Caring for an old dog

When your dog is growing older, their senses will deteriorate and other physical as well as behavioural changes will take place. By six years old, big breeds like German Shapherd and Great Dane will start to age while smaller breeds with longer life expectancy like the Pug and Pomeranian tend to stay young up to about 10 years old. the process of aging in dogs differ as the process is affected by their breed, environment, nutrition and level of physical activity. There are many signs that show your dog has reach old age such as :

Grey hair and coat changes

This is not a very significant sign as it can happen to dogs as young as 5 years old. Around the eyebrows and muzzle, grey hair can be seen as a sign that they are growing older. Coats tend to grow longer too and the nails grow more quickly so nail trimming is required more frequently.

Deep sleep

As dogs grow older, they are into deeper and more prolonged sleep. Old dogs are more likely to be startled if woken suddenly, and some may even growl or snap if suddenly woken by being touched. What you should do is :

  • Give your elderly dog a bed in a quiet, peaceful corner where it can relax in comfort
  • Other pets should be kept away as much as possible

Changes in drinking and feeding paterns

  • Loss of appetite, reluctance to eat or difficulty in eating. This may be an indication of gum inflamation (gingivitis) or tooth decay
  • Increasing thirst. This may be a sign of developing kidney disease or another health problem.
Some dogs food helps to reduce the workload on the dog's kidneys and at the same time reduce constipation. Although old age also brings gum and teeth problems, consuming dry dog food will help reduce tartar build up and disease in senior dogs as the act of chewing cleans their teeth and gums. If your dog has problem consuming dry food, softhen the dry food with water or gravy.

Arthritic changes and osteo-arthritis

Dogs that have been left to sleep on hard surfaces or out in cold conditions for long periods, are more likely to show this condition. An early sign is stiffness when getting up and first moving around, which then improves. In more extreme cases, the dog has difficulty in walking, weakness on the hind legs, lameness and symptoms of pain.

Reduced bladder capacity and bladder control

Senior dogs may need to go out several times during the night. The dog also begins to lose control over its bladder, leaving puddles of urine on its bed or on the floor where it sits or lies down.

Other signs of old age

Other signs may include constipation, increasing deafness and increasing blindness.