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Dogs mature and
age at much different rates, usually according to size and breed. It
is commonly held that dogs live 7 years for every year that we man
does. However, this serve as only a rough guide when converting and
calculating your dog’s age as dogs grow up very rapidly in their
early years and then slow down. For example, a 1 year old dog is
comparable to a 15 year old kid, at age 6, he is comparable to 40
years old in human terms. By 12, it is consider a geriatric dog and
is equivalent to an 80 year old man. It is generally believed that
the smaller the dog breeds, the longer they live. Small breeds such
as Terrier and Poodle may not slow down until 13 or 14 and could
live to 17. On the other hand, larger breeds such as Great Dane and
Wolfhounds rarely live pass 9 years. Diet A healthy diet for the
older dog should be senior food that are formulated with low in fat
and salt for a healthy heart, lower calories to help combat obesity
since they are less active, lower protein to help the kidneys and
liver, and higher fiber for the bowels to prevent
constipation.
Signs of aging
Aging begins at birth, but its
manifestations are not noticeable for several years. The first sign
of aging is a general decrease in activity level, including a
tendency to sleep longer and more soundly, a waning of enthusiasm
for long walks and games of catch, and a loss of interest in the
goings on in the home.
Extremes in temperature and changes in
surroundings affect aging and old dogs to some
degree. Stony doesn't want to sit on the deck in the height of
summer or the depth of winter any more, and he is careful to lie on
the rug, not the tile floor. He has a bit of trouble getting up
after his nap, and is stiff-legged for a few hours now and then.
Hearing loss is a frequent consequence
of aging, as is some deterioration of sight. Dogs can compensate for
these conditions; partial or even total blindness may not be noticed
if the dog is in familiar surroundings and has learned to adjust as
his eyesight failed.
Skin and coat change, too, as the skin
loses pliability and the capacity of the oil-producing sebaceous
glands diminishes. Wounds heal more slowly, allergies often worsen,
non-malignant tumors may appear in the mouth or on or under the
skin, and infestations of intestinal parasite may occur.
As aging advances, heart, liver, and
kidneys lose their efficiency, and the immune system is less able to
fight off attacks by bacteria and viruses. Bladder control may be
affected.
Keep
your Dog Comfortable
There's a fine line to walk between easing
your pet's transition into old age and ushering him into the life of
a canine invalid. A dog that enjoyed his puppyhood and his mature
years should have the opportunity to enjoy his aging years as well.
If he has been a happy-go-lucky, independent critter for six or
eight or 10 years before signs of aging become overt, let him set
his own limits for as long as possible. He'll probably do a better
job than you will.
If Harley is stiff in the
morning, give him an opportunity to walk it out; don't fawn
all over him, coaxing him with treats to get up and go outside. Keep
an eye on him so you know when he's ready to go outside so he
doesn't have an accident in the house.
Make sure Cookie has a rug or bed to
call her own. Then, when she doesn't want to lie on the
floor, she has a softer surface to choose. If she sleeps in a crate,
put a pad or thick blanket on the bottom.
If Pepe's coat and skin dry out, brush
her more frequently to stimulate the production of natural
oils and ask the veterinarian for a shampoo that soothe dry
skin without removing what little oils exist.
Check Amigo for fleas and
ticks. Fleas can carry tapeworms and cause allergies; ticks
can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Older dogs
have less resistance and less ability to fight off parasites and
diseases.
Reduce Chalupas calorie intake if
necessary to prevent him from getting fat. There are a
number of good maintenance or light diets formulated for older dogs.
Eliminate fatty snacks to avoid digestive upsets and stick with dog
biscuits, fruit, vegetables, or popcorn.
Invest in a baby gate or two to bar
from the stairs or the living room carpet if necessary.
It's better to avoid the stain on the rug from incontinence or the
injury that occurs when the dog is too stiff or can't see well
enough to navigate the stairs.
Do not scold, discipline, or punish
Star for lapses in housetraining or for nipping a toddler who wakes
her from a deep sleep. Avoid the situations when possible
and deal with them when they happen, but do so without anger; Star
can't help herself.
If Harley has been obedience
trained, work him a bit a couple of times per week. He'll
enjoy the time spent with you and the refresher course will give him
something to do. Take him on short walks or rides in the car when
possible to spark his interest with a change of scenery.
Check with your veterinarian for
advice on the use of aspirin for stiffness or other over-the-counter
remedies for digestive upsets.
Most of all, be a bit more cognizant
of Sadies special requirements as an aging pooch. She may need
to be awakened periodically during the day to go outside and
urinate. She may need to be reminded to eat or occasionally given a
special treat to enhance her appetite. And she may need to be
forgiven for forgetting her manners or her housetraining. With these
simple precautions, the aging dog in good health will become and old
dog several years later and continue to bring joy to the family
along the way.
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