Caring for Your Senior Dog

Keep Your Senior Dog Trim and Fit

We're accustomed to the phrase "you are what you eat," The health and well-being of senior dogs also is reflected in their diets. Nearly all of the veterinarians recently surveyed in a study sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health and The Iams Company concurred that nutrition is a key factor in the health of aging dogs. And they further acknowledged that the nutritional needs of dogs change as they age.

While obesity is a common health problem for all dogs, older canines are more likely to be overweight due to decreased activity and reduced daily energy needs. Obesity increases the risk of serious diseases and health problems, such as diabetes, and cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders.

Although some medical conditions (especially metabolic diseases) can cause obesity, over-feeding generally is the culprit. As a senior dog's metabolism slows, caloric needs decline. If you do not adjust the food intake of your older dog, weight gain is likely to result.

If your senior dog is already overweight, a weight loss program should be considered. First, however, have him thoroughly evaluated by a veterinarian to identify any other problems that could be causing him to gain weight.

Generally, treatment of senior animal weight loss is very similar to recommendations for humans seeking to lose weight. Program steps include:

• limiting the amount of calories consumed,
• feeding two or three small meals (vs. one large meal) daily to increase the amount of energy used to digest food,
• increasing exercise to burn more calories, and
• modifying behavior to prevent regaining the lost weight. A daily or weekly log of exercise duration and dog weight yields the best results.

Selecting a food for your senior dog has been made easier thanks to recent advancements in senior nutrition. Dog foods are now available that have been formulated with fewer calories, more protein, antioxidants and vitamins to meet the specific nutritional needs of senior dogs.

Don't forget Exercise!

A simple walk in the park may be just what your senior dog needs to help control weight and stay in shape. Exercise increases energy use and promotes more efficient calorie burning, as well as toning muscles.

Before starting any exercise program with your senior dog, check with your veterinarian to make sure your plans are suited to your pet's physical condition. Then begin slowly, by walking your dog on a leash for 10 minutes per day. After a week, increase the daily walks to 15 minutes. Depending on your dog's condition, you can increase the daily walk length each week until you are up to 30 minutes a day.

And don't forget: your dog's exercise program can reap health benefits for you, too!

When Is My Dog a "Senior?"

A touch of gray on the chin or around the muzzle. Once-clear eyes becoming a little cloudy. A slight stiffness in what used to be a frisky gait. Any of these can be telltale signs that your canine best friend is entering the "golden" years.

Generally speaking, a dog 7 years old or beyond qualifies as a senior. This varies, however, with the size and breed of the dog. For instance, smaller dogs tend to have longer life spans than giant-breed dogs. Other factors affecting how dogs age include body weight, nutrition, environment and overall health.

Dogs mature rapidly during the first two years of life, then again during the final third of their life span (5- 7 years for every year of human life).

This process affects the level of professional veterinary care dogs need. lust as human infants require frequent well-baby checks, most puppies visit their veterinarians at least four times during their first year for "wellness" exams and required immunizations. This parallel repeats later in life; just like their aging human companions, senior dogs need an increased level of care as they become more vulnerable to multiple health problems, and respond differently to stress, medication and environmental factors.

Signs of Aging

While some signs of aging, such as a graying muzzle and slowed activity, are easy to identify in your dog, others are more subtle. Most age-related changes in how your dog looks, acts and feels tend to be gradual. Therefore, it takes a watchful eye to recognize what may be early signs of disease or health problems.

Following is a list of the most common changes associated with age-related diseases and compromising medical conditions. If you note any of these changes in your dog, please let us know. By working together, we can help ensure your dog enjoys the best quality of life possible throughout his senior years.

Signs of Age-Related Disease in Senior Dogs

Behavioral changes

• decreased activity
• less interaction with family members
• less enthusiastic greeting behavior
• sleeping more - or sleeping during the day and being awake at night
• disorientation/confusion (getting "lost" in the house or yard)
• less responsive to verbal cues or name

Metabolic Changes

• weight gain (or loss)
• changes in appearance (e.g., skin and haircoat; loss of muscle tone)
• changes in eating or drinking habits
• increased urination
• loss of housetraining

Physical Changes

• limping/stiffness of gait
• vision and hearing loss
• dental problems (offensive breath)
• increased infections
• digestive problems

Remember: changes in your dog's appearance or behavior can be a sign that something is medically wrong, so don't assume your dog is just suffering from "old age" and can't be helped. Keep a close eye on your senior dog, and talk with us about any type of change, whether it occurs suddenly or gradually.

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