Your Aging Dog - How to Care For Your Senior Dog
by Lorrie Davids(425)
As our dogs get older, we, their humans need to take into consideration their changing needs. I know we hate to think of our lives without them with us. Below are some things we can do to ensure the pet and the human have a wonderful, long life together.
When is your dog considered a "Senior"? Your pup's senior years can start as early as 5 years of age if he is large and as late as 9 years if your pup is small.
Food - Consider your pet's teeth. If she is going through gum issues or has lost some teeth, canned or soft food may be the best diet option. Dry food can tear up the gums, if your pet is not able to chew it. The sometimes sharp edges on dry food can poke the mouth and cause pain. Regular visits to the vet for dental hygiene can reduce the risk of this problem as your pet ages. If your dog has special needs and the vet recommends a special food to aid your pet, get it. What you spend on the food now will be much less than the cost of the vet bills to treat a problem later, not to mention your pup's pain or discomfort.
Check the food bag or box. Is the food for animals your pet's age? Pet food for Seniors is usually fortified with glucosomine, omega-3 fatty acids, and other additives your older pet needs.
Mobility - As your pet ages, she may not be able to jump up onto the bed to sleep or jump into the car for an outing. Purchasing pet steps which are sold online and at pet stores add to your pet's comfort and reduce the possibility of a fall when trying to jump up or down. As your pet gets older, he may experience joint stiffness, which turns something so simple as running or sitting pretty for a treat into a painful event for your pet. Stairs become an obstacle. If your dog has always slept at the foot of Tommy's bed on the second story of your home and he now prefers to sleep in front of the downstairs fireplace, the steps are probably too much for him.
For most dogs, a daily walk is a great idea; something that should be a lifelong occurrence. If you don't already, grab a leash and walk. You and your pet will benefit.
Do NOT give your dog aspirin (even the stuff billed as "dog aspirin") or any other pain reliever without talking to your vet first. Some things we consider harmless or helpful can cause internal problems for your dog.
Disease - Your dog can devleop diabetes, cancer, thyroid problems and kidney problems, just like we can. If you suspect there is a problem, take your dog to the vet. There is treatment available for your pet.
Mental - Did you know your dog can develop dementia or doggy alzhiemers?
We had a Malamute mix who lived almost 18 years. The last couple years of her life she would now and then forget where she was or what she was doing. She would wander the yard and not be quite sure how to get back to the porch. She had also lost most of her hearing, sight and I don't think her nose worked too well either. But, you could tell she was forgetting the places she should know. Every now and then she would bark - just once - and one of us would go pet her and let her know all was well. After that she was fine for awhile. We had a younger dog who would, on command, "go get Cinder" and help her find her way to the door. We checked with the vet to make sure she was OK and were assured she was fine and quite healthy for an old gal, but dementia had set in.
Besides the single bark, for some dogs, they forget where they are to potty and will have frequent accidents.
The most important thing is to let your pet know you are there and he is a much loved part of the family. That, along with regular trips to the vet goes a long way to helping your aging pup have a long and healthy life.
Article submitted Tuesday, February 09, 2010 & read 251 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (205 days 16 hours ago.)
Ohhh, wish I knew enough to write one about cats! Good stuff here. We have one kitty going on 14, one turning 10, one turning 5 and the baby who is just 6 months. I want to find a safe pain med for arthritis too - the glucosamine and chondroitin help but there needs to be something more?! MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(425)
You should research it and write it, Marijo. You are our resident cat expert, after all! I know there is an RX for dogs' joint pain as they age, but I don't know about cats. I don't even know the average life span of a cat. See, there are lots of things you could write about for our cat-owning audience! Thanks for reading and commenting. You are an encourager!
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