Inevitably the dogs are getting older, almost without us noticing. We will see changes in them but one day we will realize that it is already an old, older or senior dog, and it will require much more care and attention each time. We must know when a dog is considered old and the care that must be taken.
Old dogs are more prone to certain diseases, but you also have to change their care and even their habits. That is why we must know how to deal with the stage of seniors in dogs, so that for them it is much more bearable and pleasant, improving their quality of life.
When is a dog old or older?
Many times we are not clear if our dog has grown old and is old. It is something relative, since it depends on the race, the type of life they have had or their own genetics. As we see our dog every day, we hardly notice the small changes that take place in him. He gets older when his activity decreases and he begins to develop some diseases associated with old age, such as osteoarthritis, tumors or cataracts. As we say, all this is relative, since there are dogs that are great at 15 and others with 10 are physically older.
In general we must bear in mind that small dog breeds are much longer lived than those of large dogs. A large dog usually reaches twelve years old, and from 8 or 9 he is already older, while in a small dog we can see his oldest stage when he reaches eleven years old and can last up to fifteen and even more. This is something general, although it can also depend on the breed, its genetics and of course the type of life the dog has had, which helps it reach old age with much stronger health.
Older dogs and diseases
Older dogs often develop certain diseases due to age. However, they do not all occur in all dogs and we must also take into account the type of breed we have, since there are dogs prone to certain diseases. Dalmatians often have deafness and German Shepherds have hip dysplasia, for example. Knowing this, we can be alert when diseases begin to develop.
Arthritis
This is very common in older dogs. It is a joint inflammation which causes them to calcify. This causes pain in them and also loss of mobility. We can realize this problem because the dog begins to limp when it is cold or when there is humidity. It is somewhat degenerative, but with medication we can slow down, in addition to relieving the dog's pain.
Deafness
Some dogs go losing hearing in adulthood. We will realize easily, when he does not answer when we call him or when he does not perceive the noises as before. A deaf dog can have a good standard of living, since they move a lot by their smell, but you always have to be careful, since they will not hear cars and other things that can be dangerous for them.
Blindness
In the adult stage, dogs can also go blind, especially with the known cataracts. We will see a kind of veil in their eyes, which will get bigger. A blind dog can still have a great standard of living if this is the only disease he has. We must be careful not to change things at home so that they are oriented well, and let them use their smell as they have always done.
Tumors or cancer
Dogs can also develop various types of cancer and tumors. In the presence of a lump we must go immediately to the vet. Detecting cancer in a dog can be more difficult, and that's what checkups are for, with blood tests that can advise on dog health in its adult stage. Each case should be treated with the veterinarian to know the options we have.
Cognitive dysfunction
There are dogs that when they get very old they start to be disorientedThey are scared by things that were normal for them before and in general they develop a different behavior. This may be because their cognitive functions also degenerate, making it more difficult for them to remember their routines.
Obesity
In adulthood, dogs do less and less sport. This is normal as his energy is not so high anymore and they do not have the same health as before. This causes many dogs to develop obesity. There are breeds that are already prone to overweight, and that is why we must take great care of their diet when they get older. Quality must prevail over quantity, so we must get senior feed that provides nutrients without so many calories.
Renal problems
Kidney problems can also manifest in older dogs. These may increase, but in principle we can always give them medication and care to keep these problems at bay. Visits to the vet will always be required when the dog is listless, does not want to eat or go for a walk.
Dental disease
This is not the worst thing that can happen to a dog, but a poor dental health It can lead to infections, teeth falling out and we have to change their diet to a much softer one because they can no longer chew as before. If we take care of their teeth from a young age, they can reach adulthood with good oral health.
Changes in the old dog
When the dog gets old, it changes. I know they come back much calmerThey require little exercise, usually going for a short walk to relieve themselves. We will also notice that the dog spends many hours sleeping, more and more, as he gets older. Their rest periods are going to be long, so we must provide a suitable bed for them. In case they have mobility problems, we can always help them and buy them a harness, so that they have more stability in case they fall or trip.
The owners must also take into account that their dietary needs change. A senior dog requires quality food, which helps them to be well fed, but which is low in calories and carbohydrates, since they do not move as much. In addition, there are special diets for dogs with overweight problems, for dogs with kidney problems and a long etcetera. At this stage, as in puppyhood, feeding becomes essential.
When should we say goodbye
It is difficult to know that the time has come to say goodbye to the old or senior dog. We see how they get sick for different reasons and it is difficult to make the decision if the death is not sudden. But above all we must think about the welfare of the animal. Consult each case with the veterinarian It is very important, since they can give us an idea of the quality of life that the dog can lead, its possibilities and when it is better to let them go, so that they do not suffer. We must always think of the best for them, and that is why, when we have to take the step, we have to remember how happy we have been together, the many moments in the past, and that our pet is surrounded by his loved ones.