Caring for an older dog is part of the deal we sign up for when we first bring that fluffy ball of energy into our lives.
One of the most common queries older dog owners have related to caring for their senior dog – how much exercise is right, is the diet right, is there anything else I should be doing?
In this comprehensive guide to caring for an older dog, we'll discuss all of the key elements of ensuring your senior canine pal is happy, comfortable, mentally stimulated, and as mobile as they can be.
How to make an old dog comfortable
Be more aware. Your dog may be very good at hiding low to moderate pain. He won’t yelp or cry. Instead, you may notice that he is reluctant to get involved in some activities or is slower than normal.
Dogs are warriors. They may stumble or express small signs of discomfort when their pain is actually quite significant. Understanding this will allow you to ensure you never mistake their baseline comfort level for what is in effect, pain that could easily be managed with proper veterinary intervention.
Get in touch with your veterinarian if you are in doubt about his comfort level. Early detection of a problem will allow you to have it treated before it becomes too severe.
Coping techniques for common older dog problems
As our dogs age, certain problems carry a weight of inevitability. Mobility, incontinence, dietary issues, and more.
Elderly dog care incontinence
What happens when your dog loses the ability to control his bowel movements? What do you do when you realize that your well-trained life companion – who has been potty trained for years – all of a sudden starts urinating and defecating all over the house?
Well instead of punishing your dog and making matters worse, you may want to look into the fact that he may have a condition known as “incontinence”.
Incontinence in older dogs is the inability to control urination and/or defecation. The same term is also used to describe the reduced control that is sometimes apparent in geriatric animals.
There are many inquiries to vets all of the time from frustrated owners wondering why their older dogs are no longer house-trained – and how they can get them back on track.
The first rule of any sudden-onset behavior problem is to make sure that it’s not a health problem, and we can think of no case where this rule is more true than with an older dog who’s suddenly urinating in the house.
Your pet could have an infection or, if she’s an older spayed female, she may be suffering from the loss of muscle tone related to a decrease in her hormone levels. Both are treatable; see your vet.
At a certain age, a little dribbling of urine is practically inevitable, especially while your older dog is sleeping.
The condition can be very upsetting to owners, as it warrants constant vigil to avoid cleanups. Many owners believe that the affected animal is either uncomfortable or in poor health.
Some owners are repulsed and unable to cope with this type of problem. Incontinent dogs should be carefully examined by a veterinarian to determine whether the problem is due to old age (lack of sphincter control) or a condition that can be treated.
The decline of the senses in older dogs
Deaf and blind dogs do just fine, as long as you do your part to keep them out of any danger their disabilities may cause. Blindness, in particular, is a problem dogs adjust to with an ease that stuns their owners.
But consider the following: Dogs don’t have to read the newspaper, they don’t care about TV, and they count on you to read the ingredients label on a bag of treats.
Sight isn’t their primary sense anyway; they put much greater stock in their sense of smell. After they learn the layout of the land, they rarely bump into things (as long as you don’t keep moving the furniture).
Handicapped pets should never be allowed off-lead on walks, because they can’t see danger and cannot hear your warnings.
Even if your older dog is blind, there may be something that you can do. Ask your vet for a referral to a specialist like a veterinary ophthalmologist. Problems such as cataracts may be treatable with medications and surgery.
Stiffness and declining mobility in older dogs
Your vet can help you determine if the stiffness is because of temporary muscle soreness – say from overdoing it – or the onset of arthritis. Many dogs are worse in cold weather and first thing in the morning.
Arthritis is common in older dogs, and while no cure exists, treatments are available that can make your pet’s life comfortable.
Your vet may prescribe buffered aspirin, food supplements, or anti-inflammatory medications, all of which your pet may need to take for the rest of her life. For your part, you need to be sure that your pet is not overweight and is kept consistently, but not strenuously, active.
Why is my older dog suddenly peeing in the house?
Urinary incontinence could be caused by conditions of the bladder and urethra. A relatively common cause in older spayed female dogs is reduced estrogen levels. This type of condition may respond well to hormone treatments.
Why is my older dog suddenly pooping in the house?
Fecal incontinence in older dogs has been associated with damaged anal sphincter muscles, which perhaps can be surgically repaired, or injuries to the lumbar or pelvic area, with results from nerve damage.
Nerve disorders usually are difficult to treat. Where loose stools associated with improper feeding are a part of the problem, dietary adjustments may be helpful.
The saddest situation is one in which the dog owner, unaware of possible corrective measures, believes that incontinence cannot be cured and automatically warrants euthanasia.
You do not need to have your dog put to sleep just because they've started showing signs of incontinence.
Even if the problem cannot be handled medically, some minor adjustments may make the incontinent dog easier to live with, and thus prevent the injustice of sending a faithful companion to his death.
Take this example of an older dog: An 11-year-old, spayed, female dog is healthy in all other respects, but had had urinary and fecal incontinence for about 1 1/2 months.
There are several things that a veterinarian might do for the dog. With a diet change and medical treatment, the incontinence could be reduced to the point where the diapers and bloomers were working acceptably. Other affected dogs have responded well to paper training or the installation of a pet door.
Changes you can expect as your dog gets older
As your dog gets older, on the outside, he can appear as healthy and active as any younger dog, but inside his organs are not functioning as efficiently as when he was younger.
As he ages, you need to ensure his complete health by adjusting his diet, exercising, and by keeping a close watch on his behavior. In fact, you’ll notice many problems first through behavioral changes before your their show outward signs.
Changes in appetite, a lack of desire to move about, or overall grouchiness are usually symptoms of a deeper problem. Your dog’s muscles will remain strong, provided he exercises. The more he does as a youngster, the more he can do as an oldster.
You must keep in mind, however, that he cannot tell you he doesn’t want to go the extra mile with you. All he wants is to be with you and please you, regardless of how he feels.
His muscles may still be strong at this point, but his internal workings are no longer operating in prime condition.
Your dog can still remain physically healthy with a little less exercise – maybe two or three miles instead of five or maybe you can do the run on softer ground instead of hard concrete. The musculoskeletal system will usually exhibit arthritic changes as he turns into a senior dog.
Arthritis is formed through changes in the joint bones, a reduction of cartilage, and a thickening of the synovial fluid between the joints. Often, inflammation can cause more irritation and lameness.
Not only will the arthritic changes cause pain in the joints, but they will also cause atrophy in the muscles because your dog will not want to move around. The muscles begin to get loose and hang off the bones. This is most obvious along the spine, chest, and hind legs.
Mobility problems in older dogs
Non-infectious osteoarthritis is the commonest form of joint disease in the aging dog, a situation not too different from that in humans. The disease is progressive and causes few if any, noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
It is not uncommon for a veterinarian to discover the existence of the degenerative joint disease or its predisposing causes during a routine check-up.
Primary arthritis develops from the normal wear and tear of a joint with time and age. While seen occasionally in very old dogs, it is not the commonly observed arthritis that it is in people.
The bulk of aging dog arthritis cases is secondary to disorders that happened or started earlier in life.
The following are just a few of the many such disorders:
• Obesity in any breed but especially in the large and giant breeds.
• Mechanical trauma such as falls and jumping mishaps.
• Torn ligaments in any joint but especially the stifle joint in a toy or miniature poodles.
• Chronic dislocating patella (slipped knee cap), most common in toy breeds.
• Osteochondritis dissecans, a disease of young dogs.
• Hip dysplasia.
As the muscles atrophy, the skin will appear looser or baggy. Overall, your dog becomes a different dog as his senior years take over. He moves more slowly, picks at his meals, and may bump into things that he can’t see.
However, the biggest change will be in his behavior. As he ages, he may not only slow down, he will also become less excitable in general. He will still greet you with a wagging tail, but not jump on you or perform aerial leaps when you come home.
When going out, he’ll walk to the door and wait patiently as you search for his leash – no more racing in circles, barking excitedly and jumping about.
Exercise for older dogs
The well-being of your canine senior citizen depends a lot on maintaining his fitness level, which is achieved through a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and regular veterinary checkups.
As he ages, these three pillars of good health and fitness remain important. However, they will need to change and adapt to his different needs.
It is amazing how quickly muscle can waste away when it isn’t used. Anybody who has had a cast will immediately recognize the truth in the statement. That’s what will happen if you let your dog snooze all day — even though he’d prefer to spend his time napping.
Equally amazing is how quickly muscles recover their strength when exercised. Stronger muscles reduce the likelihood of injury while your dog enjoys an active lifestyle, which, in turn, maintains muscle strength — a cycle that we can all benefit from!
Here are some of the key points to keep in mind when exercising your senior pet.
Reduction in intensity. Needless to say, his exercise must reduce in intensity. As an empathetic owner, you will notice if he appears to be over-taxed after a workout. If so, lower the intensity.
The duration of his activity need not change if he is comfortable with what he is doing. With the lowered intensity, you will find that his walks or runs cover a smaller distance. This is OK.
Changes in activity. You should also consider changing his activity. For example, swimming is an excellent low-impact alternative to walking if your dog’s joints are sore.
Consider a playmate. This may not be feasible, but allowing your aging pet to mix with another dog on a regular basis can help perk him up both physically and mentally. Be aware that a young dog may play too hard, so watch closely to prevent him from overdoing it.
Joint supplements. Nutritional joint supplements are commonly used to support joint and cartilage health in older dogs. When used alongside appropriate nutrition and exercise, these supplements can help your dog to stay fit and active in its senior years.
The basics of healthy living do not change as your pet ages, but the specifics do. Along with modifications to his exercise regimen, he will need changes in his diet and a heightened awareness from you about the status of his health.
Your veterinarian is your partner in making sure your aging dog enjoys life as much as possible.
Older dog behavior
Can you train an older dog?
Yes. Absolutely, categorically. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Don't believe the popular old myth.
Older dogs not only can be trained, but they also love to be trained. Don't fall into the trap of thinking just because a dog is obedience trained that they don't like learning new things. Dogs' brains stay more active and agile the more they are put to work.
Try less physical training and perhaps introduce dog brain games for your older dog. They'll love it!
Note of caution about training older dogs
Dogs very often tell you when they are in pain, although not always.
Should you find the down placement very painful for your dog, and should he find it painful to lie down apart from his obedience lesson, then it may be more beneficial to dispense with the DOWN command altogether.
Remember, when we're caring for an older dog we're not just talking about their physical health, but their mental health too.
These conditions vary with the individual dog so ultimately you have to trust in your own evaluation of the situation and then follow your inclinations.
In no instance do we want to obedience-train an older dog at the expense of his reasonable physical and mental comfort?
The Down-Stay serves to keep the dog out of your hair, and your company's lap, for longer periods of time than a Sit-Stay. With an effective Down-Stay, you need not shoo him away in a strategic retreat to the basement or bathroom.
Chances are that your older dog is fit enough to pester company.
If this is so, then he is certainly fit enough to learn the down. In obedience training, you must behave like a cool, calm machine.
You will be able to hold out longer, with less exhaustion, and your dog will learn more easily and more rapidly, realizing that you have the situation under control.
Dogs will take advantage of their owners' weaknesses, even at an older age, and this will only mean more difficult, resentful training, with more discomfort for both of you.
Speak and act calmly, slowly, deliberately, rationally, and consistently if you want to maximize your training potential and the subsequent benefits that accrue both to you and to your older dog.
The older dog is no longer as efficient at regulating his body temperature. Fats are responsible for this. The older dog often tends to lose weight and some of the fatty components of his body.
In effect, he is not that well insulated anymore. So, when obedience training the older dog, you must take care not to work him in extremes of heat and cold. This holds true for any dog, but more so for the older dog.
It is important to allow the dog to relieve himself before and after an obedience session. If a dog suffers incontinence during the course of training, just ignore it and clean up later.
Don't allow a small puddle of urine to interfere with your training session.
It is also important not to feed your dog just prior to or after a training session. Feeding before can upset his digestion, and feeding after can not only cause indigestion but can be interpreted as a bribe.
This we never want to do. Don't work your older dog to exhaustion. Several short sessions are always preferable to one long one. This is often true of younger dogs too.
What to expect from an aging dog
Lumps and bumps on an older dog
Benign fatty tumors are common in older dogs, and the vast majority are nothing to worry about. Benign tumors are round and soft, with well-defined edges.
Caring for an older dog means we need to increase the number of times we give them a physical examination at home.
How to perform a physical examination of an older dog
You can usually get your fingers nearly around them, and they don’t seem well-anchored. Showing them to your vet for a more complete evaluation is important, and you should inform her of any changes in size or shape, especially if they happen rapidly.
Your vet may be concerned enough about the size, appearance, or location of a mass to suggest its removal and a biopsy; most bumps, however, are left alone. The best time to check for lumps and bumps? During regular grooming, weekly, at least.
Run your hand over every inch of your dog, and don’t forget to talk sweetly – she’ll think it’s petting.
Best book on caring for an older dog
We’ve been lucky enough to get an insight into a brand new dog book called Living With An Older Dog – Gentle Dog Care, to bring you some top tips on caring for an older dog.
It can sometimes be quite difficult to define exactly what we mean by the term ‘older dog.’ After all, a two-year-old dog is older than a one-year-old dog, but, in this case, both would be thought of as positively youthful in canine terms.
We must also consider the fact that some kinds of dogs are much more long-lived than others, and therefore, the number of years at which elderly or senior status is recognized varies from breed to breed.
Is it normal for older dogs to lose their teeth?
Asking us whether it's normal for an older dog to lose their teeth, Ashley Farnsfield raises an interesting topic that we thought worthy of public reply for the benefit of other dog owners who might be keen to know the answer.
The answer is no. Older dogs should not lose their teeth.
In all honesty Ashley, older humans shouldn’t necessarily lose their teeth as a matter of course either.
Good canine oral care, just like good human oral hygiene can help dogs avoid problems with their teeth, meaning there is absolutely no reason why an older dog losing their teeth should be considered normal or expected.
Why do older dogs lose their teeth?
Excessive tartar buildup is the enemy of your dog’s teeth as it creates a bacterial climate whereby destructive agents invade the gum and bone surfaces, causing damage or destruction to both, and eventual tooth loss in some dogs.
The older dog, the more tartar build-up, and the higher the chances they will lose teeth that have to be removed via surgical intervention.
Machines such as the cavitron have been used with some success in removing excess tartar from a dog’s teeth. Speak to your vet about the best canine oral hygiene practices.
How do dogs get the dental disease?
Once the dog has bitten down on a piece of food, the outer surfaces are not utilized very much so most of the tartar forms on the outside of the teeth.
The inner surfaces are being stimulated more by the action of chewing and therefore remain cleaner.
Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy is a whole of life task.
As your dog gets older they’ll certainly appreciate the benefit of having healthy teeth and gums as a result of the care you invest in their oral health from their earliest years.
Don't treat it as 'natural' that old dogs will lose teeth. Our dog's oral care is our responsibility.
In some large dog breeds, such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, and St Bernards, senior status is reached at about five or six years old.
By contrast, a six-year-old Chihuahua – a breed that may live for sixteen years or longer – is more or less still in his adolescence at this age. Overall, the longer a dog lives, the later he achieves senior status.
Nevertheless, the average age by which we assume that a typical dog has reached senior status is around seven or eight years. Determining the age expectancy, and thus the likely time at which senior status is reached, is of course much harder where crossbred dogs are concerned.
Their heritage is not only mixed but sometimes not even known for certain – although many experts put the average life expectancy of a typical crossbreed as higher than their pedigree counterparts.
Then there is our own human perception of canine age to consider. If we have owned a dog from the time it was a boisterous and mischievous little puppy, we often still consider him to be extremely youthful, even when he has reached quite an age.
Provided he is still active, enjoys playing, looks trim, and still does the endearing things that give each dog his individual character, nothing much will appear to have changed.
Eventually, however, the signs of aging will begin to manifest themselves, even in the fittest, leanest, and most youthful-looking of dogs.
There will be noticeable physical changes, such as a greying of the fur, especially around the head, and a hazy coating over the eyes, as well as certain behavioral changes, such as the propensity for your dog to want to sleep longer, run around less, and perhaps to drink more water.
Giving an older dog a new lease on life
However, these are rarely signs that we need to worry about unduly. After all, if a dog lives until, say, thirteen or fourteen years of age or more, then when ‘older dog’ status kicks in at around seven years or so, he’s only about halfway through his lifespan!
Instead, we should come to regard this canine ‘coming of age’ as a cause for celebration and simply another phase in his life; we can think of our companion as a wise and trusted friend, instead of an unruly teenager, and look forward to our golden years together.
If anything, the bond between dog and human becomes stronger at this time, giving us a chance to re-evaluate and appreciate the contribution that our dog brings to our lives.
Your faithful friend will gradually make his own adjustments as he gets older, and we should be prepared to do the same.
By understanding what is going on at the canine level, we can help to enhance his lifestyle, improve his health, and make him an even more valued member of the family.
If for example, our dog wants to play less often, we must respect his wish, rather than try to encourage him to play, simply because that’s what he always used to do. Instead, make play time with your dog a shorter, quality experience for all concerned.
Preventing long-term problems before dogs get old
There is also an important role we can play in a dog’s early years to help offset the effects of aging.
In this respect, dogs are somewhat like humans: a dog that has been given plenty of exercises – both physical as well as mental – and lots of interaction with humans and other animals, will often be slower to show the effects of the aging process.
His diet throughout his earlier years can also play an important part in determining how and when the signs of aging begin to show, for example using raised dog bowls as early as you can help to keep arthritis at bay.
An overweight dog will be less likely to actively exercise, and this, in turn, will mean that he may begin to show his age much earlier, and may even succumb more quickly to some of the diseases to which older dogs are often prone.
