I never had a dog when I was growing up, and I thought I didn’t want one, especially years ago when I had a harried household of three young sons and a husband. However, the guys outnumbered me during the debate about accepting the “free” Labrador/chow puppy from my brother 15 Christmases ago.
My husband claims I am now a dog person. I just know I am fiercely loyal to our beloved Cookie. Our previously healthy dog has contracted several ailments as she ages (and let me say I can relate to her pains). I’m realizing how similar the aging process is for people and dogs.
As there are in aging individuals, there are variables involved in the aging process of dogs. Average-size dogs are considered senior citizens at 7 years, very large dogs are seniors at age 5, and small dogs possibly not until 10. Here are some ways to maintain the health andhappiness of your old dog.
Basic care is important. Dr. Nancy Bader at the Jason-Little Road Animal Clinic in Arlington, Texas, says owners need to be diligent with regular care. Clipping toenails, brushing fur, basic hygiene, heartworm prevention and flea/tick control can alert you to any changes in the dog. A change in the quantity of water being consumed can indicate a need to check for conditions such as diabetes and kidney and liver diseases. Senior dogs are more sensitive to weather extremes; owners need to keep them cool in summer and warm in winter.
Regular exercise is important. Training and playing with your dog can lessen the deterioration of physical and even mental abilities - just be sure it’s not too strenuous. Dr. Larry Gumfory at the Westcreek Animal Clinic says that keeping your dog moving helps him and helps you care for him. A sedentary dog that cannot stand up easily or walk around outside for potty breaks is much more difficult to care for andnot as happy.
Track your dog’s weight. That chubby dachshund waddling to the car may look adorable, but he is not healthy and will probably cost his owner a lot more money. According to Pet Talk experts with the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, 40 percent of older dogs are overweight, a fact that contributes to many health conditions and affects quality of life. Gumfory says he usually advises switching to senior dog food as the dog ages. Seniors need more easily digested nutrition and have different caloric needs. Extra pounds can lead to diabetes, osteoarthritis and many other conditions.
Visit the veterinarian regularly. Senior dogs are more susceptible to developing diseases and other troubles. Regular observation and blood tests may prevent or minimize problems. Merry Kroeger, a Texas A&M veterinary medical school student, said a checkup is recommended every six months for senior dogs. Owners should mention any changes, even small things such as coughing more (possible heart disease) and excessive drinking (diabetes).
Notice changes in behavior. Some things, such as sleeping more and running around less, are to be expected. Other changes, such as licking fur constantly, can indicate a problem. Some dogs may turn cranky, Bader says, a change that is often due to the presence of pain or loss of senses like hearing or sight.
Be aware of cognitive degeneration and disorientation. Is your dog getting senile? Last summer, Cookie started walking in circles around the coffee table, getting trapped behind the couch, pacing for hours in the middle of the night and randomly barking at the bathroom door. Gumfory prescribed an Alzheimer’s medication. One strategy for evaluating your dog’s mentalcondition is to analyze with the DISH acronym:
D - disorientation
I - interactions with family change
S - sleep-wake cycle andactivity level changes
H - house soiling
Consider acupuncture. Acupuncture is one of several alternate treatments growing in popularity for the care of pets. Dr. Sara Beall, who is certified in veterinary acupuncture, has helped dogs and cats find relief for arthritis, anxiety, senility, pain, skin disorders, urinary incontinence and cancer. Several treatments are usually necessary to achieve results, and more than one type of acupuncture may be beneficial - dry needles, aqua puncture, laser acupuncture and electric stem. Observing a treatment, I was amazed how relaxed and refreshed the dog seemed. Some additional options include acupressure, laser treatments and supplements.
Look in your dog’s mouth. OK, I know peering at 42 teeth and smelling your dog’s breath isn’t fun, but periodontal diseases are common in dogs. Bacteria hiding around the teeth can be released into the blood stream, potentially leading to heart disease and otherproblems. Dental problems can affect the dog’s eating habits, such as not being able to chew dry dog food. Dental chew treats and regular brushing with a doggie tooth brush can help, but never use human tooth paste. Your veterinarian can help you determine if your dog needs a professional cleaning.
Measure your dog’s quality of life. Bader recommends a quality-of-life scale developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos called the HHHHHMM Scale. Each of the following parameters is rated 1 (poor) to 10 (best): hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility and more good days than bad. A score of 35 or higher is deemed an acceptable quality of life. The quality of life for the pet owner should also be part of your evaluation.
Plan ahead for your dog’s end of life. Pet cemeteries offer a burial plot or cremation with costs varying from $50 to hundreds of dollars. Some veterinary clinics accept pets for a fee. Check your local city for pet guidelines and costs.
Family, Pages 29 on 06/19/2013