Senior Dog Health
By Dr. Christina Britto
It seems like just yesterday you chose little Fido from amongst several rambunctious pups because of his spunk. But lately you have noticed some gray in his muzzle and a slight hesitation before bounding up the stairs. Can he really be a senior?
Just like us, as our canine companions age, different diseases can affect their internal organs, joints, skin, eyes and ears. However, frequent visits to your veterinarian and proper screening tests will help prevent and delay disease.
Health Problems Facing Older Dogs
Cancer is common among our older dogs and can happen in any organ. There are many different types of cancer and your veterinarian can let you know if your breed is predisposed. If diagnosed with cancer, sometimes surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy can prolong the life of your dog. Skin cancer is common is many breeds of dogs and you should report any new growths or non-healing sores immediately.
Heart disease affects smaller and giant breeds of dogs. However, if caught early there are medications proven to help your dog live a longer life.
Arthritis affects around 25% of our dogs, mostly large breeds. Arthritis becomes obvious when your dog has trouble climbing stairs and getting up after a nap. There are now multiple long-term medications, along with nutritional supplements, diet modification and acupuncture to help decrease your dog’s pain and allow them to be more active.
Dental disease is extremely prevalent amongst older dogs. Bacteria in the mouth not only causes bad breath, but can spread to important organs through the blood and cause more serious problems. It is recommended that a patient get a professional teeth cleaning yearly after they reach 4 years old.
Vision and hearing loss can be a problem for any breed of dog. Diabetes can lead to cataracts and blindness. Cataracts can now be surgically removed, however a blind dog can still lead a happy life with restriction and care.
Urinary incontinence can be a frustrating disease for everyone. Puddles in the house don’t always mean your dog is acting up. It is important to get your dog evaluated in case he has a urinary tract infection or old-age incontinence, which is treated with medication.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is a newly recognized condition where older pets show sign of disorientation, incontinence, and anxiousness, similar to dementia. They sometimes bark excessively for no reason or seem disinterested in a belly rub. This condition, once diagnosed by your veterinarian, has an effective treatment.
Tips for Preventing Health Problems
Diet/Supplements Obesity is a very common problem amongst senior dogs that can lead to serious health risks like, arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Talk to your veterinarian about specific prescription diets that contain appropriate nutrients and calories for the older dog. They can also benefit from vitamins and supplements, like MSM, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for their joints or omega-3 fatty acids for their coats.
Exercise Moderate exercise is an important way to keep our seniors lean and healthy, however, each dog is different and your veterinarian should be consulted. Controlled leash walks are the best way to keep weight off, help ease the pain of arthritis, and keep their muscles tone.
Veterinarian Visits Once your pup is a senior, it is recommended you pay your veterinarian a visit every 6 months. During this visit, he or she will ask questions concerning whether your dog has experienced any weight loss, decrease in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or change in his drinking and urination pattern. Any of these changes can indicate that something serious is going on inside and if you notice them sooner, contact your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will recommend specific tests like a blood chemistry panel, complete blood cell count, thyroid hormone levels, urinalysis, and fecal tests that will help uncover pending health concerns. Even if your dog is feeling well, these tests help determine his baseline values which monitor any changes in the future. Other tests can be recommended like x-rays, EKG, blood pressure monitoring, ultrasound, or an echocardiogram, depending on each individual pet.
Personal Care Spay and neuter your pup at a young age to avoid reproductive organ infections and cancers. Spaying a female before her first estrus decreases her chance of getting breast cancer. By brushing their teeth weekly, bathing and grooming frequently, keeping up on their vaccinations, and using appropriate flea/tick/heartworm control you can help lengthen the golden years.
Also looking into pet insurance during their younger years can help your pocket in their senior years.
By following these guidelines and visiting your veterinarian regularly, you can ensure that your dog ages gracefully to live a long and healthy life!
Dr. Christina Britto practices at Brentwood Pet Clinic in West Los Angeles and has an interest in surgery and pediatrics. She shares her home with a mini poodle named Sophie.
