| Various Size Dogs Reach Senior Years at Various | | | | A senior dog's breath may change or become more |
| Times | | | | noticeable due to increased tartar build-up from |
| Let's talk about some of the physical and biological | | | | previous years. Unless your dog has been getting |
| changes that happen as dogs age. Dogs age at | | | | regular dental cleaning. Even those commercialized |
| different rates depending on their physical size. For | | | | chew toys that claim to clean teeth are not enough. |
| example, larger dog breeds generally have a shorter | | | | The senior dog may also have swollen gums that may |
| lifespan than smaller dogs. So we can say that the | | | | bleed occasionally and add to mouth odor. In some |
| larger dog reaches his or her senior years sooner than | | | | cases a change in dog's breath is a sign of other |
| a small breed dog and will have the associated health | | | | medical conditions in the body and it is a good idea to |
| issues earlier. | | | | visit with your veterinarian. |
| Grey Hair | | | | Changes in Bowel and Bladder |
| Regardless of size, aging dogs will start to get grey | | | | The older dog may have to void more frequently and |
| hair around their muzzle and chin in late adulthood. This | | | | have more difficulty holding his or her bowels as well |
| is a gentle sign of slow aging and is not too alarming at | | | | when he or she was younger. Provide your dog with |
| first. The dog can remain healthy for years regardless | | | | more frequent opportunities for elimination. On average |
| of the slight graying in physical appearance. | | | | every 3-4 hours. For some elderly dogs even more |
| Decreased Energy | | | | frequent. An increase in accidents in the house even |
| Your dog will slowly lose his or her energy level. You | | | | when house trained, is normal and should not be |
| will notice that your dog will have less patience for the | | | | punished because the dog is aging. The dog knows |
| hyperactive games he or she used to play before. | | | | better, he or she just can't control it. It is a sign to |
| The dog still may want to play, but will not be able to | | | | increase the opportunity your dog is given to void |
| play for prolonged periods of time. You will know when | | | | outside, in the proper area. |
| the dog wants to stop because he or she will lose | | | | Emergency Signs in Your Aging Dog |
| interest. Also, because of normal age-related changes | | | | Get your dog checked out right away if: |
| the muscles and joints weaken, and the dog may be | | | | Your dog's gait suddenly changes (drunken gait, |
| more susceptible to injury. You and your dog can still | | | | uncoordinated, staggering) |
| play these games, just go slower, for shorter time | | | | Sudden blindness, hearing loss, head tilt |
| periods and use caution. | | | | Any breathing difficulties |
| Decreased Body Mass | | | | Sudden decrease in eating or drinking |
| The senior dog's body starts to lose the fatty tissue | | | | Sudden increase in eating or especially drinking |
| and collagen layer under the skin. Similar to human | | | | (copious amounts) |
| aging. This means that some weight loss is normal for | | | | Sudden increase in voiding, especially frequent urination |
| an aging dog. However, any weight loss should be | | | | Constantly licking, scratching or biting him or herself. |
| checked out by a veterinarian as it is usually not | | | | Diarrhea and vomiting, especially if more than 'a few' |
| normal. Your aging dog will become increasingly more | | | | continuous bouts |
| boney. | | | | It is important to note that I am not a certified |
| Thinning Fur | | | | Veterinarian. I am offering this information only as a |
| The dog's coat thins and the shed fur may not appear | | | | general guide, that I myself find useful to know, and |
| as "fluffy" as it was prior to aging. Some dogs may be | | | | hopefully you will too. What I can tell you is - any |
| more susceptible to cold weather at this point with the | | | | SUDDEN CHANGE in your dog is NOT NORMAL and |
| thinning hair and loss of fatty tissue. | | | | should be followed up with a visit to the vet. Also, older |
| Change in Diet | | | | dogs cannot medically compensate as well or for as |
| The veterinarian will best advise you on when to start | | | | long as younger dogs. This means that they cannot |
| your dog on a senior formula dog food. Probably, by | | | | tolerate acute illness as well. For example prolonged |
| the time most of these changes are happening the | | | | vomiting and diarrhea, can really quickly dehydrate an |
| dog will have been eating a senior formula for a while | | | | older dog and make the older dog a bigger medical |
| already. The senior formulas and less rich and | | | | emergency, because the older dog's body cannot |
| supposed to be easier on the aging dogs digestive | | | | function as well to keep itself going under the stress of |
| tract. | | | | the sudden illness. |
| Change in Sleep | | | | Signs of Pain in Dogs |
| Senior dogs sleep longer and harder. You are probably | | | | Decreased appetite |
| used to the family dog lightly napping throughout the | | | | Choosing to walk on softer surfaces (Grass instead of |
| day, but waking up with effervesces at the slightest | | | | cement) |
| noise, excitement or sight of food. While the aging dog | | | | Guarding of limbs (Hold a leg up, not putting pressure |
| may sleep harder and need more coaxing to get out | | | | on it) |
| of bed. It is okay to let them rest. Make sure he or she | | | | Excessive licking, biting or scratching at skin or limbs |
| has a clean, soft and supportive bed. Some pet stores | | | | Whining or waling when the affected area is touched |
| will sell special orthopedic beds. | | | | Acting out aggressively (to protect him or herself from |
| Blindness and Deafness | | | | getting hurt further) |
| Dogs can lose their hearing and eye sight with age. | | | | Reluctant to move or get out of bed |
| Older dogs can be blind and deaf, or hard of hearing. | | | | As the dog's owner, you will know when your senior |
| Very fast moving objects such as other dogs or | | | | dog has pain by getting to know his or her behavior to |
| young children may frighten the older dog. Any sudden | | | | age-related changes. You will be able to see how |
| loud noises may startle the aging dog. As an owner it | | | | comfortable the dog is by looking in your dog's eyes. |
| is best to ease distraction and provide a calm | | | | You can work effectively with your veterinarian to |
| environment when possible. | | | | come up with the best pain control regime for you and |
| Changes in 'Dog Breath' | | | | your dog. |