Ageing Dogs
One of the sad realities of being a dog owner is that your
dog will probably reach old age long before you do. Ageing dogs
will need a little more attention but can still have a healthy,
enjoyable and fulfilling life in their final years.
The most important thing you can do for your dog is take
good care of them before they get old. Regular visits to the
vet will help catch any medical conditions early that could
become pronounced in old age.
Good dental care throughout your dog's life will mean that
your dog will be much less likely to suffer from gingivitis and
gum disease. Few people realise how quickly plaque and tartar
can build up on a dog's teeth so a good dental regime is
vital.
Regular exercise will ensure your dog is still in good shape
as he begins to age and is less likely to become
overweight.
Age related ailments
In old age, dogs suffer from many of the same ailments that
people do, so many older dogs will be prone to arthritis or
general muscle stiffness. You can help by giving them a little
time to loosen up before they take their walk. Providing your
dog with a nice soft dog bed will also make getting up and
lying down a little easier.
A dog bed will also provide your dog with some extra warmth
when asleep. As dog's age they lose some ability to control
their body temperature. Be mindful of leaving your dog anywhere
that they could overheat or be too cold.
Regular grooming
Your dog's skin and hair may suffer as his body produces
less of the natural oils that help keep it supple and
moisturised. Continuing to brush your dog will help stimulate
the skin to produce it's own oily secretion. You should also
talk to your vet about a shampoo or skin treatment that will
help moisturise the skin and soothe any irritation .
A dog's hearing or sight may start to fail with old age. At
first, this can be hard to detect. All dogs is familiarise
themselves with their surroundings and will adjust gradually as
they lose the use of their senses. If your dog is losing his
sight, avoid making any radical changes to the layout of the
house. An old dog can be quite adept at finding his way around
by smell and memory. You may want to restrict your dog's access
to stairs because these can be dangerous if he can't see
well.
Hard of hearing
If your dog is losing his hearing you may have to start
communicating with hand signals instead of voice commands. If
this wasn't part of your dog's initial training it may be time
for a little refresher course. Contrary to popular belief, old
dogs can learn new tricks and they'll enjoy the attention and
mental stimulation.
As your dog's muscles weaken he may become incontinent. Pay
extra attention to your dog because he will need to be let out
a little more promptly and frequently.
As dogs age they require less calories to be well nourished
and they are more susceptible to gaining weight because of
their decreased physical activity. Talk to your vet about
finding a dog food that is appropriate for your senior dog and
will help him to age gracefully.