Older Dog Health
Older Dog Health Problems - Common Health Problems Facing Senior Dogs
Like all animals, as dogs age they tend to develop health problems unique to older dogs. Many dog owners have a difficult time accepting this fact and think that their lively pooch is not an older dog and will not have health problems.
Dogs can, however, show signs of aging as early as seven years old. Older Dog Health problems generally affect larger breeds earlier than small breeds that tend to show signs of aging around 10 to 12 years of age. The fact is that senior dog health problems will eventually be a concern for every dog owner.
Common Health Problems Facing Older Dogs
All dogs are different and, depending on their size, breed and activity level, will exhibit health problems differently. However, there are common health issues that may manifest in all senior dogs including the following:
Joint and bone problems
-An overall reduction in their metabolism
-Difficulty with their eyes and ears
-Liver and kidney dysfunctions
-Skin becomes thin and less pliable while the coat becomes mottled and patchy
-Problems with teeth and gums
Unlike a little puppy who has an endless supply of energy, an older dog will tend to slow down and take longer to lay down or stand up. Instead of bounding up the stairs your senior dog might take each stair one at a time.
Your dog may develop arthritis, an inflammation of the joints causing pain and discomfort, which is generally the cause of this slowing down. There are a host of anti-inflammatory drugs that your veterinarian can suggest to reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis.
In many cases, an older dog will have problems with their eyes as they develop cataracts or even glaucoma. A cataract will become obvious to the owner as the eyes have a cloudy appearance and tend to reflect light. Senior dogs may also develop glaucoma, an increased amount of pressure on the eyes, and can cause more serious problems if left untreated.
The entire circulation system and many of the major organs are taxed in older dogs. The heart, lungs, liver and kidneys all become less efficient and the immune systems can become weak and vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.
Serious health problems may develop in your senior dog as some of the symptoms develop gradually. It is your responsibility to maintain your older dog's health and remain informed of the possible senior dog health problems that commonly arise.
Helping Your Older Dog Overcome Health Problems
As an aging dog inevitably develops health problems, you can help alleviate many of the symptoms and keep your pet comfortable. The most basic thing you can do is simply pay more attention to your senior dog making sure you're aware of the changes taking place. Brush your dog's coat daily and ask your vet if there are special shampoos to help with her skin and coat. Spend time rubbing your hands on his coat feeling for bumps or lesions.
Be patient when your dog needs a little extra time walking up the stairs or jumping up into the car. Make sure you make regular visits to your vet and stay current on vaccinations. Brush your senior dog's teeth regularly and have them professionally cleaned occasionally. Provide regular exercise while also making adjustments needed for your dog as she ages.
As your older dog slows down, you might have to adjust her diet to help compensate for the reduction of energy for both her weight as well as her coat and her circulation system.
Not only must the overall calorie intake be reduced, but you can also feed your senior dog specially formulated foods made to fit their particular needs. Try to purchase the most expensive, best quality food you can afford and avoid greasy table scraps.
It's an inevitable fact that dogs age, but you can make a difference in helping your older dog overcome health problems. Keep in mind that in the last eighty years or so the average lifespan of dogs has increased from 7 years to 12. Expanding your knowledge and paying attention to your dogs health will help ensure your dog lives a long and comfortable life.
Large Dog Breed Information - For more Older Dog Health problem related information
old dog health?
Are there any type of "diapers" for old dogs who cannot control their bladder?
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old dogs health?
i have a old dog hes 17 and his teeth are not as good as they used to be so he has a hard time eating his food and he drinks alot of water is there anything i can mix with his water that he can get protein with i take him for short little walks everyday so he dosnt get restlhess and im only 16 hes pretty much my best friend so if any one has any good answears please leave me something and if you gonna say something stupid and not answear dont bother but if you are dont talk shit behind your computher you can email me at popwarsboards356@yahoo.com and i will knock the living shit out of you but if your going to leave me a good answear thanks you
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whats my dog gonna do?
okay i talked about my 5 mo old pup and 11 yr old dog...where the pup wont do anything without the older dog (not even go outside to use the bathroom). we used to think it was cute but the older dogs health is failing and we are worried about the pup...
we try putting the pup outside alone and she just sits on the porch (even tho we kno she has to go potty)...
my question is does anyone have any suggestions to help the pup cope with doing stuff alone?
(shes 6 months old now)
any ideas greatly appreciated
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Help! Old Dog Health Question?
My old guy is 13. For the past several years he's been getting more and more digestive upsets. My poor old guy is vomiting and passing extreme amounts of really bad gas. I've put him on at least 30 different types of dog food, taken him to the vet, added and stopped medication and he continues to have the same problems. The vet continues to recommend medication and diet changes. Nothing is working and I am at my wit's end.
I love my old guy. I'm willing to spend the money on the medication or the food if it works.
My house smells horrible and I can't breathe. It just can't be healthy for anybody, human or canine.
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Would you please help me make a wise choice regarding my old dog health issue?
The facts: My old mini schnauzer, who has been a part of my family since he was a toddler is now 10 years old; he suddenly fainted twice, vet runned tests regarding heart and respiratory system; prognosis negative: his heart is bigger and kinda twisted to the right plus he's developing lung cancer; vet can't run more tests to determine the extend of cancer nor some sort of chemotherapy for dogs to try to cure it cause he'll have to sedate him and he might not wake up. He prescribed some drugs that will help him lead a decent life while he's still with us (on top I have to carry him to the kitchen or bed cause distance is kinda tiring in his condition) Today he fainted again after his afternoon meal he seems fine now; responsive and kind of alert (not as he used to be) but these episodes despite they happen in a matter of seconds also happen in a 5-day basis (last one = last monday) My mom thinks we should talk to vet to put him to sleep and avoiding suffering MONDAY; but I don't knwo what to do; he has a schedule check up Dec 31 to determine if a new EXPERIMENTAL drug to not cure but avoid cancer developing aside from lungs...I just don't know what to do...please give me your SERIOUS, SINCERE AND THOUGHTFUL OPINION cause I really don't know whom to listen to mom (put our dog out of this suffering) or vet (try said drug) I love him so much I wanna do what's right for him...he still might have a chance but I don't wanna see him suffer no more PLEASE HELP!!!
Thanks 4 UR suggestion Nancy; yes those seconds when he's knocked down stone cold either for his heart or lungs are both just horrible and crucial cause I gotta act fast on a resusitation technique vet instructed me to...so far it has done the job; BTW the term of Put Him DOWN gives me the real chill creeps; I PREFER= PUT HIM TO SLEEP
Thank you Janelle; that's the kind of suffering I want to avoid and that's why is so hard for me to make this desicion; I wanna be responsible for his welfare not his murder...I just don't know what to do, but I asure you he ain't going to suffer...
Bonzie, Hereema and Weke; Thanks for your advices I will totally have them in mind; specially Bonzie's cause I know that keeping him with us is what I really want but also I must make sure that he'll fine while he's here; I will check and double check the pros and cons of this drug; how much good can it be and how damage can it make too!
KEKER I just printed the test you provided me and will answer it in a better state of mind tomorrow and even show it to the vet so he can professionally evaluate it; God, whom ever you might consider He is, bless you!!!
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