{"id":1874,"date":"2023-04-24T11:39:08","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T16:39:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/?p=1874"},"modified":"2023-12-13T12:00:42","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T17:00:42","slug":"senior-dogs-7-helpful-tips-for-health-concerns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/senior-dogs-7-helpful-tips-for-health-concerns\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Dogs: 7 Helpful Tips for Health Concerns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li ><a href=\"#old-dogs\">Old Dogs\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#what-to-expect-of-senior-dogs\">What to Expect of Senior Dogs\u00a0<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#obesity-in-senior-dogs\">Obesity in Senior Dogs<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#arthritis-in-senior-dogs\">Arthritis in Senior Dogs<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#cognitive-decline-in-senior-dogs\">Cognitive Decline in Senior Dogs<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#skin-and-coat-changes-in-senior-dogs\">Skin and Coat Changes in Senior Dogs<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#senses-changes-in-senior-dogs\">Senses Changes in Senior Dogs<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#loss-of-bladder-control-in-senior-dogs\">Loss of Bladder Control In Senior Dogs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li ><a href=\"#tips-for-senior-dog-care\">Tips for Senior Dog Care<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#diet\">Diet:<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#exercise\">Exercise:<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#grooming\">Grooming:<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#veterinary-checkup\">Veterinary Checkup:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li ><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#treat-your-pet-to-ani-viva\">Treat your pet to AniViva\u00ae!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There comes a moment when you start noticing the face of your best friend droopy. As your companion ages, their care changes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Optimize their health and comfort for their golden years by reading this post and learning how to care for senior dogs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"old-dogs\">Old Dogs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-large-mixed-shepherd-breed-dog-2022-06-04-04-23-27-utc.jpg-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Senior Dogs: 7 Helpful Tips for Health Concerns\" class=\"wp-image-1877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-large-mixed-shepherd-breed-dog-2022-06-04-04-23-27-utc.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-large-mixed-shepherd-breed-dog-2022-06-04-04-23-27-utc.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-large-mixed-shepherd-breed-dog-2022-06-04-04-23-27-utc.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-large-mixed-shepherd-breed-dog-2022-06-04-04-23-27-utc.jpg-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-large-mixed-shepherd-breed-dog-2022-06-04-04-23-27-utc.jpg-2048x1365.webp 2048w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-large-mixed-shepherd-breed-dog-2022-06-04-04-23-27-utc.jpg-scaled.webp 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The aging process of each dog differs depending on its individual characteristics - size, breed, genetics, nutrition, and environment play a part in determining how quickly the animal ages.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Larger breeds tend to show signs of seniority much earlier than small breeds;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Chihuahuas take 10-11 years until senior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Golden Retrievers could reach their senior years at 8-10 years old.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great Danes are notably older after 5-6 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-to-expect-of-senior-dogs\">What to Expect of Senior Dogs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As your pet dog ages, it may experience a range of degenerative conditions, such as arthritis which can affect its mobility and cause them to slow down.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even find it hard to walk for extended periods, struggle to move up and down stairs, or have difficulty getting into and out of cars.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dental diseases at an early age untreated may present problems as they age. Decayed teeth could impair your dog's eating habits and lead to weight loss. Without proper preventive care, senior dogs may even be missing teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"obesity-in-senior-dogs\">Obesity in Senior Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Older dogs risk weight gain from declining activities. Age-related metabolism also influences. Access their body condition to determine if&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessing your pet\u2019s body condition tells you if they are overweight. View their body from above; their waist should be behind their ribs, and the side view of their stomach should tuck up while the ribs are visible. Consider seeking a veterinarian for an accurate examination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A heavier state fuels health problems like arthritis and heart disease. The guidance of a vet can help determine daily calorie requirements and adjust feeding amounts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An overview of their health helps to stay on the healthy track. Protect their wellness and provide them comfort as they age.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"arthritis-in-senior-dogs\">Arthritis in Senior Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Change in the pace of senior dogs comes with age, but if they seem stiff or limping - arthritis could be a sign. The breakdown of cartilage in the joints causes pain and inflammation while decreasing movement. Some of the indications of arthritis in senior dogs include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Hard to sit or lay down&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decrease in running, jumping, playing, or climbing stairs&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle mass loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty squatting for bathroom necessities or having accidents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irritability or sensitivity to touch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cognitive-decline-in-senior-dogs\">Cognitive Decline in Senior Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A forgetful and anxious pet could suffer from <a href=\"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/view\/journals\/javma\/255\/11\/javma.255.11.1245.xml?rskey=oDn0X1&amp;result=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cognitive changes<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It's possible that some <a href=\"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/view\/journals\/javma\/246\/1\/javma.246.1.67.xml?rskey=oDn0X1&amp;result=5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cognitive decline is an aspect of aging<\/a> or that other health conditions, such as vision loss, could contribute to the onset of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in senior dogs, which is known as the canine equivalent of Alzheimer's disease.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CDS diagnosis focuses on specific behavioral changes, such as house soiling or learning and memory problems, increased anxiety, disorientation or confusion, and nighttime restlessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies evaluating the biochemical and anatomic components of aging in dogs have indicated some neurological changes that could impact cognitive and behavioral functions. Further research has linked such changes to the accumulation of oxidative damage in brain cells. Specifically, brain cells appear vulnerable to the harmful effects of oxygen-free radicals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These findings suggest that the biological processes relating to brain aging and behavior in senior dogs may begin as early as 7 to 8 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"skin-and-coat-changes-in-senior-dogs\">Skin and Coat Changes in Senior Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The advancing age affects the skin and coat health of your pet. Cellular atrophy increases in the epidermis and dermis, and follicles - resulting in hair loss areas. The skin also loses elasticity and is less pliable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As dogs age, they may experience the loss of melanocytes in hair follicles and a subsequent slowdown in the production of the enzyme tyrosinase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may lead to white hairs, often visible around the muzzle and face of elderly dogs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, older dogs could have issues with sebum production, leading to scaly skin and a less lustrous hair coat that appears dry and lackluster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/aetheion.com\/product-category\/aniviva-pets-series\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AniViva\u00ae Pet Series<\/a> to enhance the coat health of your best friend.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"senses-changes-in-senior-dogs\">Senses Changes in Senior Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With age, a dog's reaction time can slow down. Changes in vision, hearing, and olfaction may arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In senior dogs, the most common eye change they experience is nuclear (lenticular) sclerosis. It appears as a bilateral bluish-gray haziness in the lens nucleus caused by the increasing density of lens fibers and the refractive index.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though sometimes mistaken for cataracts, nuclear sclerosis often does not affect a dog's vision - except in severe cases. It is common for aging dogs to experience gradual night vision loss; however, many owners and veterinarians overlook this symptom until diminishing hearing sets in, highlighting the importance of hearing over vision in dogs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vision Loss in Old Dogs&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Issues locating toys, food, or water dish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bumping into objects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hesitant jumping to or from furniture or climbing down the stairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No eye contact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anxious behavior or clingy&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Age-related hearing loss caused by cochlear degeneration is a common issue for old dogs, and it can look similar to what humans experience. This hearing impairment typically does not present any direct health risks, but owners may worry about their dog's safety and well-being. In some cases, age-related changes in cognition can cause hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing Loss in Old Dogs&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Ignoring cues&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not reacting when called<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No disturbance from loud noise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ignoring pleasing or familiar sounds&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A professional examination of your pet will help for better assessment and proper care.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"loss-of-bladder-control-in-senior-dogs\">Loss of Bladder Control In Senior Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Urinary incontinence is the weakening of muscle controlling the bladder\u2019s opening. An old dog might go during the night, dribble while walking, or fail to hold it in as before.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medication or an increase in bathroom breaks might help. Worst-case scenario, they have to use a diaper.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other possible causes exist, such as urinary tract infections or bladder stones, and visiting your vet will help with diagnosis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be aware of kidney disease too. It happens when kidneys no longer filter waste products from a dog\u2019s blood, increasing water intake and thus more urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tips-for-senior-dog-care\">Tips for Senior Dog Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cute-senior-dog-in-vet-clinic-2022-07-20-07-41-00-utc.jpg-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Senior Dogs: 7 Helpful Tips for Health Concerns\" class=\"wp-image-1878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cute-senior-dog-in-vet-clinic-2022-07-20-07-41-00-utc.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cute-senior-dog-in-vet-clinic-2022-07-20-07-41-00-utc.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cute-senior-dog-in-vet-clinic-2022-07-20-07-41-00-utc.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cute-senior-dog-in-vet-clinic-2022-07-20-07-41-00-utc.jpg-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cute-senior-dog-in-vet-clinic-2022-07-20-07-41-00-utc.jpg-2048x1365.webp 2048w, https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cute-senior-dog-in-vet-clinic-2022-07-20-07-41-00-utc.jpg-scaled.webp 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diet\">Diet:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Adopt a diet plan tailored to the needs of an old dog, considering age and breed-specific dietary needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor changes in appetite and address any digestive issues with vet-recommended foods or supplements.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exercise\">Exercise:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Provide exercise appropriate for your dog\u2019s age and health condition, such as gentle walks or other low-impact activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid strenuous activities to prevent overworking the joints and muscles of an older dog.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"grooming\">Grooming:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Regularly brush your senior dog\u2019s fur to remove embedded dirt, mats, and dead hair, promoting healthy coat growth and shine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay special attention to areas of thinning fur or signs of irritation due to dry skin conditions that may require special shampoos or topical treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"veterinary-checkup\">Veterinary Checkup:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Schedule regular checkups with the vet for vaccinations, flea\/tick control, heartworm preventatives, dental care, eye care, and parasite control as needed for your dog's specific age group and medical background.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As dogs age, they may experience several health concerns affecting their quality of life. Owners need to be aware of these issues and take steps to ensure their dog stays healthy and happy well into their senior years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you liked this article, we suggest you read <a href=\"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/6-easy-steps-for-dog-grooming-at-home\/\">6 Easy Steps For Dog Grooming at Home<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"treat-your-pet-to-ani-viva\">Treat your pet to AniViva\u00ae!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover why our products are <a href=\"https:\/\/aetheion.com\/research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">top-of-the-line <\/a>and how they can nourish your pet\u2019s skin health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There comes a moment when you start noticing the face of your best friend droopy. As your companion ages, their care changes.&nbsp; Optimize their health and comfort for their golden years by reading this post and learning how to care for senior dogs.&nbsp; Old Dogs&nbsp; The aging process of each dog differs depending on its [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[33,43,41,40],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1874"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1903,"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874\/revisions\/1903"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aniviva.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}