Thanks to advances in nutrition and veterinary medicine, dogs are living longer than ever before. Still, like humans, older dogs are more likely to have health problems than are younger pets. Generally speaking, a dog 7 years of age or older qualifies as a senior. Size of the dog and other physical characteristics also affect how fast a dog ages. Our chart below will help you most accurately determine your dog’s relative age in “human years.” 

*=geriatric dogs

Some signs of aging like a gray muzzle or slowed activity are easy to identify. Other signs are more subtle and hard to spot. Remember that being old is not a disease, but that there are common changes and certain age-related diseases that can compromise your dog’s health. These can include:

Decreased activity

Less interaction with family

Increased sleeping

Disorientation or confusion

Less responsive when spoken to

Weight gain or loss

Changes in skin or muscles

Changes in appetite or thirst

Loss of housetraining

Increased urination

Stiffness or lameness

Vision or hearing loss

Dental problems

Digestive problems

Recurrent infections

It is important to remember that changes you may be noticing in appearance or behavior can often be a sign that something is medically wrong, so please don’t just assume that your dog is suffering from “old age” and cannot be helped. Modern advances in veterinary medicine offer many exciting options to enhance the lives of senior and geriatric dogs.

Most veterinarians believe that older dogs have different medical needs and will benefit from specialized services, testing and dietary changes. This is why it is a good idea and important to establish a baseline that can be used as a benchmark for measuring changes before medical problems even begin to arise. We have specific recommendations and a doggie evaluation test on the other side of this handout to help you make the best decisions for your older companions. Our goal here at the Glendale Animal Hospital is to help your best-friends stay with you as long and as comfortably as possible.

Just as certain health screenings become necessary for people as they age, we offer and advise specific tests to ensure that your dog is healthy—or to catch problems in their earliest stages when they are most easily treatable. These procedures are common and we offer special pricing as part of our senior pet packages.

Please note that not every test or procedure may be appropriate or necessary for your pet.

Physical examination to check your dog’s general appearance, vital signs, weight, heart, lungs, eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, internal organs and skin. Usually advised twice yearly for senior dogs, more often if specific problems are identified.

Complete blood count which helps to diagnose cancer, infections, anemia and bleeding problems. It also gives us an assessment as to the status of your dog’s immune system function.

Serum chemistry profile is used to access major organ function including liver, kidney and pancreatic functions. Blood proteins, blood sugar and electrolytes are also evaluated using this test.

Thyroid screening is extremely important in older dogs to evaluate metabolic rate.

Complete urinalysis which screens for diabetes, kidney disease and infections.

Fecal analysis that can identify parasitism or dysfunctions of the digestive tract.

Other tests which may include X-rays, an EKG and so forth may also be advised based on your individual dog’s needs.

 

Ninety-one percent of veterinarians in a recent survey stated that they would be more likely to detect problems in senior pets early, while they were most treatable, if their owners would bring their pet to the vet more than just once a year.

The simple chart below will help you access if there are any potential problems with your senior pet. A yes answer should be discussed with us at your next visit. Also, be sure that we discuss proper nutrition for your pet. Weight control and dietary changes specific to your pet are very important.

Periodontal disease is the most common problem of senior dogs and can lead to kidney, liver and heart problems.

Obesity increases your dog’s risk of diabetes and liver disease and can lead to serious arthritis and back problems.

Endocrine diseases including diabetes and low thyroid can have very profound affects on all major body systems.

Kidney and liver disease can lead to serious chemical imbalances, anemia, poor immunity, bleeding and altered mental function.

Heart disease can lead to weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue and an inability to exercise.

Arthritis and spinal diseases are very common and cause pain, lameness and altered bowel and bladder function.

Loss of vision and hearing are quite common.

Behavioral changes from Cognitive Dysfunction may cause disorientation, “accidents”, and sleep disturbances.

Cancers and tumors are very common but over 80% may be curable if caught and treated early.

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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.