Old Age Dogs
Just because your dog is getting older doesn't mean that he or she still can't be an active, involved member of the family. Senior dogs, which are often defined as dogs over seven years of age, are more likely to have some health issues, however with good diet, exercise and a bit of understanding these dogs will do very well. The key point to keep in mind is that senior dogs may not realize they are getting a bit older, so they do need monitoring and should not be asked or expected to do more than what they are physically capable of. Dogs have a very high tolerance for pain and will keep doing whatever the owner asks well beyond the point of feeling some minor discomfort.
To help care for your senior dog keep in mind:
• Hearing loss is common in older dogs and needs to be taken into consideration. You can test your dog's hearing by approaching him or her when they are sleeping or when their attention is somewhere else. Don't stand in their line of sight and they should not be able to see you. Call their name in a normal, low voice and watch for a response. Step closer and keep repeating the process until the dog hears you. This will give you a good idea of the range of their hearing when it comes to the specific pitch of your voice. When giving commands be at least this close or closer to the dog to ensure he or she can actually hear what you are saying. Some owners pair hand signals with voice commands when hearing loss is noted. This is a great strategy for basic commands and will help if the hearing decreases even further.
• Monitor your dog's dental health and diet. Older dogs, especially in the toy and small breeds, may begin to lose their teeth even before the seven year mark. When this happens you need to talk to your vet about switching foods or at least softening the kibble with some warmed chicken, beef or vegetable broth to make eating easier on the dog. In addition older dogs tend to be less active, although this is not an absolute in all breeds. If your older dog is not as active you may need to cut down on the size of the daily food rations to prevent weight gain.
• Slower, longer exercise is better than highly intensive exercise times. Senior dogs that have longer, brisk walks are actually going to have a better overall conditioning than those that have a very short run or a game of fetch. Both are good exercise options, just be sure to provide a good, solid exercise base. Don't rely solely on self-exercise with older dogs, especially in breeds that aren't naturally playful and active.
• Arthritis and stiffness of muscles and joints is one of the first signs of aging in many dogs. These pets need to have solid footing on non-slip surfaces so avoid having the dog lie down or sit on tile, hardwood or linoleum floors. Non-skid or slip area rugs or dog mats are a great option and provide both comfort and traction for getting up and down.
Senior dogs will continue to be an active part of the family, just remind kids and others that the dog is older and may need more rests, more attention and more sleep than he or she has in the past.
Article by Karen Olson of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on large dog beds online.
