Old Dog: Senior Dog Health

Dogs typically live between 8 and 15 years.  The type of dog determines how long they live and when they become senior dogs (old dogs).  Large dogs tend to live shorter lives, and veterinarians think this is because of the load on their organs and joints.  Generally, when a dog reaches seven, he or she is considered middle aged to senior.  There is also a theory that dogs with longer noses live longer! What can you expect? Like a human, an old dog slows down.  This can be from arthritis or hypothyroidism, or just aging.  If your dog has trouble climbing stairs, or hopping in the car his or her joints may be sore or stiff.  Chondroitin and glucosamine can help.

Your old dog will likely tire more easily.  Shorter walks or less vigorous play sessions may be in order. Your dog’s muzzle and the fur around its eyes may turn grey.  Their coat may also become thin and dry.  You can help alleviate this by adding a fish oil supplement or teaspoon to a tablespoon of olive oil to their food daily to support their senior dog health. 

You should also take a look at the label of the dog food you are purchasing.  Meat based dog foods are much better than those based on grain or meal.  It’s also important to remember that with less activity, your dog’s calorie needs go down.  You may need to decrease their food intake, but increase supplements.  Old dogs can get constipated and need more fiber. If your dog starts having accidents, it may not be his or her fault.  Often spayed dogs begin to leak urine while they are resting or sleeping.  Your pet may also be suffering from a worn out sphincter.  Your vet has medication that can address this.  Because the problem might be more serious, you should take your dog to the vet for a senior dog health exam. 

In fact, older dogs, even healthy ones, should go twice a year.    While you are coping with the problem, Dogcheapsleeps.com sells waterproof beds that can be wiped clean easily. Check for lumps under your canine’s skin.  Don’t panic if you find some: dogs can develop lipomas, soft lumps on the body which are benign.  You should check with your vet, however, in case it is more serious.

If your dog is ignoring you, they may be becoming hard of hearing.  Not much can be done about this, but make sure to protect your dog against traffic or kids they may not hear coming.  Your dog may also become more fearful of noises that he or she didn’t care about before, like thunderstorms.

Vision problems including ‘cloudy’ eyes may be due to cataracts, but may also be a harmless effect called lenticular sclerosis.  Cataracts are opaque and white, lenticular sclerosis makes your dog’s eyes look hazy and bluish.  See your vet for cataracts, but LS does not seem to affect vision.

Finally, confusion.  Dogs can develop Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.  Symptoms include getting lost in the house or backyard, mixing up day and night, accidents in the house, and a change in behavior.  For instance, if a normally even tempered dog becomes aggressive to visitors in the house, it could be CCD.  There is a new drug that can treat your dog. Some dogs respond well to it, others don’t.  It is called Anipryl.  You may want to bring it up to your vet.

In short, treat your aging pet they way you’ll want to be treated when you get to be a senior citizen: medicine and supplements to make the aches and pains easier to bear, comfortable conditions and lots of love as an important part of the overall senior dog health.