Watching your dog grow old is never easy, but with the right type of care and support you can help them stay happy and healthy.
When is a dog considered senior.
A dog’s breed and/or size generally guides when a dog is classed as senior:
Dogs less than 10 pounds - 9-11 years – Toy or miniature breeds, Larger dogs 25-60 pounds - 8-10 years - Labradors, Collies
Dogs greater than 90 pounds - 6-7 years – Mastiffs, Great Dane.
These are considering breed ideal weights, if your dog is overweight, they may be more prone
to health conditions at an earlier age, such as arthritis, heart, liver or kidney conditions.
It is not fully understood why large dogs don’t live as long as smaller breeds, it’s thought to be because smaller dogs have less stress on their body.
Signs your dog may be entering senior years.
They may not seem as excited or ‘ask’ to go for a walk. Be slower in general movement, getting up, jumping into car or on the bed/sofa and their mobility seems generally reduced. Their may sleep patterns may change, they may sleep more and at different times or places, they may start waking in the night.
Their behaviour may change, they may become less tolerant around other dogs or people and even show reactive behaviour. They may want more attention and follow you about more, or even not seem so affectionate, become disinterested or withdrawn. They may bark more, eat or drink more/less.
Toileting habits may change, the number of times they go, having accidents or change in consistency of poo – looser/harder.
They are likely to start looking different with changes in fur and condition, such as greying around the muzzle, moulting more, gain or lose weight and their eyes could look a bit cloudy.
These can just be signs of general ageing but should always be assessed by a vet, in case there are underlying health conditions.
With a more mature dog, it is wise to visit your vet at least twice a year for a health check to assure early diagnosis or treatment of any underlying health changes. This will prevent any unnecessary suffering, as older dogs are at higher risk of underlying health conditions such as:
•Deterioration of senses – sight, hearing • Obesity • Urinary tract disease Joint problems/Arthritis • Heart disease • Liver and kidney disease Hypothyroidism • Cushing’s disease • Dental disease • Cancer
Loss of mental acuity
Any changes in your dog, whatever age, should always be discussed with your vet.
How any of these conditions may affect your dog.
As dogs age, they lose muscle mass, and/or they can suffer from conditions affecting joints, either of these would reduce their activity and affect mobility.
This reduction of exercise can lead to an increase in weight. Although some dogs can lose weight, either can be due to changes to metabolism, discomfort eating because of dental problems or other underlying health conditions.
Picture from Freepik.com
If their intake of food or water has altered this will change their toileting habits, but general aging, or health conditions can also affect bladder and bowel function.
Sleep patterns can change due to general slowly down or that vision and hearing has possibly become diminished, and they are not so alert to changes in the environment. Waking in the night could be due to altering toileting needs, discomfort or anxiety.
If any dog is in any form of pain or discomfort this can often cause them to become less tolerant of certain dogs or people, they may move away or even growl/bark, lunge or snap. Some dogs may seek more attention, for comfort or reassurance, especially if they are in pain or not seeing or hearing so well.
Failing senses can be linked to other behaviour changes, they may be reluctant to go outside in the dark for walks or toileting, due to eyesight problems, they may appear to become disobedient by not responding to voice commands, due to hearing loss. They may start to self mutilate, by chewing or scratching themselves, which can be a sign of pain or stress. They may start to whine or howl when left, this can be a sign of anxiety .
A distressing condition that can also cause behavioural changes is canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCD or CDS). This is similar to dementia and often compared to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. As brain function slows down or deteriorates with age, this can cause changes to their awareness, learning abilities, memory, and overall responsiveness to the outside world and can cause dogs a level of anxiety.
How you can support your older dog.
Physical wellbeing
Staying active keeps the body strong and the mind sharp, modifying your dogs activities will allow them to continue to enjoy and benefit from exercise.
Walks should be slower and lower impact, ditch ball throwing and let your dog sniff, this will also encourage extra toileting. You can use scent work to mentally engage them, using part of their food allowance so you are not increasing food intake.
Consider driving them to different parks or fields, encouraging interest in new environments will stimulate their brain. Reducing walking distance and avoid harder surfaces will be easier on joints and paw pads, although this may mean that their claws will need more regular clipping. Swimming is also a great exercise for older dogs and there are several specific dog swim facilities now available.
Picture from Freepik.com
Ensure they have comfortable bedding, and they have a choice of sleeping areas at suitable temperatures and out of draughts.
If you have hard floor surfaces you may need mats to allow your dog to have a steadier walking surface, avoiding slips will help joints.
Ramps and/or steps may make it easier for them to exit into the garden for toileting or access the car/sofa.
Brush their teeth regularly to prevent plaque buildup and reduces the risk of dental disease.
Groom them regularly, brush them gently to remove excess hair which will make them more comfortable and allow you to check them over for any lumps or bumps that may need assessing by the vet. Older dogs can suffer from dry skin that can cause irritation, once checked its not health related, supplements may help, avoid bathing them too often as this can remove natural oils. Keeping their nails at a good length will make walking more comfortable.
Although health insurance premiums are likely to increase, it is worthwhile keeping up the payments as your dog is likely to need more vet visits, treatments and medications. Some insurance companies offer payment for alternative therapies too, such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, all of which can be of benefit to an older dog.
Diet & Nutrition
As dogs get older, their metabolism and activity levels generally slow down, this can lead to them putting on weight.
Weight gain can cause extra stress on joints and/or increased likelihood of certain health problems, so it may be necessary to transition them to a new diet. Your vet can advise you on the best dietary requirements for your dog.
If a senior dog’s appetite isn’t what it used to be, first get their teeth checked and then try altering their food, if they are on dry food add some warm water to release scent, add different flavours and textures using suitable raw or cooked vegetables or fruit.
Consider adding supplements to your dog’s diet, there are many on the market that can help support your dog’s health, these should be checked with your vet for suitability.
Mental well being
Mental and emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health for a dog’s quality of life and can help prevent behavioural concerns and delay cognitive decline in older dogs.
Dogs feel secure when they have some form of structure or routine to the day, try to be consistent when they are fed, walked, toilet opportunities and rest times. If you have to go out for the day or have to leave them for a longer period than usual, consider getting a friend or professional to pop in to keep their routine. A dog that needs to toilet or is hungry will start to become stressed and could start to develop behavioural problems such as destructive behaviour or separation anxiety.
Make sure they can remain engaged in your family’s day-to-day life with suitable rest areas and allow for options in a quieter spot if they choose, where they can be left undisturbed when resting or eating.
Some older dogs can get 'snappy' when approached in their rest or eating area, as they are not so aware of the environment due to failing eyesight or hearing. Moving them, in an attempt to make them more comfortable, like lifting them on the sofa, can cause discomfort due to muscular or joint discomfort.
Mental stimulation is important for all dogs to prevent them becoming bored, helps them settle and be calmer, and with senior dogs this will also help keep their mind sharp. Enrichment can be easy to incorporate during the day and using part of their food allowance will help with appetite and weight control, see Enrichment blog: https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/enrichment-what-is-it-what-is-the-point
When the time comes to say goodbye.
The most difficult part of pet ownership is coping when they are contending with a health concern that affects their quality of life or knowing they are coming to the end of their life.
Dogs do not necessarily show obvious signs of pain or illness and regular visits and discussions with your vet will allow you to relieve symptoms of old age and manage any health concerns.
Sadly, few dogs die peacefully in their sleep at home, most reach a point when their quality of life is poor. This may include an inability or disinterest in eating, vomiting, difficulty breathing, showing signs of pain or appear in distress or discomfort. This may be the time to consider euthanasia, putting your dog to sleep, to ease a pet's pain or suffering.
It is a heart-breaking decision for you and your family, but you know your pet best so try to make a reasoned judgement, your vet will guide you to when it would be best to make this decision.
This can be an emotional time, and it is entirely natural to feel upset, do not be embarrassed about showing your emotions – veterinary staff expect you to be upset. Try not to feel guilty or blame yourself – the decision for euthanasia is taken with your pet’s interests at heart.
When the time comes consider taking a friend or family member for support, some vets will agree to home visits if you prefer this option. If your pet is already hospitalised, then you can ask to visit and say goodbye. If your pet is under an anaesthetic, it may be kinder to agree to euthanasia without waking them, and perhaps to see them afterwards.
It takes time to get over the loss of a loved one, consider taking some time off work, be prepared for the house to feel empty, but try to treasure your memories and talk to family and friends. Not everyone can be understanding or sympathetic about the loss of a pet and if you feel you need more support or someone to talk to please see below:
The Blue Cross - The Pet Bereavement Support Service. Specialist trained volunteers that can offer support and guidance on coping, and practical information on pet loss for friends, family members and others who have contact with pet owners.
Telephone: 0800 096 6606 (seven days a week 8.30am-8.30pm)
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