13 yrs old - normal aging symptoms?

Question
I have a poodle that I adopted about 3 yrs ago. Since she returned from the kennel about 2 weeks ago, we are noticing a sharp reduction in her hearing, shes sleeping ALOT more than usual and seems to stand sometimes not aware of her surroundings.  She does have cataracts. I have a call into the vet, but just wondering, are these normal aging signs?  I have always had large dogs (chows, keeshond, labs) and have a 5 year old keeshond now who she adores.  They do kennel together also. Thanks for any advice!

Answer
Hello Rose,
The reduction in hearing and the extra sleeping is common, but the disorientation isn't normal.  Make sure she is getting plenty of exercise, drinking and pottying fine, and is eating a good diet.  
Also make sure that her ears are kept clean and the hair removed.  Dirty ears can reduce hearing because sound can't get to the inner ear.  Hair in the ears will cause wax to get tangled in the ears and will clog the ears.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim