Elderly Dogs Deserve Special Attention

Provided by FDA

With advancements in veterinary medicine and nutrition, pets are living longer than ever before. Geriatric medicine is gaining in popularity as the demand grows for more attention for our aging pet population.

Most dogs are considered "old" at around eight or nine years of age. Large and giant breeds are considered middle-aged at around six or seven. Smaller breeds tend to live much longer than large breeds, even into their mid-teens.

Canine senior citizens have more needs and require more attention. Their sight and hearing may diminish, and they will require more sleep and move more slowly. Stairs may become a hardship, so sleeping arrangements may need adjusting. They need to go out more often, as bladder and bowel control may weaken with age. They still need appropriate exercise, frequent grooming and proper nutrition. And, since they may have fewer teeth, a soft diet may be necessary.

Most changes during the aging process occur gradually, but there are several things to watch for and preventative steps to take to ensure that your favorite dog will keep active and healthy into his/her golden years. Regular veterinary examinations are critical to a dog’s health. It is important to keep a detailed medical history and continue regular veterinary visits to ensure a long, healthy life for your dog.

Obesity is a major problem with dogs in our society, since owners tend to feed table scraps in excess. Serious health problems may result from obesity. Extra weight puts a strain on the animal’s heart, lungs, skeleton, and muscles, and it also lowers resistance to disease. Regular moderate exercise and proper nutrition are essential to maintain optimal weight and health.

Arthritis often affects older dogs, slowing them down and lessening their ability to climb steps or jump up on a favorite chair. If your dog shows signs of arthritis, your veterinarian can examine him and may suggest radiographs. Your veterinarian may then be able to prescribe an appropriate medication to lessen the pain and give your dog more mobility.

Heart disease is more common in aging dogs. Initial signs include coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and even fainting spells. If heart disease is diagnosed in the early stages, though, medications are available to treat the symptoms and help your dog live a more normal life.

Your dog will benefit from regular grooming to stimulate the coat and skin. During grooming sessions, check for skin disorders, dry, irritated skin or oozing sores under the coat. This is a good time to notice any lump or growth that has appeared. Often these are benign growths, but they may require surgery, especially if they are still growing. Your veterinarian can help guide you with these decisions.

Bathing is only suggested on rare occasions, since frequent baths remove natural protective oils from the skin. If your dog is dirty, or shows evidence of fleas, he may be bathed in lukewarm water using mild shampoo. Be sure to rinse the soap thoroughly. Also look for parasites that may cause discomfort. Fleas are common, but can be controlled by oral medication or topical products including powders, sprays, collars or dips. Contact your veterinarian for recommended prevention or treatment.

Your dog’s eyes should be cleaned of any discharge with a soft cloth moistened with water or saline solution. Ear discomfort is indicated by scratching or head shaking. Infections can settle deep in the ear canal and should be treated by your veterinarian immediately.

Your dog’s mouth should be examined periodically for signs of gum disease and tartar accumulation. This is an important part of the annual veterinary examination, and any problems should be addressed immediately. Many older dogs lose their teeth, or they may be extracted if disease or infection is detected.

Elderly dogs may exercise less frequently on hard surfaces to keep their nails filed down, so it is your job to clip their nails in order to keep them comfortable. Neglected nails may cripple a dog.