Caring For The Older Dog

Life Expectancy:

Veterinary medicine like its human equivalent, especially in the area of geriatrics. Has made enormous advances which has seen dog’s life expectancy rise dramatically since the 1970s. This means that many of the world’s dog owners have to cope with an older dog for far longer than would have been expected in the past. Unfortunately the requirements to allow those dogs to live a healthy and comfortable life may sometimes be overlooked or not totally understood.

Numerous surveys have found that many pet owners are not aware when their pet will become a senior citizen, after all they do not get a pension or a bus pass to mark this important transition. Therefore the correct times to look at changes in lifestyle, food, and supplements that may help your dogs live far longer and happier, may be sadly disregarded.

Let’s initially look at how to age a dog in real terms. The old chestnut that states one dog year to every seven human years is one of many old wives tales that are often wrong. As a general rule of thumb it should be fifteen for the 1st year ten for the 2nd and then four years for every year thereafter. This is only an approximation. There is a chart that works on size, breed and weight that gives a more accurate picture than this.

There are more than 400 different breeds of dog in the world, though this doesn't take into account the numerous mixed breeds that are becoming increasingly popular. Dogs age at different rates depending on size, breed and more importantly weight. A Great Dane would be classed as senior at 6 or 7 years, where a small breed such as a miniature poodle would have to be almost twice that age to be classed as a senior. Weight also plays a major part in the calculation of ages

Obesity:

It is a simple fact that overweight dogs die younger, and have far more health problems than slimmer fitter dogs of the same age. Most of the problems come from three areas, over-feeding, exercise and neutering. Over-feeding and especially in puppies is a recipe for disaster.

Pups that are overfed produce extra fat cells so they can store the excess calories. Once these extra fat cells have been created, they stay with the dog for life and the dog is then going to be prone to obesity. If the pups are overweight as pups; the extra weight can also put stress on the dog’s bones that may lead to hip and elbow dysplasia and other skeleton and joint problems.

Exercise:

Lack of exercise can also be a cause of obesity. Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and fit. Of course the amount of exercise you give an older dog must be relative to the ability of declining muscle tone and bone deterioration. Some of the first sign of ageing is a tendency to sleep for longer periods, especially in a deep sleep. A reduction in general activity and a loss of drive for previous types of stimulation, such as games with toys, chase, retrieve and tug.

Neutering:

I am not against neutering for the right reasons, but I cannot understand the clamour for neutering at all cost because it is believed that it is better for the dogs. It is often not necessary and in many cases it has a detrimental effect. I totally believe neutering in puberty is intrinsically wrong and is always bad for the dogs overall well being both physically and psychologically. We should wait until the dogs are physically and mentally mature and then make the decision on whether to neuter.

There are a number of arguments for neutering adult dogs. These include marking behaviour, mounting, roaming, seasons, aggression where the aggression is shown to be hormonal, and some medical reasons. It is worth reading my articles on neutering before deciding on neutering http://www.doglistener.co.uk/neutering/neutering_definitive.shtml. What always happens, and the vets and pro neutering lobby deny this, is that spaying and castration slows down the metabolism with resultant weight gain if not carefully monitored. A strict diet and exercise regime needs to be put in place.

Common Problems of Ageing:

As dogs move into their seniority period certain problems can arise. The most common is that of arthritis and general stiffening of the joints. Arthritis can occur in any joint, most commonly the legs, neck and back (spine). I have a nine year old white German Shepherd called Kai (See Picture Above) who has arthritis and lameness in his back legs, which started to be a real problem early last year; He was really starting to struggle.

I tried many treatments, none worked all that well until I was at the East of England Showground at the major annual dog show at Peterborough. I do a display and behavioural and training talk and demonstration every year with my brother Paul. (also a behaviourist) We do two shows per day over the three day event. Working with dogs from the audience we have never worked with before, and normally sort out problems like pulling on the lead, jumping up, low attention spans and some aggressions.

Whilst at that show last year I visited the Joint Aid stand and talked with the representative about Kai. I bought a packet of joint aid and was totally amazed by the results. Kai is running around almost like a puppy. We should have this sort of treatments for humans as well? I am not easily impressed but I have to say Joint Aid has given my dogs a totally new lease of life I was lost for words and the results came a short time after starting the supplement.

This is one product I am happy to recommend. As you may see on my website I do not have many recommendations or adverts on my site . I would have to really be bowled over before I recommend any product this is one of the exceptions. This is their website JOINT AID have a chat with them they are very friendly.

Common Medical Problems: Such as hypothyroidism, which may be the cause of your pet slowing down. This is common in dogs especially after the dogs have reached four years of age and onwards, it is easily diagnosed and treated. Diabetes especially in dogs that are overweight is also common and easily treated.

Eyesight Problems: Dogs like humans have failing sight. Having said that the common misconception is when we see dogs with blue or cloudy eyes we think the dog is blind or has cataracts. In the main this more often caused by what is called venticular sclerosis and does not affect the vision of the dog. Cataracts are white or opaque.

Hearing: Again like humans this tends to fail as the dog gets older. Normally you start to notice it when the dog gets startled easily when you come up behind or it does not wake up when you are clumping around near its bed. There is nothing you can really do about this. If you want to be able to call the dog back when off the lead you can purchase a vibrating collar they are not that expensive you need to train the dog to look at you when you activate it.

Help Your Dog Live Longer And Enjoy Old Age:

Buy the dog a comfortable soft bed for its aching bones and joints. How would we like to sleep on a hard floor when we become old? Position it away from draughts and somewhere nice and warm, but make sure the temperature does not fluctuate wildly. As mentioned before obesity on failing muscles and arthritic limbs can exacerbate the problem. Older dogs especially if they are neutered do not burn off the calories as well as when they were fit and young. Therefore diet is a very important area to look at.

My food of preference is Arden Grange They have a very good chicken and rice kibble for senior dogs, with low protein and calories and increased glucosamine and chondroitin – to help to protect the joints during the ageing process. It also has boosted levels of MSM – a natural pain killer that may also improve mental alertness and relieve stress. Click picture right for further info

Regular Vet checkups are also a must to check for changes in the older dog. Ask the Vet to look at the dogs, teeth attention to dental care is very important conditions such as heart disease can result from gum disease or decaying teeth. As the dogs build up tartar you can brush their teeth or supply them with dental chews.

Incontinence:

Canine cognitive dysfunction (Senility/Alzheimer’s) means that our dogs forget basic things including house training. It is no use berating or punishing the dog for incontinence, they are often terribly upset that it has happened and it is never intentional when the dog has been fully house trained. Other reasons for incontinence are hormones oestrogen in females and testosterone in males these can affect a dog's ability to control the urethral sphincter which is muscular tissue near the base of the bladder. The sphincter acts as a valve

The production of these hormones naturally decreases as a dog ages, which is why this type of old dogs' incontinence may start as the dog reaches its senior period. Of course castrated and spayed dogs are far more prone to this type of problem as the hormones are created through the reproductive organs which in females is the ovaries and in males the testicles. These are removed during neutering therefore increasing the likelihood of incontinence as the dog ages.

Spayed or neutered dogs are more likely to develop the condition because their reproductive organs (which are responsible for the production of hormones) have been removed. An age worn sphincter can also be the cause of incontinence. Both the above problems are curable Some medications and ailments can cause the dog to drink more water and be unable to hold it in its bladder these include Cushing’s Disease and Diabetes, steroids and diuretics can also trigger this condition.

Grooming:

Because the dogs has become old it does not mean that grooming should stop, it is an important routine that solidifies the bond between owner and dog,. But also serves a purpose in a number of ways, stopping knots and tangles, alleviating shedding, tactile massage and removing thorns and other seeds.

When grooming it is worth remembering that as the dog ages it may get also get lumps, Ggowths and warts, because the skin also become less elastic and thinner it is prone to scabs, cuts, and scratches. Make sure you groom gently and carefully and be mindful of the possible damage you may cause. Sometimes a gentle massage can help painful and aching joints. The Furminator is an amazing grooming tool that will stimulate the skin and remove up to 90% of normal shedding Click image.

Finally follow the last three commandments in this piece written by me in 1993 called The Ten Commandments For Pets and you will not go too far wrong.

Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

©Stan Rawlinson January 2011

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This article was written by ©Stan Rawlinson (The Original Doglistener).
A professional full time Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer.
You can visit his website at www.doglistener.co.uk for more articles and training information.