Changes in behavior could be an indication that your dog is experiencing senility or cognitive dysfunction, especially if your dog is over 6-7 years of age. When you notice theses things, like accidents in the house, wandering aimlessly and changes in their eating or drinking habits, it may be time for a trip to the vet. Together, you can assess the situation and see about coming up with a plan for dealing with the issues.
It can be so hard to see your sweet baby dog age and not be the same dog that they once were. Much of the same changes that we see older humans go through, dogs go through as well. Patience and a little extra love can go a long way in helping your dog continue to feel safe and secure in your home.
When your lovely fur pet is in pain it can be hard to know what to do or where to turn. Expensive medications are not always the answer – especially when you know that many times they hurt just as much as they are supposed to help. More and more pet parents are turning to non-invasive and natural therapies to help ease their pet’s pain and discomfort.
A method that might be worth looking into is the TTouch (pronounced ‘tee-touch’) method. This is a form of systematic and therapeutic touch that helps to stimulate healing and communication with the dog. Let’s hear more from Whole-Dog-Journal.com about this awesome option.
Helping Your Older Dog With Touch That Heals
The TTouch method was developed by Linda Tellington-Jones. The Canadian horsewoman had a long background in horse training and massage, but in 1970s, she began studying with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli physicist. Feldenkrais had developed a method of gentle manipulation of the human body, designed to improve pain and movement. He believed that by engaging non-habitual movement, you might be able to activate unused neural pathways to the brain and expand the potential to learn. Tellington-Jones’ study of the Feldenkrais method of “Awareness Through Movement” sparked a shift in her thinking about touch and movement in animals. (Read more)
This is not just petting! The TTouch looks to engage the parasympathetic nervous system. This engagement helps by relaxing the muscles and lowering the heart rate, blood pressure and getting those stress levels way down. When that stress is removed, often, that memory associated with the stress can be removed from the cells as well with a little encouragement.
TTouch has been studied to find out how it does what it does. At the Biofeedback Institute in Boulder, Colorado the method was shown to create altered brain waves. It could be seen that the specific touches were able to not only relax the animal’s body and brain, it also served to stimulate a more alert and cognitive state. This helped to switch out the previous pattern of behavior and replace it with a different perspective that was more focused on the ‘now’ and letting the dog move from a place of pain, to a place of comfort and healing. And the best part? No drugs or anything harmful for your beloved dog!
This video shows how wraps for your dog can help them in a number of ways. If the dog is feeling stiff or achy, the wraps can add support to the joints that make it more comfortable to move about and walk. If they are nervous or feeling quite tense, then the wraps can help them to feel secure and confident. It all depends on you testing out how to wrap your dog in a way that aids overall well being. When you find a pattern that works, you can stick with it!
Touch is so important too. I’ll address touch in a separate post so that you can learn more about using it help heal your wonderful dog. Sometimes, the issue might be an injury or illness, or it may just be a kind of emotional or nervous condition that is ailing your fur baby. No matter what, touch can really ease their discomfort, which in turn, eases yours.
Everyone knows that dogs age differently than humans. In fact, they age in a nonlinear way where one human year is the equivalent to about seven to ten dog years. A dog’s social and physical growth is quite fast and can make you wish time moved a little slower at times! Puppies can be quite adorable and yet they are only puppies for such a brief while. The unfortunate part is that this accelerated growth affects how they age as seniors as well. Just like humans, issues like diabetes, arthritis, cancer and kidney issues (among others) are things that can rear their ugly heads as our pets become ‘senior citizens’.
So what can you do? You can’t change the way your dog ages, all you can do is your best to get in front of any possible issues and this mean getting to the vet. Because of the different way they age, once your dog is officially ‘senior’ it is recommended that you make a visit to the vet every 6 months.
Senior Dogs Should See Vet Every 6 Months
No one likes going to the doctor, and dogs are no exception. Nonetheless, geriatric dogs—defined as those seven years or older—should have routine veterinary examinations every six months. This may seem excessive, but it isn’t when you consider that six months is the equivalent of three dog-years. A yearly exam for a dog is equivalent to an exam every seven to 10 years for a human, and no medical doctor would advise seeing elderly human patients so infrequently. These routine exams are important, as they make it more likely that problems can be diagnosed and treated before they become more difficult to manage. (Read more here)
Again, just like with humans, the vet is likely to simply treat each visit like a yearly well-check and do some general diagnostic checks. These blood and urine checks can help catch quite a bit. The vet will also be asking you for information regarding how the pooch is eating, sleeping, eliminating, and moving around. Be sure you are keeping tabs on these things so that you can share any significant differences for the vet to evaluate. Don’t get obsessed! But if something makes you go “Uh, oh” then be sure to mention that to your vet at the next visit.
Be sure you know what you are dealing with. Get your senior dog to the vet as soon as possible.
You may be noticing some odd behavior in your senior dog, but it may or may not be dementia. To be sure, you will always want to take your dog to the vet first and rule out any other issue that could be causing similar behavior as dementia. Obviously, if it a specific illness you can treat the illness and things may get better. If there is nothing wrong with your dog, then it may well be dementia and your vet can recommend things or medication that could help. Don’t assume, though. Get your pet checked out and be sure you know exactly what you are dealing with.
About.com has an article that deals with different behaviors that might indicate dementia. For example: getting lost in corners or confused by doors. They may also seem anxious and pace or they might forget their house-training and simply go in the house the way a puppy might. Senior dogs may also not greet family members in the same way or can bark for no apparent reason. Sleep patterns and eating can also be affected, so be sure you keep an eye on new patterns or issues.
Dementia In Senior Dogs
8. Doesn’t respond to voice commands as before
The first thing to rule out here is hearing loss, which is quite common in senior dogs. In the case of cognitive dysfunction, the dog cannot process the command and act on it as before. The dog may even be confused about his or her name when called.
9. If you notice some of these signs with your pet
Keep a log of what behaviors you have noticed, the timeframe or how often you notice these behaviors, and make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss. As noted above, the first step for any behavior problem is to rule out any medical causes first. (Full article here)
Arrive at your vet’s office with clear examples of how your dog used to behave and what is happening now. They will want you to be as specific as possible so that they can properly asses what is happening and determine if something else could be going on or if your dog has dementia.
There are things that can be done to help and knowing exactly what you are dealing with is always best. It can be frustrating to see your pooch display confusion or forget his/her obedience training. Take a breath. Be patient…and see the vet as soon as possible.
A dog is so often more than just a pet. They are there for us when we are sad, when we feel alone, when we don’t know what we are doing, when we are feeling mean and when we are going through the hardest times in our lives. They are there for us the same at these times as when we are on top of the world, when we are happy and secure and enjoying life. A dog knows what love is…they understand unconditional love and have so much to teach us, if only we are paying attention.
As they age and get older, we begin to really reflect on all that we have been through together. Every happy jump, every unexpected lick, every howl, every stretch and yawn, every time they laid on your foot or lap or chest, every fetch, every stolen bite of food off your plate, the guilty eyes and the big lolling tongue hanging out their mouths; all these take on a new and more profound meaning.
There is just not enough words to say all that they meant to us. This poem and this music barely covers it. But it’s a start. We love you! We are so happy to have had you in our lives and as our best friend!
Pets? I don’t think so. My dog is my family. I’m sure you feel the same.
As your dog ages, there will certainly be some differences in their behavior. Some things will be perfectly normal and to be expected and some are not normal but can certainly come up. It is highly likely that you will need to take your canine family member to the vet to be sure what you are dealing with and to take care of it as soon as possible. With aging dogs, it is better to take them to the vet and have it turn out to be nothing, than to wait and allow the problem to become worse.
Regular checkups and preventative visits are always recommended, anyway, but if you notice some of these things, you really should get your dog into the vet right away: hair loss, itchy skin, changes in their urinating and/or drinking habits, changes in weight and/or eating habits, bleeding gums, excessive bad breath and of course any changes in their ability to hear or see or walk etc.
In general, though, you may just be concerned about helping to keep your pet as comfortable and happy as possible. Here are some suggestions from About.com that will help you get a jump on keeping your friend happy and healthy.
Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfortable
Provide a comfortable clean bed – there are many “orthopedic” beds (….) available now at pet supply stores to ensure comfortable rest.
Provide fresh water daily (note changes in water consumption) and a healthy, age-appropriate diet.
Don’t expect too much from your senior dog – s/he may want to run and play Frisbee like the good ‘ol times, but go slow — heat, arthritis, age-related muscle atrophy, and other age-related effects can take their toll.
Ease distractions – senior pets can be easily startled by or become fearful of: kids, loud noises, and general commotion as they age. Conditions such as arthritis can make the dog fearful of getting hurt (or the potential to get hurt) with sudden movements of kids or being stepped on. (Full article here)
Your senior dog may sleep a little more and require a little more TLC, but that is okay. Just take it easy and be patient with your pooch and yourself! Keep your eyes and ears open and you will be ready to react just in case anything might come up. There is a good chance nothing bad will happen and your dog will simply get a little slower and have a bit less pep than they used to, but know that your love will help carry them through, no matter what.
Sure, he's a little white on his muzzle, but he's still a puppy at heart! Show him how much you love him!
Dogs get older just like their owners do, though their life span is relatively shorter. And just like humans, biological and physical changes are parts of their normal aging process. You may notice them as your pet continues to show them. But before you panic, be sure to set a regular appointment with your pet’s veterinarian to know what’s good for well-being of your aging dog.
Frequent visits to the veterinary clinic will help treat any medical problem and diagnose chronic diseases. Knowing what to expect from your senior dog will help you cope up with the changes, thus learning how to handle them. Who says these physical and biological changes have to stop you from spending more time with your dog and continue doing the things you both love to do?
Here are just some of the things you need to know about your aging dog.
What to Expect from Your Senior Dog
Slowing down – You may notice that you dog slows down some with aging. This isn’t always the case, but look for subtle changes in how s/he gets up, lays down, and uses stairs.
Graying around the face, muzzle – One of my dogs went prematurely gray at two years of age, but most dogs commonly show a bit of gray starting at middle age (5-6 years).
Reduced hearing – Is your dog hard to wake up after sleeping or does s/he become startled easily if you approach from behind?
Cloudy or “bluish” eyes – As they age, dog’s eyes often show a bluish transparent “haze” in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis.
Muscle atrophy – Mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may be seen with old age. (Click here to learn more about what to expect from senior dogs and how to care for them)
All in all, it’s important that as an owner, you are aware that your pet ages faster than you. But through the implementation of better nutrition or balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups as well as excellent care coming from you, you may add a few years to your dog’s life.
Now that you know what to expect from your senior dog, it is now your responsibility to keep him happy and healthy during his geriatric years. Who knows? He may be wagging his tail at the front door and licking your face for a few more years to come.
Remember - prevention is always better than having to cure the illness.
Just like humans and other animals, dogs can get infected by diseases, too. There are many kinds, which your dog may contract in any given day throughout his adult life. Some are easily treated, while some are more dangerous than the others.
As a dog owner, it’s best to identify what these diseases are in order to prevent your pet from getting them. Remember that prevention is always better than cure. That’s why it’s important to keep your dog happy and healthy as much as you can.
That said, here are the five most common dog ailments that you need to look out for.
The Five Most Common Dog Ailments
Distemper –Unfortunately this is the most common disease vets see with dogs today. It is usually seen in puppies under 6 months old, but can also be found in unvaccinated adults too.
Rabies –One of the most well-known viruses in the world, rabies is also nearly always fatal once symptoms have appeared. Usually the virus goes through several stages that can last for weeks in dogs before death occurs.
Parvovirus (Parvo) –A serious canine disease that is common worldwide, parvo is highly contagious, especially in puppies, and kills typically within 48 hours of exposure. It is a fast moving, and deadly virus that should be taken very seriously.
Kennel Cough –Perhaps the least threatening on this list, kennel cough is a common problem with dog owners, and one that should be treated early on to avoid more serious problems. Kennel cough is a bacterial infection usually spread when dogs are in close contact in places like kennels, which is where it gets its name.
Lyme Disease –Usually spread by the common deer tick, symptoms of this disease are not present until about 2 months after the infectious bite. You can protect your pet with vaccinations as well as tick treatments, but if your dog has been diagnosed, the animal will be treated with antibiotics. (Click here to read more)
This list of the five most common dog ailments is a mere guide for dog owners like you. If you notice anything wrong with your dog, be sure to consult with your pet’s veterinarian to treat the problem immediately. Keep in mind that the sooner your dog gets medical assistance, the faster it can recover from any ailment.
Don't let him just sit around, exercise is important to your senior dog.
Arthritis is a condition that most elderly people suffer from, making performing even the simplest of everyday activities quite difficult for them. The excruciating pain is such that to walk a couple of inches or simply sit back can be quite a burden. More so, arthritis does not only affect people. Dogs have been found to suffer from the same condition and are nonetheless plagued by the affliction as humans are. Arthritis in dogs is so common that you might find your house pet suffering from it.
Arthritis in dogs can be caused by one or more of several different things. The problem may be traced back to factors from old age to even obesity in pet dogs. Whatever reasons there may be behind the condition, it is your responsibility as a pet owner to learn how to treat arthritis in dogs so you won’t have to watch your beloved dog suffer from the pain. After all, taking care and loving your dog is your greatest responsibility as an owner, isn’t it? Here are some things that you should know about arthritis treatment in dogs.
How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs
Exercise and Weight Management in the Treatment of Canine Arthritis
Exercise is important for arthritic dogs but should be low impact to avoid further stress on damaged joints. There are several forms of exercise that are appropriate for dogs with arthritis.
Leash walking and mild controlled jogging are acceptable forms of exercise for dogs with arthritis.
Swimming is another excellent exercise for dogs with arthritis and is a commonly used form of physical rehabilitation.
Underwater treadmills can also be an effective form of physical therapy and can help meet the exercise requirements of an arthritic dog. (Click here to learn more on treatment for arthritis in dogs)
Arthritis can be quite a problem for you and your dog but you really don’t have to let the suffering continue. There are several treatments that could help alleviate the pain your dog suffers from arthritis. Some may include medication while others need only you to take your dog to exercise therapy so as to eliminate the causes of the condition.
All you need is some tender love and care and you’re well on your way to help your pet dog to recover. Now that you know how to treat arthritis in dogs, you can keep your dog healthy and free from arthritis and all its painful consequences.
Seizures in older dogs are often symptoms or a result of other conditions
Some medical conditions are not only restricted to humans and even your pet dog can suffer from them. These ailments often affect them the same way they can affect you, which means nothing but trouble for you and your beloved pet. Having an older dog as a pet comes with the greater chances of your pet suffering from various condition that can hamper their health if left unattended to. For an instance, your dog might develop seizures during his older years.
A seizure or a fit is often characterized by extreme involuntary moment which can include wild thrashing. Not only can this put your pet in danger, but it can also put you in a situation that’s simply more than a handful for you. For you to prevent your dog from going into seizure, you’ve got to take several things into consideration and learn more about the causes of seizures in older dogs in order to keep your dog away from these dangerous fits.
Causes of Seizure in Older Dogs
Seizures in older dogs are often symptoms or a result of other conditions:
Brain tumor.
Some older dogs develop brain tumors which can put pressure on the brain as it grows, resulting in a seizure. Other symptoms to be on the lookout for include a loss of vision and motor coordination. If your vet suspects your dog has a brain tumor, he will most likely recommend diagnostic tests like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CAT (computed axial topography). Anti-convulsant medications will not control seizures caused by a tumor.
Kidney disease.
Dogs that have a buildup of toxins in the blood or high levels of acidity due to kidney disease can also experience seizures.( Click here to find out more about causes of seizure in older dogs)
Learning more about the causes of seizures in older dogs will help you gain a better understanding with regards to the treatment and medication that your dog might need. All you have to do is bring your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic and seek out professional opinion on your dog’s condition.
Be sure to know all of the things you’ve got to do to eliminate or even just reduce the occurrence of fits and what you have to do when they take place. You’d want to trace back the problem to its root in order to keep your pet dog away from those dangerous and painful seizures, wouldn’t you?
Get ahead of any issues your older dog may run into. Maintenance is key!
You may notice a few changes on your dog as he ages, his basic needs, state of health and physical activity among others. But sometimes, dogs tend to hide their health problems and unlike humans, they can’t voice it out.
As a dog owner, it is your duty and responsibility to keep track of your dog as he gets older and keep an eye on him to provide proper care and treatment that his current condition requires.
That said, below are some tips on caring for your senior dog. You may use a tip or two from it.
7 Tips on Caring For Your Senior Dog
1. We all need to watch our weight
Obesity is one of the major health issues facing senior dogs today, according to Dr. Lauten, and research shows that dogs that maintain a normal weight can live up to two years longer than dogs that are obese…
2. Routine check ups
As the guardian of an older dog, plan for twice-a-year veterinary visits…
3. Blood screening
A complete diagnostic blood screening is one of the easiest things you can do for your old dog’s health and provides a veritable treasure trove of diagnostic information for your vet…
4. More than just a pretty smile
Dental care is vitally important throughout your dog’s life and especially as she ages…
5. Potty stuff
Another consideration with older dogs is the need for more frequent bathroom breaks…
6. Exercise mind and body
Increased time spent sleeping is common with senior dogs…
7. Keep it short
As part of the grooming process, be sure to include a nail trim in your dog’s regular grooming routine… (Click here to read more)
Your dog may be ageing but don’t forget that he was the same little puppy you brought home a few years ago, wagging his tail and expecting you to play catch with him. He may be too old to play that game and may rather catch up on sleeping, but it doesn’t mean that you can pay less attention to him now.
It’s what exactly he needs at the moment. So be sure to make the effort to keep your pet happy and engaged, showering him with extra care and love, letting him enjoy the world around him, and making the most out of his remaining days by following these tips on caring for your senior dog.
After all, isn’t it what dog owners strive for? Keeping the sweet little fellow happy and healthy throughout his lifetime.
