Like all animals, as dogs age they tend to develop health problems unique to older dogs. Many dog owners have a difficult time accepting this fact and think that their lively pooch is not an older dog and will not have health
problems. Dogs can, however, show signs of aging as early as seven years old.
Older dog health problems generally affect larger breeds earlier than small
breeds that tend to show signs of aging around 10 to 12 years of age. The fact
is that senior dog health problems will eventually be a concern for every dog
owner.
Common Health Problems Facing Older Dogs
All dogs are different and, depending on their
size, breed and activity level,will exhibit health problems differently.
However, there are common health issues that may manifest in all senior dogs
including the following:
· Joint
and bone problems
· An
overall reduction in their metabolism
·
Difficulty with their eyes and ears
· Liver
and kidney dysfunctions
· Skin
becomes thin and less pliable while the coat becomes mottled and patchy
·
Problems with teeth and gums
Unlike a little puppy who has an endless
supply of energy, an older dog will tend to slow down and take longer to lay
down or stand up. Instead of bounding up the stairs your senior dog might take
each stair one at a time. Your dog may develop arthritis, an inflammation of
the joints causing pain and discomfort, which is generally the cause of this
slowing down. There are a host of anti-inflammatory drugs that your
veterinarian can suggest to reduce the iscomfort caused by arthritis.
In many cases, an older dog will have problems
with their eyes as they develop cataracts or even glaucoma. A cataract will
become obvious to the owner as the eyes have a cloudy appearance and tend to
reflect light. Senior dogs may also develop glaucoma, an increased amount of
pressure on the eyes, and can cause more serious problems if left untreated.
The entire circulation system and many of the
major organs are taxed in older dogs. The heart, lungs, liver and kidneys all
become less efficient and the immune systems can become weak and vulnerable to
viruses and bacteria.
Serious health problems may develop in your senior dog as some of the symptoms develop
gradually. It is your responsibility to maintain your older dog's health and
remain informed of the possible senior dog health problems that
commonly arise.
Helping Your Older Dog Overcome Health Problems
As an aging dog inevitably develops health
problems, you can help alleviate many of the symptoms and keep your pet
comfortable. The most basic thing you can do is simply pay more attention to
your senior dog making sure you're aware of the changes taking place. Brush
your dog's coat daily and ask your vet if there are special shampoos to help
with her skin and coat. Spend time rubbing your hands on his coat feeling for
bumps or lesions. Be patient when your dog needs a little extra time walking up
the stairs or jumping up into the car. Make sure you make regular visits to
your vet and stay current on vaccinations. Brush your senior dog's teeth
regularly and have them professionally cleaned occasionally. Provide regular
exercise while also making adjustments needed for your dog as she ages.
As your older dog slows down, you might have
to adjust her diet to help compensate for the reduction of energy for both her
weight as well as her coat and her circulation system. Not only must the
overall calorie intake be reduced, but you can also feed your senior dog
specially formulated foods made to fit their particular needs. Try to purchase
the most expensive, best quality food you can afford and avoid greasy table
scraps.
It's an inevitable fact that dogs age, but you
can make a difference in helping your older dog overcome health problems. Keep
in mind that in the last eighty years or so the average lifespan of dogs has
increased from 7 years to
12. Expanding your knowledge and paying attention to your dogs health will help
ensure your dog lives a long and comfortable life.
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