No wrinkles, no thinning hair, just a few gray strands on the face, no menopause, no mid-life crisis: dogs hardly show their age on the outside.
They don't care about birthdays, live in the present - at one, two and ten years old.
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and healthy eating , so can they - their average life expectancy has increased by two years over the past forty years.
However, natural aging cannot be stopped and with it the aches and pains and serious illnesses begin. It is important to observe the senior dog closely so that you can recognize the age-related problems at an early stage and intervene.
What can the geriatric check do?
Because dogs age differently, a check-up makes sense for large dogs from the age of seven and for smaller dogs from the age of ten. During such an age check , the vet listens to the heart, checks the joints, looks at the teeth, weighs the oldie and takes blood. Inflammation as well as liver and kidney values can be seen in the blood count. Ultrasound is sometimes necessary to locate tumors. The veterinarian can therefore determine whether the dog is still fit "for its age" or whether it needs medical support.
What are normal signs of aging?
With age, the entire metabolism slows down, the cells no longer divide as frequently and only regenerate gradually. The immune system weakens. Older dogs are becoming thinner and thinner, both physically and mentally. They cannot regulate their core temperature well, freeze more quickly and suffer more when it is too warm. But they also react more sensitively to environmental stimuli, sometimes literally "flying off their skin" when something unusual happens. Most dogs no longer hear and see as well as they get older: no need to worry, they compensate for a lot with their sense of smell. As long as they are not blind or deaf, they can orient themselves well. But they are more insecure and need someone by their side who knows and compensates for this.
In the course of life, the arteries calcify, circulatory disorders can occur, as a result of which the ability to concentrate decreases, mental difficulties occur and forgetfulness sets in. Some also become demented. The bones become brittle, ligaments and tendons are no longer as flexible, the dogs move more slowly and tire more quickly. Signs of aging that you should be prepared for and react to.
What help does an old dog need?
Anyone who moves less and no longer as vigorously will inevitably gain weight if they eat as they did when they were young. Because the digestive system is also slowed down, old dogs should be provided with easily digestible, protein-rich food and weighed once a month to check. As with puppies, two to three servings are better than a single feeding. This also prevents the torsion of the stomach that unfortunately often occurs in old age, which is favored by the slacker ligaments. Special oldie food contains antioxidants that "catch" pathogenic free radicals and reduce the risk of illness.
Another consequence of the reduced movement is that the claws are too long. They wear out when walking on hard floors. This is exactly where a senior dog should not run, because the skeleton and joints are stressed. So the claws have to be trimmed from time to time .
When your dog stops walking silently over wood or stone because its claws are popping open, it's time for foot care.
Of course, the oldies need enough exercise so that their muscles don't atrophy and their joints remain supple. How much and how often you take the old dog for a spin should be up to him. But also be considerate of the weather and don't let him make big jumps, only run a few steps and eliminate ball games from your fitness program. Why? Because a dog chasing a ball will make a hard stop when it's on target. This puts a lot of strain on the shoulders and unfortunately has often led to strains.
Because the bones are no longer so flexible, old dogs often cannot clean themselves properly and are happy to have a cleaning help. Clean the anal region with lukewarm water, with a soft brush you go over the fur from the neck to the tail vertebra. The massage is good for the dog and it also enjoys your closeness.
Because that is another consequence of aging: the dog seeks physical contact, attaches itself very closely to its owner and no longer likes to be left alone. Give him the security that you are always by his side. This also strengthens their immune system, which suppresses stress hormones through the bonding hormone oxytocin.
As long as the senior dog is not completely deaf or blind, you can let him run free. If one of these senses is completely missing, grab the towline . This gives the four-legged friend freedom of movement, but gives you control. If you notice signs of hearing loss or poor eyesight, be sure to train auditory and visual signals. If the dog masters both, it will orient itself to your gestures and hand movements if its hearing decreases. If his vision is limited, he can follow your words and calls or whistles.
And what about the forgetfulness and delayed reactions? You should take that into account and wait patiently when he needs his time to internalize what you want. Rituals are helpful. They create a structure for the dog that he can rely on. That's exactly what he needs in old age: the feeling of being safe. ♡
How do I recognize possible diseases?
In addition to the annual age check, vaccinations and protection against parasites are extremely important because the immune system no longer works like it does in young dogs. This also applies to diseases that are easily put away in youth. The following signs can be alarm signals:
- loss of appetite
- Diarrhea lasting more than a day
- Excessive thirst
- difficulty getting up
- touch sensitivity
- Persistent drooling, gagging, or vomiting
- Significant weight gain or loss
- hair loss
- Perpetual restlessness
- Loud barking/howling without cause
- Frequent cough
- Panting at normal temperature
Such abnormalities are calls for help from your oldie that you should not ignore. he relies on you Modern veterinary medicine has many ways to cure or treat diseases. It can take the pain away from the old dog and give it many years worth living. Years in which you will continue to have your faithful four-legged companion at your side.
