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How Do I Know When My Dog Is a “Senior”?

Most dogs enter their golden years between seven and 10 years of age, with large/ giant breeds becoming seniors earlier than small breeds. Many breeds experience a graying of their coat as they age, particularly around the muzzle—but there are other, more subtle signs that your dog is aging.

Her hearing may not be as sharp as it once was, her fur may be thinner, and she may take a little longer to get up and out of bed in the mornings. It is also perfectly normal for an older dog to sleep more than he used to and to tire more quickly when playing. In healthy dogs, these changes occur slowly, over time, at a gradual pace that you probably won’t even notice.

How Often Should My Older Dog See the Vet?

It is important that dogs have an annual checkup or “wellness” visit with their vet. This is even more important as they age, so talk to your vet about whether such visits should become more frequent. ASPCA experts recommend that healthy senior dogs see the vet every six months. Make sure the exams are thorough—vets should listen to your dog’s heart and lungs, take their temperature and examine your dog’s skin, fur, ears, eyes, mouth, teeth and internal organs. They may also order routine screening tests for early detection of problems.

What Health Issues Are Common in Older Dogs?

There are many health issues more common to aging dogs, including:

kidney and liver disease
more frequent intestinal problems
prostate disease and testicular cancer
breast cancer and infected uterus
diabetes
arthritis and degenerative joint disease
cognitive problems

What Lifestyle Changes Will Help My Older Dog?

Dogs, especially older ones, tend to love routine. But for the sake of her health, your vet may recommend the following changes:

Aging animals undergo metabolic and body composition changes. Some of these are unavoidable, but others can be managed with diet. Dog foods formulated for seniors should be lower in fat, but not lower in protein (ask your vet for a recommendation).

Since smaller dogs live longer and don't experience age-related changes as early as bigger dogs, size is used to determine when it’s time to feed your canine a senior diet:
Small breeds/dogs weighing less than 20 pounds—7 years of age
Medium breeds/dogs weighing 21 to 50 pounds—7 years of age
Large breeds/dogs weighing 51 to 90 pounds—6 years of age
Giant breeds/dogs weighing 91 pounds or more—5 years of age

More frequent feedings are easier on a dog’s digestive system than one or two large meals a day.

Some vets feel that aging dogs benefit from the addition of dietary supplements, also known as “nutriceuticals.” Common nutriceuticals added to senior food formulas include glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene and extra vitamin C and vitamin E. Speak with your vet about whether your dog needs additional supplements for specific health issues.

What Can I Do to Make My Senior Dog More Comfortable?

- Older dogs are unable to regulate body temperature as effectively as young dogs, and should be kept warm, dry and indoors when not outside for exercise. Likewise, senior dogs are extra sensitive to heat and humidity. Please take precautions to protect them from conditions that could cause heatstroke.
- An arthritic pet may appreciate ramps in the home, extra blankets and an orthopedic bed.
- If your dog is losing his sight or hearing, remove obstacles and reduce his anxiety by keeping floors free of clutter.
- Regular tooth brushing (with special dog toothpaste, please) will help cut down on excessive plaque that can lead to a host of problems, but many senior dogs will require professional cleanings under general anesthesia.

What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About in My Older Dog?

If you notice any unusual symptoms, please don’t wait for your regularly scheduled checkup to see your vet. Call right away. Symptoms to watch out for and promptly report include incontinence, lumps, constipation or diarrhea, shortness of breath, coughing, weakness, unusual discharges, changes in weight, appetite, urination or water intake, stiffness or limping, increased vocalization and uncharacteristic aggression or significant behavior change.

HIP DYSPLASIA

What Is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition resulting from an improperly formed hip joint. Because the joint is loose, the dog's leg bone moves around too much, causing painful wear and tear.

How Can I Tell if My Dog Has Hip Dysplasia?

Some cases of hip dysplasia are so mild there are no symptoms, but if your dog seems stiff or sore in the hips when getting up, if he seems hesitant to exercise, stand on his hind legs or climb stairs, or if he’s limping or bunny-hopping, a visit to the vet is in order.

When Do Dogs Develop Hip Dysplasia?

Each case is different, depending on the dog. Hip dysplasia can begin to develop in puppies of five months old and worsen as they age—or not show up at all until a dog has reached geriatric years. In many cases, though, the condition becomes visible in dogs in their middle or later years.

How Is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?

An evaluation for hip dysplasia will likely include a physical examination, radiographs and manual tests on your dog’s hip.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia commonly affects larger breeds of dogs, including German shepherds, Rottweilers, retrievers, Great Danes and St. Bernards. However, dogs of all breeds and all sizes are susceptible to this inherited condition.

How Can Hip Dysplasia Be Treated?

Because hip dysplasia is caused by an inherited defect, there are no products that can prevent its development. There are several surgical options, including a complete hip replacement. However, a combination of healthy diet, maintaining a normal weight, exercise, massage, warm and dry sleeping areas, joint supplements, anti-inflammatories and pain-relieving medication can help manage the condition. Your vet will help you with a daily pain-relieving program that is right for your dog.

Should Dogs with Hip Dysplasia Exercise?

Talk to your dog’s veterinarian about a good exercise program. Walking and moderate running can help strengthen the muscles around the joint. Your vet may recommend that you try for two 20-minute walks each day—just be sure to let your dog set the pace. As a general rule, it’s smart to avoid jumping or running for long distances. If you can, consider letting your dog swim for exercise—swimming is excellent for the muscles surrounding his joints.

Can Proper Diet Help Alleviate Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?

Weight plays an important role in the comfort of your dog’s hips. Extra weight can add stress to hip joints, so make sure your dog is on a healthy diet, especially if he's a large breed. You can work with your vet to find the right eating regimen for your dog.

What Else Can I Do to Ease My Dog’s Pain?

Talk to your vet about the following tips:

Apply a warm water bottle for 15 minutes twice a day.
Massage the muscles around his hip joints, gently rubbing in a circular motion with your fingertips for ten minutes at the most. (Pay attention to his response. If massage seems to irritate your dog’s hip, don’t continue.)
Buffered aspirin may take the pain away, too, but speak with your vet first about proper dosage, administration and side effects. There are many newer prescription painkillers available as well to help keep your dog pain-free.
Keep your dog out of damp, chilly weather.
Provide traction on slippery floors: Dogs with hip dysplasia often have a hard time on slippery floors, so lay carpet down, and if he needs to climb stairs or jump up into the car, a carpeted ramp will make it a lot easier on him.
Provide a firm, orthopedic bed for your dog.

What Are Some Other Health Issues Associated With Hip Dysplasia?

When a dog has hip dysplasia, the looseness of the hip can cause painful wear and tear on the joint that can result in arthritis. So if your dog has hip dysplasia, it’s important to keep up a daily regimen to relieve pain and help prevent the condition from progressing.

ARTHRITIS

What Is Arthritis?

Canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is characterized by pain and inflammation in a dog’s joints. Arthritis is caused by the breaking down of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the bones that form a joint. Once the bones are exposed, painful wear and tear can occur.

What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis In Dogs?

Dogs who have canine arthritis may:

Walk stiffly
Limp or favor certain limbs
Show stiffness or discomfort when getting up from a lying-down position
Display lameness in certain limbs
Appear to have stiff, swollen or sore joints
Seem to experience pain when touched in certain areas
Seem to find certain positions uncomfortable or painful
Suffer loss of flexibility in their joints
Be hesitant to jump, run or climb stairs

How Is Canine Arthritis Diagnosed?

A veterinarian may conduct a physical exam, take radiographs and perform other diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of your dog’s pain. He or she will also check your dog’s medical history for previous injuries and consider possible inherited conditions.

What Causes Canine Arthritis?

Canine arthritis can occur as a result of:

A joint infection
Dislocation
Trauma
An inherited condition, such as hip dysplasia
Immune system problems
Obesity
Ligament, tendon or muscle injury
Fracture of bone that involves a joint
Aging and natural erosion of cartilage

Note: If a larger dog suffers any injuries or sprains during his growth period, this can cause him to develop arthritis later in life.

Which Dogs Are Prone To Canine Arthritis?

Although certain larger breed dogs such as mastiffs and Great Danes are susceptible to arthritis, the condition can develop in all breeds and mixed breeds as the result of joint infection, dislocation, trauma or family genetics. Elder dogs also often develop arthritis as a result of aging.

Can Canine Arthritis Be Prevented?

Keeping your dog fit with exercise and proper nutrition may, in some cases, help prevent arthritis, or possibly slow its progression once the condition has set in. In fact, if your dog is a larger breed, it's necessary to monitor the type and amount of food given when his bones are still growing. However, arthritic conditions cannot always be predicted or prevented, especially those that are inherited.

How Can Canine Arthritis Be Treated?

Once symptoms of arthritis set in, there is no cure. It’s important for you to work with your veterinarian to create a program to minimize your dog’s pain while keeping him healthy. Some general treatment options may include:

Possible use of antibiotics, painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications
Possible use of nutritional supplements to help replenish cartilage
Healthy diet and regular, low-impact exercise
Thorough research of new products on the market that may ease your pet's discomfort
Weight loss, if necessary

Note: Please do not give your dog human medication without first checking with your vet.

Are Dogs with Arthritis Able to Exercise?

Generally, dogs with arthritis should engage in daily low-impact exercise such as walking or, if possible, swimming.

How Can I Make My Dog More Comfortable?

If your dog has arthritis, here are a few ways that you can make her more comfortable.

Give her soft bedding.
Have short, gentle play sessions.
Provide her with gentle massages and physical therapy.
Place food and water bowls on a low table or crate, or in a raised feeder, to avoid neck and spine strain.
Groom the areas of her body that may be hard for her to reach.
Buy her a firm, orthopedic foam bed.
Get a portable dog ramp to allow her access to the car or other areas where she’ll have to jump or climb.

The above articles were provided by ASPCA: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-dental-health.html

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