We must all accept that our dogs are going to grow old. But accepting the inevitable doesn’t mean letting your pet be weighed down with pain related to aging. A dog’s body has similar issues to human seniors and you should pay special attention to their changing needs.
Due to advances in veterinary care and pet nutrition and a stronger focus on pet owner education, our dogs are living longer than ever before. A dog’s fur will turn grey and their bodies will lose flexibility. Their hearing, eyesight, and sense of smell may deteriorate; energy levels and attention spans will likely diminish. One of the first signs of aging that you’ll likely notice, is tendency to sleep longer and more soundly, and a general decrease in activity.
Their bones will be sensitive to cold, damp weather conditions. If you notice signs of stiffening joints and trouble with steps, speak to your vet on your next visit. He will probably prescribe supplements for the arthritis.
As they age, dogs eyes have the same medical issue as humans and you will notice a clouding of their eyes indicating they are developing cataracts. This may affect their step if the location is affecting their lower eye area.
Don’t let your dog’s brain go to mush. They will benefit from mental stimulation just as humans do. Get their toys out and play with them.
Provide a comfortable orthopedic dog bed for their old bones, with lots of cushion and warmth. If you think their joints are suffering, give them a soothing soft touch massage.
As dogs age, they have more dental problems. If your dog has lost some of their teeth or don’t have the chewing capabilities they had at one time, cook them up a healthy dog treat once in awhile.
Optimal healthcare can add years to the life of your dog and will substantially decrease your cost of treating medical problems associated with aging.
Our senior dogs need wellness examinations at least every six months. However, call your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Blood in the stool or urine
- Constipation or trouble passing urine
- Excessive panting
- Excessive weight loss or weight gain
- Foul mouth odor or drooling
- Hair loss
- Inability to chew dry food
- Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping
- Lameness that lasts more than three days or lameness in more than one leg
- New lumps, sores, or multiple scabs on the skin
- Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset
- Persistent coughing or gagging
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Significant increase or decrease in appetite
- Sudden collapse or bout of weakness
- Sudden loss of house training
- Sustained increase in urination frequency or amount
- Sustained increase in water consumption
Eating Right
As our dog’s age, their nutritional requirements change. Alterations in the senses of taste and smell may adversely affect appetite. Changes in exercise and other activity affect the body’s nutritional requirements. Obesity is a top concern for our older dogs, as this can make heart disease and arthritis worse.
If you switch your dog to a senior pet food, you can help promote a long, healthy life by providing enhanced levels of nutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, that are important to skin and mental health. Most older dogs need a diet that has reduced calories and protein and increased fiber and vitamins.
Many pet food manufacturers have developed prescription-type diets that can help manage many of the health conditions of our senior pets. Conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and heart, kidney, and liver disease can be treated with diets that have been formulated to help extend your dog’s life.
Exercise
Providing a senior dog with adequate exercise, you’re helping them maintain proper weight and helping their muscle tone. Proper muscle tone helps strengthen joints and lessen the impact of arthritis.
Senior dogs should be exercise for shorter periods so there is less stress on aging joints. Have your veterinarian lay out some exercise guidelines for your dog. They will be familiar with their current physical status.
Regular wellness exams, proper nutrition, adequate exercise, and appropriate medication to help control the common ailments of aging will provide the optimal conditions for our dogs to flourish well into their golden years.
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