A New Look at Senior Dogs

According to the November, 2002 issue of Dogwatch, the newsletter from Cornell University College of  Veterinary Medicine, "The oldest dog on record lived 29 years". Unfortunately, the average dog's life span is considerably shorter than the statistic from Cornell and in fact, boxers, pugs, wolfhounds and many mastiff breeds seldom live past nine years. Dogs undergo a wide range of physical and metabolic changes in their senior years which cause them discomfort and affects their behavior.

Arthritis may restrict mobility, obesity may influence their cardiovascular system and their immune system can become less efficient. In addition, the endocrine system experiences hormonal changes which cause tumors, skin tags, growths and fatty deposits. Behavioral changes include increased sleep, wandering, inappropriate elimination, disorientation, memory and learning problems. Dog owners may feel anxious and helpless and frustrated when observing these changes and it is important to learn how to care for canine seniors.

Some owners think that seniors' should have a lower activity level, but this may only make them become more sedentary and daily walks and play time should continue for as long as possible. Regular exercise will stimulate the brain the muscles and should be encouraged.  A consistent program of weight control is vital at this age, and less body weight will make getting up and down easier and arthritis or dysplasia will be easier to cope with when a dog is not overweight.

These days, dogs undergo medical procedures and treatments which were once only available to humans and pacemakers may be installed, organ transplants are available, joint replacements are more common and dogs with Cancer often get chemotherapy.

Good advice for caring for your canine seniors:

*  Put safety gates across stairways so arthritic pets don't attempt to climb up or down stairs where their stiff joints may cause a fall and serious injury.

*  Avoid accidents, by wiping up spills around water bowls and remove your senior when mopping floors.

*  Adapt your senior dog's diet to his needs and avoid overfeeding him/her.

*  Senior are more sensitive and require gentle shampoos and other senior products.

*  Elevate food and water if your senior has trouble bending to eat or drink.

*  Use sweaters and booties to protect your senior from cold weather. Avoid walking them during the heat of the day when temps rise high above 90 degrees.

*  Increase annual check-ups to semi-annual visits to the vet.

*  Give your senior lots of tender love and attention !

As a result of advancements in veterinary medical care, many dogs are living longer lives and an estimated 13.6 million pet dogs in the United States are eight years old or older which means that a substantial number of senior canines are at risk for developing age-related behavioral and medical disorders.

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