OLDER
DOGS- Helpful Tips
The
age that a dog will start to slow down physically varies with each particular
breed. Even dogs of a certain breed can age differently, with some showing and
feeling their age earlier than others. Generally, large-breed dogs like
Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds show signs of aging many years earlier than
small breeds such as Schipperkes and Toy Poodles.
Of
utmost importance to the aging pet is yearly veterinarian exams. This is the
first step in keeping your pet healthy. Your vet may also want to perform blood
tests or x-rays that will help him/her to evaluate how well your dog is doing
internally. In between visits if your dog exhibits
any symptoms of concern, contact your veterinarian for an examination and
diagnosis.
Aging
dogs need comfort, and a soft, orthopedic bed is important. Just as in people,
an aging dog's joints often deteriorate, and an orthopedic bed will reduce
pressure on the joints, resulting is less pain. With joint deterioration, slower and more painful movement
often results. If your dog has been diagnosed with
this problem, supplements such as Glucosamine have been scientifically proven to
aid arthritis and many other joint problems. Many vets recommend this product.
Your
vet may also recommend buffered canine aspirin for pain, and it is often enough
to restore comfort to an aging dog. In severe cases, prescription drugs may be
required, but keep in mind that some of the more popular prescription pain
relievers for dogs can damage organs and shorten your dog's life. It is always
wise to use a pain reliever with the least amount of side effects first. If
stronger medication is necessary, you and your vet should discuss the pro's and
con's of such medication. Certainly, the most important thing to keep in mind is
retaining a good comfort level and quality of life for your dog.
One
of the most important things you can do for your aging dog is to keep him in
proper weight. Excess weight adds stress to weakening joints, causing even more
deterioration and pain. Feeding table scraps is a leading cause of over-weight
dogs. Eliminate table scraps and feed low-fat treats. Even so, feed these sparingly. Your dog's
main source of nutrition should be a premium dog food. Don't think you are
depriving your dog if you don't feed him lots of table scraps and treats. HE has
trained YOU to feel this way. You love your dog, so show it by keeping him in
proper weight.
Just
because your dog is aging, doesn't mean that he shouldn't exercise. Moderate,
non-stressful exercise can help to maintain muscle mass and further reduce joint
stress. Consider leisurely, daily walks around the block. If it is a cold day,
be sure to put a warm sweater on your dog before going outside. Cold weather can
aggravate joint pain. Or,
if the weather is warm, and you are lucky enough to have a pool that your dog
can swim in, it can be an excellent way to keep stress off of your dog's joints
while exercising. Stop when your dog has had enough of any exercise. He'll let
you know by slowing down, panting, or appearing tired.
Another
way to help medium- and large-sized dogs is to elevate food and water bowls.
Aging pets often have soreness or stiffness in their necks, making it painful to
lower their heads to reach a food or water bowl that is on the floor. Raised
bowls can help to ease this pain while eating.
And
last,
keep your dog's teeth clean by brushing on a regular basis. Tartar-encrusted
teeth are a breeding ground for bacteria and disease, which can spread
throughout the body. Your vet can check your dog's teeth to ensure that they are
clean and healthy.
