DECEMBER 2020
PAGE 28
PETS
“
Caring for Senior Dogs: “ How to Improve Their Golden Years
Dedicated to little Chloe who lived an amazing 17 years 4 months and 9 days. By Lauri Julian
What kinds of health problems can affect older pets? In addition to senility, vision and hearing loss, older pets can develop the same health issues seen in older people including heart disease, kidney/liver disease, cancer, diabetes, and dental disease, among others. There are symptoms to look for such as increased thirst and urination or decreased/no urination, decreased appetite, poor hair coat, and vomiting, possibly indicating kidney disease. By catching it early, a supplement could help. For heart disease, symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased tolerance of exercise. If your dog is displaying these symptoms, consult your veterinarian right away. Catching health issues early is key. Also, checking your dog’s gum color is an important indicator of their health. Check out this chart for more info: https://www.petful.com/pet-health/pale-gums-in-dogs/. Some tips to improve your senior dog’s health, safety, and quality of life: • Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Exams and blood tests can catch health issues sooner and medications can help extend your pet’s life. Dental disease can seriously affect your pet’s overall health affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, and even sepsis can occur. • Keep your dog close to its ideal body weight. Feed a high-quality diet, choose one that’s right for your dog’s age, health, and lifestyle. Overweight dogs have a higher incidence of certain diseases; being underweight could There are many things to consider as our pets age. Their eyesight gets poor, their hearing diminishes, and/or they suffer from arthritis and other health problems/diseases that can greatly affect their ability to function. Senior dogs have different care requirements, but when your dog is considered senior depends on breed, size, genetics, nutrition, healthcare, and environment.
indicate kidney disease or other conditions. • Exercise your senior dog. It can help your older dog stay lean and maintain healthy joints and muscles, but take their size, breed, and health issues into consideration. • Keep them “young at heart.” Find out if they’re still interested in playing
What to expect as your dog grows older. Your dog will slow down and tire more easily. He may have difficulty getting up or finding a comfortable sleeping position. He may be reluctant to use stairs or get in/out of the car. He may be stuck in the yard, not sure how to get back in, unable to see or hear you to help guide him. Seniors may run into things and stumble; they may get underfoot. They may startle when you go to pet or pick them up. At this time in their life, it’s important to be especially patient and not get frustrated. They’re not trying to annoy or irritate you; they simply have more limitations. This is when they need your love and kindness even more. Possible behavior changes in senior dogs As our pets age, they start demonstrating behaviors that aren’t typical for them. They may react to sounds or increase vocalization, irritability, and aggression. Their interaction with humans and other pets may diminish. Also, house soiling, repetitive activity and altered sleep cycles can indicate a change in their health. They may not like to be touched as much; they may have pain, and their bodies lose muscle mass and weaken. Finding a way to show affection that your dog still enjoys is key to maintaining that part of your relationship. A senior pet may experience cognitive dysfunction – acting confused or staring off into space. They can appear disoriented, anxious and wander around the house. If your dog exhibits these symptoms, check with your veterinarian for possible treatment options to manage dog dementia.
with toys or fetch. Being around a younger dog could help them play more. • Senior proof your home. Adjust your dog’s food/water bowls so they don’t have to lean down. Watch your senior dog on the stairs – eyesight may be worse; arthritis can cause pain and weakness. Use dog gates to block stairs. • Make special accommodations for arthritic dogs. Supplements and pain/anti-inflammatory meds can help (ask your vet). Use softer bedding and ramps/steps next to your bed or car to make it easier. Rugs over hard floors can help them gain footing. • Assist pets who have cataracts or blindness. Try not to change furniture, the yard, or their daily routine if eyesight is an issue. Products like Muffins Halo can help keep them safe. www.muffinshalo.com • Find other ways to communicate if they’re hearing-impaired. Clapping your hands may help get your dog’s attention or teach non-verbal cues. • Embrace every day. Instead of feeling dread about losing your pet or not adopting a senior dog, use it as a reminder to live in the moment! Take a walk together, give them special attention and treats. Snuggle with them. For more information on caring for older pets, warning signs of disease, and human age equivalent, visit: www.avma.org/resources/petowners/petcare/seniorpet-care-faq.
