Dog no longer grooming.

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missk

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I've noticed over the last 6 months or so that my dog no longer grooms himself. He also doesn't cock his leg when having a pee anymore. He did have a tumour removed from his testes last June fortunately it hadn't spread and after 2 more follow up checks was given the all clear. He is nearly 16 years old eats/drinks well so no problems there, does have a bit of arthritis in his back legs but vet said nothing out of the ordinary for a dog of his age so I put the cocking of the leg down to him probably keeling over if he lifts one off of the ground but its the lack of grooming that stumps me. Anyone else have/had a dog that does this?
 
When mine got to that stage she stopped, but she STARTED cocking the leg cause it was easier than squatting. Just age im afraid!
 
Well, I am only in my 40s, but I struggle to do certain things that I used to do really easily. Muscle deterioration and a touch of arthritis. My 13 yo border terrier is the same. He does cock his leg but only an inch or so off the ground. He can't jump in the bed any more either. He sometimes looks like he's bunny hopping. Normal age related stiffness and arthritis.

I'm not surprised your 16 yo dog is doing that too. Bless, 16 is a very good old age.
 
Thanks....although I've only owned 4 dogs myself none stopped grooming when reaching their senior years, infact my girl dog used to make a hell of a racket.
 
Sadly, arthritis not only impacts the limbs but also the flexibility of the spine and it is this that often stops them curling around to lick their nether regions and/or groom their quarters! :)
 
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