Symptoms of old age begin at different times in different dogs. This "individual difference" may be due to the dog's breeding, diet, environment, life style, and general health. No one can tell how long a dog is going to stay fit or how long it's going to live. There are some general "rules of thumb" that can help the dog owner estimate the longevity of his dog. The larger breeds generally have a shorter life span than the smaller breeds. This seems to be due to their tendency to "burn themselves out" more rapidly. It seems that a dog ages approximately seven "years" in one calendar year. Thus at five years of age a dog is roughly equivalent to a 35-year-old human. It shouldn't be surprising, therefore, to find six-year-old dogs with the typical problems of a middle aged man —cardio vascular disease, kidney disease, and digestive disturbances.

With the advent of modern medical therapy, the life span of your dog can also be extended. Problems which in past years were unbeatable and could be solved only with euthanasia are today being medicated. Regular yearly check-ups can make early diagnosis and treatment possible, thus hopefully guaranteeing a longer and healthier life for your pet.

Kidney Disease
The most frequent affliction of the older dog is chronic kidney disease. Most deaths of older dogs are caused by this condition. The symptoms are increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, and weakness. The diagnosis can be made by laboratory tests and prompt treatment may save the dog.

Heart Disease
Symptoms of this condition are coughing, excessive tiring, and fainting. If the disease is allowed to advance, it will lead to congestive heart failure signaled by fluid in the abdomen and swelling of the limbs. Your veterinarian can treat cardio-vascular disease with drugs, as well as recommending special diets and limited exercise.

Dog Dental Problems
The older dog is often beset by loose or infected teeth; these should be extracted. This condition is due to natural aging as well as neglect. All dogs should have regular dental check-ups. Tartar should be removed before it is allowed to damage tooth enamel and gums. Periodic brushing of the teeth with salt and soda is recommended. Hard dog biscuits are also helpful in maintaining sound oral hygiene. If a dental problem is present, hard items should be avoided.

Old Dog Diet
If your older dog is not displaying any digestive difficulties or gaining excess weight, then the regular maintenance diet can be continued. However, constipation and poor appetite often plague the older pet. Your veterinarian can prescribe a special diet to alleviate some of these problems.

Signs of Aging
At about six to seven years of age the dog's beard will probably begin to gray. Typically, then, the eyes begin to fail, followed by the hearing and finally the heart.

Whether to have your vet put the dog to sleep should only become a concern if the dog is suffering or if it becomes a real burden. Some dogs live to be 13 years or older, age gracefully, and then die peacefully and naturally. This will undoubtedly be a most painful loss, and in all probability the only grief that dog ownership will bring you.

The End
The question of disposing of the remains does arise. Some people have their veterinarian handle this task, other with strong emotional ties are desirous of a lasting memento. This need seems to have created a new commercial endeavor—the pet cemetery and pet coffins. We know a family that is very active in the dog fancy—owns perhaps up to 40 dogs at one time, shows, breeds, grooms, etc.—and they have their favorite buried in the back yard under a special marker. Time will tell how you personally wish to handle this delicate matter.

What Next?
To ease the inevitable loss, consider getting another dog—perhaps a puppy—to keep your senior citizen company during his declining years. Frequently a young playmate instills new vim into an older pet and you may see frolicking and playing like never before. Avoid jealousy by still letting the older one have his own possessions, special spot and your love and attention. If you handle this successfully the results can be fantastic; your dog has a companion and when old age finally takes its toll you are not totally alone. The other solution is to adopt another dog after your pet departs. However, the difficulty is that finding the right one is often not so easy or so quick and with a saddened heart you may not be as discriminating and objective as you would wish. In any case, do get another dog! Don't believe that because of the grief just suffered that you won't do it again! Nonsense! If you've enjoyed dog ownership and all its rewarding experiences then by all means start anew. The next endeavor may be even more satisfying and enjoyable.