In addition to graying of the muzzle, some changes may occur as the dog ages. Older dogs have more health problems than younger dogs, but they can still be playful, loving companions.
Harmony Peraza, a veterinary technician and research subject manager for the Dog Aging Program at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, discusses the most common health conditions that can occur in older dogs.
While there are some differences between breeds, dogs are generally considered to be 8 years old. Large dogs may age faster, becoming older as early as age 6 or 7, while small dogs may not start showing signs of aging until age 9 or 10.
Signs of an aging dog
One of the most common problems in older dogs is arthritis, which causes the dog to move stiffly and slowly, and sometimes gain weight due to reduced activity. Providing soft surfaces and reducing exposure to the elements are simple ways to help dogs with arthritis stay comfortable.
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“I also recommend seeking advice from your dog’s veterinarian for supplements and, in some cases, medications that may help relieve arthritis discomfort,” says Perazza. “Aging doesn’t have to be painful for your dog.”
Many dogs also lose their hearing and vision as they age, but that doesn’t mean they can no longer live full and happy lives.
“If you notice that your older dog seems withdrawn, sleeps deeper than usual, doesn’t find you as easily when on the phone, or looks lost and confused, these may be signs that he or she has lost some vision or hearing ability. ,” Perazza said.
Blind and deaf dogs are good at finding new ways to navigate and stay active, but they do require more patience and understanding from their owners.
“Even blind dogs get along just fine,” Perazza said. “It is recommended to place furniture or items in the home and yard in an order that the dog is familiar with. Rearranging items can create confusion and cause the dog to bump into the newly arranged items.”
Dogs have an increased risk of cancer as they age, and “wear and tear” of vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. If an older dog has increased panting, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite, thirst, or urination frequency, a visit to the veterinarian should be taken as these may be symptoms of heart and kidney problems.
Pet owners can help prevent heart and kidney problems in older dogs by maintaining oral hygiene.
“Red gum line and tartar on a dog’s teeth indicate bacteria or infection in the mouth,” says Perazza. “Bacteria get into the bloodstream and directly affect the health of your pet’s heart and kidneys. Dental disease is more than just bad breath and unsightly teeth.”
In addition to physical changes, an elderly dog can also develop dementia, causing it to appear withdrawn or confused.
“Keeping dogs engaged through play and training activities may help keep their brains healthy and sharp,” says Perazza. “In addition, your veterinarian can recommend special foods and supplements that, in some cases, may help delay or reduce the onset of aging.”
Finally, it may be common to find an older dog napping, but a dog that has suddenly become less active should be evaluated by a veterinarian. While chronically active dogs are expected to be somewhat lazy, excessively sedentary behavior may indicate a health problem. Although dogs may develop health conditions as they age, they can still make great pets and live well.
Adjust to your senior’s needs
Throughout their lives, dogs are experts at showing unconditional love and acceptance for their owners. Once dogs reach old age, owners can reciprocate this love by helping them stay comfortable, happy, and healthy.
While the adage may be “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” old dogs can often do anything a younger dog can, as long as they have patience and the help of their owners.
“Older dogs can learn new tricks! In fact, older dogs may be easier to teach,” says Perazza. “They may have longer and more focused attention spans than puppies. Also, teaching your older dog new things can help him keep his mind sharp and slow the signs of aging.”
Owners can also help older dogs stay younger by making small changes to their diet and activities to better adapt to their aging bodies.
A veterinarian may recommend changes to the senior dog’s diet to treat certain medical conditions, encourage weight loss, or help maintain an ideal weight.
“Typically, older dogs don’t need to consume the same number of calories as younger dogs,” says Perazza. “This can be achieved by simply reducing feeding or switching to lighter or lower-calorie foods.”
Older dogs may need fewer calories, but that doesn’t mean they should lead sedentary lives. If strenuous exercise like running or jumping is too difficult for an older dog, it can still benefit from walking, jogging, swimming or playing.
Just like with younger dogs, regular veterinary visits are important to keep older dogs healthy and comfortable. Peraza recommends taking older dogs to a veterinarian every 6 to 12 months for check-ups and lab work, and to keep up with flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasite control.
“Regular monitoring of your dog’s health can lead to early detection of problems, and early detection of problems can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome,” says Perazza.
Most importantly, owners should remember to give older dogs the love, attention, and comfort they deserve.
“Provide your puppy with a comfortable, cool place to rest,” says Perazza. “Bathing and grooming regularly is a great way to not only keep your dog clean, but also provide your elderly family member with the opportunity for a nice little massage.
“A little patience, understanding and a gentle hand can go a long way in an older dog,” she says.
Dogs love us all their lives, so the least we can do is make sure they are loved to the end.
Saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of owning a dog, but researchers across the U.S. are taking some first steps toward extending the lives of our canine companions.
“We all want to help our companion dogs live longer,” said CVM Associate Professor Kate Creevy, Ph.D. “To do that requires a better understanding of the dog’s aging process. The Dog Aging Project brings together a team of A community of veterinarians, researchers and volunteers to advance this understanding.”
The project aims to understand how genes, lifestyle and environment influence lifespan and healthspan, the life cycle without disease. It will enroll 10,000 companion dogs and their owners from across the United States. Learn more at dogagingproject.org.
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