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As our canine companions age, their medical care needs change. The aging process can be difficult for pet owners to manage and witness, but it is important to adjust to their changing needs to ensure that your senior dog lives the longest, healthiest life possible. In this article, we will explore the life expectancy of a dog, the common problems senior dogs encounter, and the importance of wellness exams as they age. We will also address the signs of a slowing dog, the importance of not self-diagnosing, and what your veterinarian will be looking for during examinations as your dog reaches the senior stage of life.
What is the most important thing to know about caring for a senior dog?
The most important thing about caring for a senior dog is to remember that they still need lots of love and likely a bit more time at the veterinarian. Sure, they're not doing as much as they used to when they were younger, but they should still be active. Their brains also still need stimulation, and they need regular exams. Catching a medical problem earlier rather than later is particularly important for aging dogs. The prognosis is almost always nearly better for the dog when you bring them in right away when you suspect an issue. If you wait, the problem may advance, making treatment more difficult and likely more expensive to boot.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Dog?
The average life expectancy of a dog is 10-13 years, but this varies widely depending on the breed, size, genetics, diet, exercise, and environment. Small breeds live 10-15 years, and sometimes as long as 18 years, while giant breeds live 8-10 years. Genetics are also a contributor to lifespan, with purebred dogs tending to live slightly shorter lives due to problematic genes being passed along. Nutrition is another key factor in lifespan, with a balanced and high-quality diet helping to ensure healthier and longer lives for our canine companions. In addition, regular physical activity and mental stimulation are also important for keeping senior dogs healthy and active.
How Does Getting Older Impact the Health of My Dog?
As dogs grow older, they may experience a wide range of physical and mental changes. Their vision may become cloudy, and they may eventually develop hearing loss. They can also suffer from mobility issues due to arthritis or other degenerative diseases. In terms of behavior, older dogs may become more anxious, disoriented, or confused due to cognitive decline and reduced activity levels. These changes can impact the life of your senior dog significantly and must be managed appropriately to ensure their quality of life is not compromised.
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How can wellness care extend the life and vitality of my dog?
Wellness care helps extend your pet's life because we're being proactive and preventative rather than reactive. So essentially, we want to make sure that they're doing well. Regular checkups with your veterinarian can help detect chronic health problems early, allowing for timely treatment and potentially extending your dog’s life and allowing them to enjoy their golden years. Regular checkups also enable pet owners to manage their pet’s health issues more effectively, especially for senior dogs that may be taking multiple medications as they age.
Giving your senior dog proper, well-balanced nutrition will help meet their wellness needs and sometimes can even slow down some medications. It can also slow the progression of arthritis that can occur in many senior dogs. Regular dental exams will help clean the tartar and plaque and remove the bacteria that can get into the bloodstream and affect the liver, kidney, and heart. Unfortunately, many dog owners don't think dental care is necessary, but that's a big step in the wellness and vitality of the dog.
What Are the Most Common Problems in Senior Dogs?
Senior dogs may suffer from a range of health issues, including hearing and vision loss, joint problems, obesity, dementia, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and dental problems. The most common of these issues is hearing and vision loss due to tissue degeneration in the eyes and ears. Osteoarthritis is also quite common in older dogs and can lead to joint pain and stiffness. Additionally, obesity is especially prevalent in senior dogs due to their decreased activity levels and age-related decrease in metabolism. Cognitive decline is also common, with many senior dogs showing signs of confusion or disorientation as well as changes in sleeping patterns or altered interaction with family members.
Does my dog still need regular wellness exams as they get older?
Yes. After the age of seven, we typically consider dogs to be seniors, with some variation depending on their size and breed. Your dog should get wellness exams every six months (biannually) throughout their life, but it's more important as they age and become seniors. Six months to them can be two to three years, sometimes even longer based on their life expectancy. And remember, dogs are pack animals, so their instinct is to hide pain, making regular wellness exams all the more critical.
These wellness checks are an ideal time for us to look at their eyes, ask the owners about their hearing, and check their teeth. Do they have dental disease? Do they have a tooth abscess? Do they have a heart murmur? Are we hearing that now? Are their lymph nodes enlarged? Are they overweight? Those are good questions we want to address as soon as we see them, and we also do a lot of early care blood work so we can perhaps pick up a problem before it becomes a known clinical sign.
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What Are the Key Signs and Symptoms of an Aging Dog?
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that your senior dog may be slowing down. These include cloudy eyes, bad breath, difficulty moving, increased urination or incontinence, changes in skin, coat, and nails, increased sensitivity to sounds, increased barking or whining, a decline in grooming and hygiene, and increased wandering. Behavioral changes such as avoidance of slippery floor surfaces or difficulties with stairs can also signal pain. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it is important to contact your veterinarian for a checkup as soon as possible.
Why Is It Important to Avoid Self-Diagnosing a Senior Dog?
Despite the convenience of online resources, pet owners should always consult with a veterinarian when their pet shows signs of illness. Self-diagnosis can lead to misdiagnosis, a delay in treatment, and improper treatment, potentially resulting in irreversible harm to your beloved pet. Symptoms can indicate a variety of diseases, each requiring specific treatments, which an online diagnosis cannot possibly determine with complete confidence. Certain serious conditions in pets require immediate veterinary attention, and a delay in medical care from self-diagnosing can exacerbate the problem and cause unnecessary pain.
Conclusion
Caring for a senior dog requires special attention, patience, and understanding. It is important to remain aware of the signs and symptoms of aging, provide the necessary wellness care, and avoid self-diagnosis. At Bridge Veterinary Hospital, we understand the unique needs of senior dogs and are here to help pet owners navigate this stage of life. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (567) 361-3407, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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