If your dog is 'getting up there' in years, there are a number of things to keep in mind for your aging pooch. Today, our Tucson vets discuss old dog care, their needs, and how you can make an old dog happy and comfortable.
Senior Dogs & Aging
You've probably heard that one human year is roughly equivalent to seven dog years, but it's a little more complicated than that. Breed and size influence how quickly your dog ages; for example, small-breed dogs age more slowly than large and giant-breed dogs. However, there are a few general guidelines for determining when a dog is considered senior: around 10-12 years for small breeds, around 8-9 years for medium breeds, and around 6-7 years for large and giant breeds.
Veterinary Care For Geriatric Dogs
Physical, mental, and behavioral changes are all-natural as your pet ages. Some common signs of aging in dogs, such as white or grey hairs on their face and muzzle, do not require special veterinary attention, but loving pet parents should be on the lookout for signs that a trip to the veterinarian's office is in order. These are a few examples:
- Weight fluctuation (gain or loss)
- Poor or worsening hearing/vision
- Sleep abnormalities (sleeping too much/not enough)
- Mental dullness
- Dental disease and tooth loss
- Loss of muscle tone
- Arthritis and joint issues
- Reduced liver, kidney, and heart function
If you notice these signs in your older pooch, book a wellness check with your vet. By taking your senior dog for routine wellness exams, you're giving your veterinarian the chance to screen for any emerging geriatric conditions and begin treatment as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will also assess your senior dog's nutrition and mobility and make recommendations for diet or exercise adjustments that may benefit your dog.
As dogs get older, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian on a regular basis for checkups. Besides an annual or biannual exam, it is suggested that pet parents get yearly blood work done for their senior dogs.
It's recommended that you do blood work to check your senior dog's white and red blood cells and their kidney and liver function to make sure that they're healthy. This is an easy way of being able to detect any kind of disease.
How to Take Care of an Old Dog
Nutrition
Your dog's nutritional requirements are likely to change as he or she ages. Many senior dogs slow down and become less physically active, making them more prone to obesity. Excess weight in your dog can lead to a variety of health issues, including joint pain and cardiovascular disease. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if your dog's diet needs to be adjusted, which could include restricting your dog's daily calorie intake or switching to weight-loss food.
There is also a range of prescription diets and supplements available for senior dogs that are targeted to the various health conditions that senior dogs experience. Speak with your vet to see if they recommend a specific diet or supplement for your pup.
Aside from the physical benefits of a healthy diet, proper nutrition may help your dog retain cognitive function as they age. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from dementia or conditions similar to Alzheimer's, but feeding your dog a high-omega-3-fatty-acid diet, combined with regular exercise, may help them maintain mental alertness.
Exercise (Physical & Mental)
As with humans, keeping the body and mind active is important for better health as your dog ages. Maintaining a regular schedule of physical activity can help your canine companion keep their weight within a healthy range and exercise their joints.
It's important to pay attention to your dog's comfort and capabilities, though; if you notice your dog is struggling with the lengthy walks they used to enjoy, try taking them out for shorter, more frequent walks. Slowing down or showing reluctance to play fetch or go for walks can also be a sign of painful conditions like arthritis or other joint inflammation, so be sure to call your regular vet to make sure your pet receives any necessary treatment.
Along with regular physical exercise, it is important that senior dogs also receive mental stimulation. It really is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks – or introduce a puzzle game or toy that they'll enjoy solving for kibble or treats hidden inside. There are many options for your pooch in pet supply stores and online.
Keep Your Senior Dog Comfortable
In addition to ensuring they receive the proper veterinary care, nutrition, and mental and physical exercise, there are a few other things you may want to think about doing to help your aging dog or cat live out their golden years in comfort:
- Orthopedic dog bed, heated dog bed (or heating pad/mat set to low heat under a blanket in their sleeping area) for dogs with joint pain or stiffness
- More carpeting around a home with tile, laminate, or wood floors can reduce slipping or tripping hazards for your older dog (some dogs also do well with dog socks that have non-slip soles)
- Pet gates (or baby gates) can be placed at the top or bottom of stairs to prevent tripping or falling hazards
- Improve accessibility with dog ramps to help your pet go up and down the stairs, on furniture, or into cars; elevating their food and water bowls can also help with neck and back pain
- If your dog has vision issues, seeing at night will be harder for them; some nightlights around the home will help them navigate
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.