by Your puppy will one day grow to be an old dog, and just like humans, dogs gradually begin to slowdown and their bodies start to fail as they get older. Understanding and adapting to their changing needs will help them to remain content and happy into old age.
Life with an old dog can be made easier if you successfully deal with some of the common problems that old age brings. With a little help, patience and understanding, many of these difficulties can be overcome.
The effects of aging for an old dog
There are big differences in how long dogs live based on their size. Giant dogs, such as the Great Dane, are lucky if they make it to 9 years old, whereas Jack Russell Terriers sometimes live until they’re 20. However, as a general rule, most dogs over 10 years old fall into the elderly category.
After this age, their bodies are less suited for vigorous activity and will start to show their age as they get older. Along with the bodily changes that age brings, the mind also starts to run more slowly, and tiredness takes over, with more and more time spent sleeping.
In addition, failing senses provide less information about the world. The eyes and ears are usually the first to fade, with the sense of smell outlasting all others. Cataracts may cloud the lenses of the eyes, making it more difficult to see, and some hearing ranges are lost, so sounds appear distorted or muffled.
Since they can no longer be sure about their surroundings, elderly dogs may be likely to do things that are out of character. They may snap if touched unexpectedly because they cannot hear you approaching. Walking them gently by standing beside them long enough for them to smell you before you touch them can help prevent bitten fingers.
Along with failing senses, painful joints cause stiffness and lack of mobility. This brings a dog being reluctant to move and can result in defensive biting if the dog thinks they are about to be moved in a painful way, especially by children, who do not understand their condition.
Slowing down
To keep your dog living happily into old age, they must stay active and engaged with life. They will need more sleep than when they did when they were younger and noticing when they are awake and playing and encouraging them to exercise, and to be part of the family are important.
Don’t forget them for long periods because they’re sleeping more. Adjust to their speed, so they feel comfortable, not rushed, and valued.
Car travel with elderly dogs
Problems due to aging bodies and minds are common in older dogs, but there is much you can do to make them feel safe and content in their final years. For example, car journeys can become daunting for a dog who is already shaky on their feet.
Finding a way to get them into the car without hurting them is important, whether this is by lifting them up or using a ramp. Once inside, providing a padded bed and taking corners and road bumps carefully can prevent them from losing their balance and having a painful fall.
Phobias and fears
Failing senses and reduced confidence later in life can lead to an elderly dog developing phobias and fears. Noises that they once tolerated, such as thunder, fireworks, and even rain on a roof, may suddenly become frightening to an elderly dog.
Lots of understanding and patience is needed to avoid situations in which they feel threatened.
In addition to specific fears, all dogs may develop generalized fears, such as not being able to tolerate being left alone in the dark. If this is the case, reorganize their sleeping arrangements so that they can sleep near the family and feel safe. This usually solves the problem, but if it persists, your veterinarian may be able to help you with drugs and behavior therapy.
Regular checkups
Many of the behavioral changes and problems that occur in old a age are caused by physical conditions, such as pain induced behavioral changes produced by arthritis. It is vital to arrange regular checkups for your dog with a veterinarian.
Changes due to aging are often slow to appear, but regular examination by a veterinarian will help identify signs or symptoms of treatable conditions.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
Similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, cognitive dysfunction syndrome can affect older dogs. Symptoms of the condition include:
- Confusion or disorientation, such as getting lost or trapped in corners
- Walking at night or a change in sleeping patterns
- House training difficulties
- Decreased attention span or staring into space
- Pacing or lack of usual activity
- Not recognizing family
Some symptoms may be part of the natural aging process, others may be due to changes in the dog’s brain that can be improved by medication.
Routine is important
As dogs age and become fragile, routine becomes very important. Regular feeding, exercise, and toileting opportunities, together with a constant diet, will help to prevent loss of house training and keep their bodies working well.
A routine will help you remember to allow enough time to give your dog the love, play, and stimulation they need.
