Caring for an Aging Dog

Part 1

Caring for an aging dog means understanding how their needs change. Your once peppy puppy is now a sweet old senior whose care regimen has to adjust to keep them healthy for as long as possible. In this two-part blog, we’ll cover some issues facing the aging dog.

Old? He’s only 7!

Caring for an aging dog can sneak up on you! Depending on the size of your dog, eight years old can be middle-aged or even elderly. The old rule of thumb that one dog year equals seven human years is too general. Small dogs age more slowly and have been known to live up to twenty years old. Large dogs, on the other hand, age more rapidly and have shorter life spans. For example, an Irish Wolfhound who lives to be to be nine years old is a rare exception. Get to know your breed and you’ll have a deeper understanding of your dog’s true age.

Common Ailments

Every living thing ages as the body’s systems break down and as regeneration slows down. In dogs, there are a number of ailments that become more common as the dog enters old age:

Arthritis

• Arthritis in dogs happens the same way it does in people.
• Cartilage in the joints acts as a buffer between bones but wears out over the years.
• When the cartilage is depleted to the point where bone meets bone, arthritis develops.
• When you see your dog getting up more slowly or their gait slows on walks, have your veterinarian check for arthritis and recommend treatment.

Check back next week for more information on caring for an aging dog. In the meantime don’t hesitate to call Ironhorse Vetcare if you are in need of emergency and/or surgical treatment. We are available 24/7 to treat and answer your questions.