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Old Dog Care
Old dog care (and love) is understandably important and is the best way to ensure that our dogs live to a ripe old age!
I have seen some "old" dogs (15-16 years old) that are still full of life and energy, yet I have also seen some younger dogs that are slow, sluggish and overweight. So, how old is "old" for dogs? Hard to say, really, as dogs are individual in the way they age. Generally speaking, a small dog under 20 pounds may start aging around 12 or so. Larger dogs begin to show their age at around 8 or 9.We all want our four-legged friends to be with us for as long as they can, and we can do that if we make sure that they are fed nutritious foods and supplements, have regular exercise, and receive lots of TLC! This page will focus on the general old dog care that we can give to our companion. Please also visit these pages for information on:
Old Dog Care - Things We Should DoOld Dog Care - Things to MonitorAs our pets age, we have to be more vigilant in preventing them from developing chronic diseases. Daily monitoring both the physical conditions and behavioral changes in our old dog can allow us to identify potential health problems at an early stage.As part of an old dog care regime, we should pay close attention to the following: Eating Habits If you notice a sudden but persistent change in your older dog's eating habits, such as eating more (or eating a lot less), having difficulty in eating harder dry foods, drinking a lot of water, etc., then you should consult the veterinarian for possible health problems. Weight Loss or Weight Gain Any sudden loss or gain in weight is also an indication of potential health problems and a visit to the vet is called for. Monitor your older dog's weight by weighing him at least once a month. Dental and Gum Conditions Check your dog's gums and teeth while brushing every day. Watch out for any broken or loose teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, or any ulcerations in the mouth. Check also his breath. Bad breath can be an indication of health problems as well. Body and Skin Conditions Take 5 to 10 minutes every day to groom your dog and, while grooming, check his hair and skin conditions. Watch out for extremely dry hair or dry skin, sudden increase in hair loss, and any abnormal odors. Give your dog a massage regularly. Not only will he "ooh and ahh" with pleasure, you can also take the opportunity to inspect his body - look out for lumps, bumps, or non-healing sores on the body. Body Wastes Be sure to monitor your older dog's toilet habits. Look for signs of urinary incontinence, chronic constipation, and chronic diarrhea. Also, watch your dog while he is "doing his business" to check for signs of pain while urinating or defecating. In addition, don't forget to check for the consistency, color, and odor of the wastes. Mobility It is natural that as our dogs age, they will move slower and tire faster. However, we should monitor their mobility closely so that timely action can be taken before they succumb to crippling ailments such as arthritis. If they are having difficulty going up and down the stairs, or if they are limping or show signs of lameness, we should get veterinary help immediately. In addition, we also need to pay attention to the coordination of movement in our older dogs. We need to take our dogs to the vet if they start bumping into things or losing their balance frequently. Behavioral Changes Old dog care also includes monitoring any sudden change in our older dog's temperament (e.g. becoming aggressive, depressed or suddenly developing signs of separation anxiety), since sudden behavioral changes can also be indicative of deteriorating physical health. For more information on behavioral changes in aging dogs, please visit this page. References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
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