Aging & Your Dog

Aging is not unique to any species and your dog is no exception!

The life span of your dog depends on a variety of factors such as heredity, size of the dog, general health and care, etc. Generally the age when the first signs appear relate to a dogs� size. For example, a small dog - toy poodle - may not show signs of aging until they are 9 or 10, medium size dogs at the ages of 7 or 8 while large dogs like St Bernards and Great Danes may begin the aging process at 5 years.

It is harder to predict the onset of aging in mixed breeds, but a good guideline is the size of the dog. Usually the smaller the dog, the longer the life span. But for all our wonderful companions, regardless of how long they live the important thing to remember is that a healthy dog with quality and constant care will generally live longer

You may notice gradual changes as your dog grows older. Aging changes such as tooth loss, graying hair, hearing loss, deterioration of sight, shortness of breath, stiff joints, etc are all indications of the aging process. Compare your dog�s appearance and actions with the way he/she looked and acted a few years back - gray around the muzzle, bulges in the midsection, hearing loss, droopy and hazy eyes, hard of hearing, changes in temperament and much less willing to go on long walks or play ball.

By being aware that these aging signs are normal and learning about our dog�s needs and wants and the physical changes occurring we can help them to live a full and healthy life even in their senior years.

Health Checkups

A regular veterinarian examination has always been important in maintaining your dog�s quality of life. Now that your dog has entered their senior years, the annual checkup is doubly important. Past year�s examinations serve as a yardstick against which the aging process can be measured. The yearly physical exam can provide clues and allows the veterinarian to detect and sometimes even delay the onset or progress of a disease. If your dog has a history of medical problems or shows rapid signs of aging more frequent examinations may be suggested.

Along with the regular veterinarian examinations, you the owner should be on the lookout for changes in condition and/or behavior. These changes may signal a health problem

Grooming - notice if there is abnormal hair loss, check the condition of the skin and watch for cysts or tumors. Just as with aging humans the skin may be more sensitive so be gentle with the brushing.

Ears - Wax can build up quickly and cause infection and even loss of hearing. Check inside the ears on a regular basis.

Eyes - excess mucus in the eyes should be gently cleared away using a damp cotton ball

Mouth and teeth - Brushing your dog�s teeth on a regular basis may help prevent tooth loss and gum infection.

The quality of life for your loyal aging companion can be good but requires your attention as to proper nutrition, exercise appropriate to their condition, gentle grooming and preventive health care.

Feeding

Feeding habits and needs will probably change gradually as your dog ages. Less exercise, the digestion ability of the intestines, the decline in kidney and liver function are all part of aging and will signal the need for a change in diet. Consult with your dog�s veterinarian for the best diet for your dog.

Physical, Mental & Sensory Changes

Just as with humans aging, a dog�s body will begin to wear out. Infections tend to occur more frequently and the healing process is lengthened. It is crucial that you consult your pet�s veterinarian if there are drastic changes in the physical condition or behavior of your treasured pet.

A frequent problem in elderly pets is incontinence, as usually the kidneys are among the first of the organs to wear out. Your dog that has been house trained for years may suddenly have trouble controlling themselves. They may dribble at night and probably need to be taken out more often for bathroom breaks.

Hearing, taste, touch, smell, sight � all of the senses may dull. Usually the loss of sensory perception is slow and progressive. You may not even notice it at first. Your dog may respond more slowly to commands, have trouble seeing that rabbit in the yard he always chased, and be asleep when you arrive home because of hearing loss.

All of these signs of aging are just that and with a little patience on the owners part, the dog can continue to live a healthy, long life. With deafness, use hand signals. With sight loss, a gentle touch helps greatly. A soft bristle brush instead of that old wire one will be more gentle on their skin. Also try to keep them active both playing and training. With stiff limbs and joints exercise helps but also a bit of gentle massage of those muscles and joints will be a help.

Aging Indicators

Your dog and you have spent many wonderful hours together and as your dog moves into its last years, many more hours can be jointly enjoyed. With a little understanding, patience and a slight change in dealing with your pet, the days will continue to be rewarding for both of you. While your dog will sleep more, they still need exercise. The exercise may need to be scaled down a bit � slower and not as long walks; chasing that ball or stick for just a few throws.

Good veterinarian care, up to date shots, positive nutrition, your attention to any sudden changes in behavior or physical condition and much loving care will ensure comfort and caring to that very special companion - YOUR DOG!