microwavedgreenbeens after she shared a video to her account of her black dog, Diesel, on December 16.
In it, she showed off Diesel’s paws, which had become almost snow-white in places.
She asked viewers, “Why is my dog turning grey?” and jokingly added, “He promised 5-year-old me he wouldn’t die, so it’s not that lol.”
Newsweek has contacted @microwavedgreenbeens on TikTok for comment.
TikTok users reacted in a big way to the tongue-in-cheek post, which has been liked over 1.4 million times. One user declared: “Don’t worry he just went to the salon and dyed his hair for fun.”
Another wrote: “All of the comments are wrong. It’s because he’s not getting enough treats, he needs more treats or else.” One user joked that the dog was “transforming into a greyhound.”
Another assured elderly dog owners: “My dog is 21 and is so gray it’s not funny so I’m sure your dog will live a long, happy life.”
Batteiger echoed this sentiment, saying that graying in dogs “isn’t necessarily a sign of declining health—it’s usually just a cosmetic change.”
“A dog with a gray muzzle can still have plenty of happy, healthy years ahead,” she said. “However, if graying is accompanied by other changes like weight loss, lethargy or coat texture differences, it’s always worth checking with a vet to rule out any underlying health issues.”
Sadly, in February Diesel’s owner commented on her own post, letting viewers know that her senior dog had died. She has since shared multiple videos showcasing some sweet memories of the pup, including him relaxing on the couch and sunning himself in the garden.
A stock image shows a senior black dog with a gray muzzle and face.
Akchamczuk/Getty Images
Different dog breeds can have different life expectancies. Chihuahuas, the smallest dog breed, has a life expectancy of between 14 and 16 years, while the Irish wolfhound, the tallest dog breed, has a life expectancy of between 6 and 8 years, according to the American Kennel Club.
When it comes to graying, Batteiger said “not all dogs” will develop gray fur but “most will show some signs as they age.”
The color of a dog’s coat can also make a difference—”not in when they gray but in how noticeable it is,” she explained. “Black and brown dogs with darker coats tend to show gray much sooner than lighter-colored dogs, where the color contrast isn’t as obvious.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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