Even Senior Dogs Need Exercise
If you’re like most loving dog parents, you would do anything in your power to keep your dog healthy as they age. Fortunately, by following a few simple recommendations, you can do just that – and perhaps even add a few years to her life in the process.
Dogs age at different rates and depends on breed, body size, and the individual pet. Larger breeds of dogs typically age more quickly than smaller dogs.
Start When They’re Young
To enable our pets to lead long and healthy lives we should be proactive and start when your dog is still young. Have your veterinarian perform a baseline examination. Besides a thorough physical exam, this typically includes blood work, a fecal exam, an assessment of body condition score, and a urinalysis. Depending on the outcome, additional tests may be needed. As with humans, a baseline exam will help the doctor determine what is normal for your dog. A good time for a senior baseline is around 6 years of age.
Being proactive might prevent health problems from developing. Early detection of disease will often improve your pet’s changes of successful treatment.
Schedule Exams for Senior Dogs
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends bringing your senior pets in for exams twice a year. Dogs age must faster than humans and frequent exams can catch changes or issues in your senior dogs conditions. Early detection of illnesses or health conditions may improve your dog’s chance of a successful treatment and recovery. Your pet is unable to tell you when something is amiss. These semi-annual exams and tests may detect a health issue that wasn’t obvious to you. If you take your dog to the vet only once a year, this is similar to us seeing our doctor every 5-7 years.
Approximately 22% of dogs seven years of age harbor disease that is detectable only through an advanced diagnostic workup.
Many diseases that older dogs are susceptible to are 100% preventable with the proper preventive care or are easily managed if detected early.
Provide Proper Nutrition
We are what we eat and the same can be said for dogs. Proper nutrition becomes even more important when a dog reaches old age. Nothing affects a pet’s health directly as much as nutrition.
Older dogs require different diets than younger dogs. As they grow older, dogs are at risk of becoming overweight if their activity levels decrease and their diet isn’t adjusted accordingly.
Senior formulated pet food products are normally lower in protein and fats and higher in vitamins and fiber. A senior diet is beneficial in limiting the workload on the aging liver and kidneys. Talk to your vet about switching your pet’s diet to a senior formula that is tailored for aging pets.
Exercise
Exercise your senior pet. This will be beneficial to your dog’s mental health as well as helping to keep your dog’s weight within acceptable limits. Exercise will also help their digestion, cardiovascular fitness, joint flexibility, and improve their muscle tone.
When you have your dog in to see the veterinarian, ask him about an exercise routine. Older dogs usually have arthritis issues. Some exercise is good for the dog but too much might causing , joint pain. Your veterinarian will be able to lay out some guidelines for how much exercise is appropriate.
Sweet Old Lab
Physical Signs of Possible Problems in Senior Dogs:
Bad Breath
Tiring Easily
Change in Appetite
Change in Drinking and Urination
Constipation
Coughing During Exercise
Diarrhea or or Vomiting
Ear odors, redness, scratching, or head shaking
Lameness
Lethargy
Lumps or Bumps under Skin
Trouble Breathing
Trouble Urinating
Weight Gain or Loss
Behavioral Signs of Possible Problems in Senior Dogs:
Acting Differently Towards Family Members
Altered Sleep Cycle
Loss of House Training
Unusual Fearfulness and Irritability
Confusion – Disorientation
Dogs suffer with the same chronic diseases that affect humans.
The following are typical diseases that befall senior dogs:
1. Cancer
2. Diabetes
3. Kidney Failure
4. Arthritis
5. Liver and Intestinal Disorders
6. Dental Disease
7. Senility
8. Vision Problems
Senior dogs require more extensive exams than when they were in their prime.
In general, a veterinarian’s exam of your senior dog should include:
1. Consultation – This is when you should discuss any changes in your dog’s habits or behavior. He relies on your observations since your dog can’t voice how he’s been feeling.
2. Hands On Physical – Your veterinarian will palpate your dog’s musculoskeletal system, head and neck, and abdomen area to feel for any abnormalities. Using a stethoscope, the doctor will listen to the heart and lungs. The dog’s eyes, mouth, and ears will be checked for age-related problems.
3. Diagnostic Tests – If problems are difficult to diagnosis, the veterinarian may order up X-rays or other diagnostics tests. Typically blood work and a urinalysis will be ordered to review and look for underlying issues.
4. Fecal Examination – You may be asked to bring a sample to check for intestinal parasites.
5. Discuss Wellness Recommendations – This may include heartworm medication, flea and tick treatment, or dental cleanings.
6. Vaccinations – All appropriate vaccinations should be administered. Your veterinarian should advise you what should be necessary for your scenario. It’ll depend on the area you live in, your dog’s lifestyle, and their unique health risks.
Once immunity is established, boosters are usually all that is required every one to three years depending on the vaccine.
Importance of Dental Care for Senior Dogs
Besides resulting in bad breath, inflamed gums, loose and missing teeth, and pain, dental disease can lead to systemic health problems. That’s why it’s imperative you follow your vet’s advice.
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