Keep your senior dog happy and healthy during its final years
Just as with people, our aging pets eventually become senior citizens. When a dog reaches 7-8 years of age, veterinarians will usually begin to refer to him or her as a senior pet. There is some variation to this practice, as large breeds, such as Great Danes typically have a shorter life expectancy than small dogs, such as a Chihuahua. No matter what, it is a fact of life that our four-legged friends age much more quickly than we do. With that in mind, there are a number of important things you should do to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Do
- bring in your dog for annual or semi-annual exams
- talk to the vet regarding screening tests such as blood work and x-rays
- switch to a senior dog food
- create a safe environment for your senior dog
Don't
- avoid bringing your dog to the vet
- let problems persist to see if they will get better on their own
- treat your older dog like the puppy you brought home a decade before
- overlook things like changes in urination and eating habits
Do bring in your dog for annual or semi-annual exams
Most dogs do not complain or show signs of being sick early on in any disease process. By having your pet examined regularly, medical conditions such as arthritis and heart disease or unhealthy fluctuations in body weight may be detected early before symptoms may become evident to you. Many disease processes can be treated more effectively if caught early.
Do talk to the vet regarding screening tests such as blood work and x-rays
Just as with people, when dogs get older they can be prone to medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid and liver disease, among others. These diseases can often be caught early by having your veterinarian perform regular baseline blood work. Even if test results are normal, they will provide a good baseline for your pet and also give you peace of mind that his body is functioning normally. Just as our own physicians routinely run tests on us to keep us in good health, it’s a good to do the same thing for our pets.
Do switch to a senior dog food
As dogs age, so do their nutritional requirements. Most senior dogs are not nearly as active as their younger counterparts. As a result, their caloric and other nutritional requirements differ considerably from a younger dog or puppy. There are many high-quality senior dog foods on the market that are specifically designed for the needs of your senior pet.
Do create a safe environment for your senior dog
Many senior dogs suffer from diseases such as arthritis. This can cause muscles, joints, and bones to be stiff and painful. It is a good idea to provide these old timers with a soft bed – they’ll be grateful for it! Also, look around and see how you can make things easier for them. Carpeting or mats on hardwood floors or other slippery surfaces will go a long way to helping these guys get around. Older pets may also suffer from decreased vision, so it’s a good idea to keep outdoor areas well lit at night. Also, as much as they may enjoy playing outside, it’s a good idea to decrease the amount of time they’re exposed to the elements during the colder months of the year.
Do not avoid bringing your dog to the vet
Many dog owners are lazy about bringing their dogs into the vet unless they’re sick, causing them to miss important check-ups and vaccinations. The excuse typically offered is that the visit is too stressful for their pet, but this lack of good judgment can seriously affect older dogs. When your pet reaches his golden years, regular veterinary visits become increasingly critical. Avoiding them is one of the worst decisions you can make. Many of the medical problems found in older dogs can be treated far more successfully or even prevented if caught early.
Do not let problems persist to see if they will get better on their own
In older pets many seemingly minor medical symptoms may be part of a larger disease process. In these cases, waiting too long can be a terrible mistake. In addition, senior dogs may not have the physical capability to fight off conditions such as infections as when they were younger. Secondary complications such as dehydration may also occur more quickly in older animals.
Do not treat your older dog like the puppy you brought home a decade before
As with humans, when dogs age they cannot bounce back as quickly from routine exercise and physical activities. In addition, older dogs lack the muscle mass needed for prolonged activity while keeping themselves warm when the weather is cold. It’s important to reduce the intensity and duration of their exercise as they get older. His heart may say “play!” but allow plenty time of for senior dogs to rest and recuperate.
Do not overlook things like changes in urination and eating habits
There are a variety of medical issues — some minor, some serious — that may result in older dogs drinking and/or urinating more. Subtle changes may be difficult for a pet owner to pick up, especially if the senior pet in question is a member of a multi-pet household with communal water and food bowls. Many illnesses start with changes in eating and drinking habits. These early-warning signs are often seen long before more serious complications, such as weight loss, lethargy and vomiting, become evident.
Summary
For most of us, our pets become members of our family. They deserve to be treated with the same attention and concern we would offer any of our loved ones, especially as they age. Most dogs don’t complain and will usually hide signs of serious illness until it’s too late. By catching their problems early, and changing certain aspects of their lifestyle and diet, we can provide the necessary care for our four-legged loved ones, making them happy and comfortable throughout their golden years.
