Caring for Aging Dogs

By Scott Jordan

As young playful puppies, they capture our hearts and soon transform from a pet to a dearly loved family member.  Household pets are living longer due to advances in pet health care and animal nutrition.   There are volumes of information on how to raise, train, and treat puppies.  The same does not seem to be true about our aging pet population.  Just as puppies have specific needs so does our older pets. 

Dogs can lose teeth as they age.  There becomes a point that they have difficulties with dry or tough to chew foods.  While can food is the most obvious choice, there are healthier alternatives.  A blender can be used to prepare food to an easier to handle consistency.  Meats, Oats, and vegetables can be slow cooked in a crock-pot and served for several days.  Check some of the many great websites on healthy pet menus and diets.  Some meals can be made a week ahead of time and requires little work.  Keep in mind that as a pet ages dietary requirements change.

 Our pets often gain weight as their activity levels decrease.  The decrease in physical activity results in reduced mussel mass and increased weight.  It is estimated that one-third to one-half of all dogs are overweight.  Weight gain greatly increases risk of arthritis and coronary problems.  As a pet owner it is you responsibility to bring weight under control early on with a healthy diet and moderate exercise.  In addition, check with your veterinarian to ensure there is no medical condition either causing the weight gain or preventing exercise.

 A dog that once had a bladder made of steel as a juvenile may have an occasional accident as they move into their senior years.  To reduce the number of mishaps, take them outside often and allow more time before bringing back inside.  Airline carrying case can be used to house your pet while at work to keep them on their best behavior.  Find more pet tips at www.sejordan.com

One in five dogs will suffer from arthritis.  Symptoms can range from very mild to severe.  The more visible signs of arthritis are limping and difficulty with movement.  Weight reduction and anti-inflammatory drugs will help you pet.  In some cases surgery can be performed. 

An aspirin can be given as an anti-inflammatory.  Use true aspirin only, do not give Tylenol, Advil or other substitute.   Be careful with dosage! An adult aspirin is 320 mg, which could make a 20lb dogs sick and fatal to a 10 lb dog.  Veterinarians recommend from 5mg to 10mg per pound every 12 hours.  Use a baby aspirin for small pets, it is 80 mg and can be quartered easily.

The small dog with endless energy that would jump on and off the bed with ease might need assistance reaching high places.  For a pet with Arthritis or joint pain a set of pet stairs or chest at the foot of a bed helps reduce jumping distance and impact to joints. 

I am not a veterinarian if your pet is in pain or if you have questions concerning you pet’s health, please contact your veterinarian for professional advice.