What is the most important thing to know about caring for a senior dog?
Each dog is going to age differently.
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What is the life expectancy of a dog?
That can depend on their genetics and their breed. Some dogs it could be six to eight years and other dogs it can be 18 to even 24 years of age.
How does getting older impact the health of my dog?
Well, as they're getting older their organs aren't going to be working as well as they were when they were a puppy.
How can wellness care extend the life and vitality of my dog?
Wellness care allows us to monitor any changes. This way we can address potential issues before they become major problems.
What are the most common problems in senior dogs?
Common problems in senior dogs include arthritis, dementia, kidney disease, and even cancer.
Does my dog still need regular wellness exams as they get older?
Most definitely. You might actually need to bring them in more often.
What are some signs and symptoms that my dog may be slowing down?
Signs can include being slow to get up, less enthusiasm for playing, and overall not acting their normal self.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing if my dog is slowing down whether they're actually sick?
They could just be a little bit cold, or acting off because they are getting more tired and sleepy as they are getting older. That doesn't necessarily mean that they're super sick, it could just be aging changes.
What will my veterinarian be looking for when examining my senior dog?
They're going to be looking for arthritis, eye changes, ensuring good blood flow everywhere, checking the range of motion, and likely recommend some blood work to check all the internal organs as well.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Senior Care - FAQs 1
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What health issues do I need to look out for in my senior dog?
There are many different health issues that could occur in senior dogs, such as arthritis, cataracts, and others. It's important to keep an eye out for signs of these conditions.
What are some things I can do to make my aging dog more comfortable?
Providing a soft bedding for your dog is one way to enhance their comfort. Ensuring they receive proper nutrition and maintaining a safe environment without sharp edges are other ways to make your aging dog more comfortable.
Does my senior dog need vaccinations and preventative care?
Absolutely. As dogs age, their immunity decreases, similar to humans. Therefore, it's crucial to keep up with vaccinations and preventative care to protect them from illnesses.
Why does my senior dog sometimes yowl at night?
Just like humans, dogs can experience dementia as they age. Night-time yowling can be a sign of this.
Are there nutritional or environmental changes I should make as my dog grows older?
Yes, there are specific senior dog foods available that contain DHA for mental health and joint supplements to assist with their joints. These can be beneficial as your dog ages.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Senior Care - FAQs 2
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What changes in basic care are needed for my senior dog?
For your senior dog, you'll want to ensure they have comfortable bedding and consider changing their food to a senior-specific type. It's also important to closely monitor them for any unusual changes or symptoms.
Do I need to change my senior dog's feeding schedule?
You may not need to alter their feeding schedule significantly. However, some senior dogs might require feeding more often than younger ones.
What activities and training can I do with my senior dog?
Continue with the same activities and training they are accustomed to. However, be mindful of their energy levels and provide rest when they show signs of fatigue.
If I want to adopt a senior dog, what should I know?
When adopting a senior dog, be aware that their background history may not be available. Therefore, they may have certain health issues or behaviors that you are not accustomed to.
What behavior changes will I notice in my senior dog?
Senior dogs may slow down and become less active. They might also show signs of dementia, such as confusion or disorientation, and physical symptoms like trembling limbs.
What are some things I can do to help extend the length of my dog's life?
Regular wellness checks and blood work are essential for maintaining your dog's health. Additionally, providing them with proper nutrition can significantly contribute to their lifespan.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Senior Care - FAQs 3
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
At what age is my dog considered a senior?
Most breeds are considered senior dogs between 7 and 8 years of age.
What are the health needs of my senior dog?
The health needs of your senior dog can vary. They might need more water or a different type of food, depending on their specific health condition.
What is the difference between a mature senior and a geriatric dog?
A mature dog is entering their senior years, but you may not notice any significant changes. On the other hand, you might start to notice some aging changes in a senior dog. With a geriatric dog, you'll notice a range of different changes associated with aging.
Should I encourage my senior dog to exercise?
Yes, you should definitely encourage your senior dog to exercise. Keeping their muscles active is important as it prevents them from wasting away.
What nutritional or dietary changes do I need to make for my senior dog?
You might need to add joint supplements to your senior dog's diet. Also, consider switching to a senior dog food that contains joint supplements and beneficial elements for mental health, such as DHA.
How can I make my home more senior dog friendly?
To make your home more senior dog friendly, try to minimize any rough edges around the house. Ensure they have comfortable bedding, and consider adding rugs on the floor to prevent them from slipping.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Senior Care - FAQs 4
Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
How can I evaluate my senior dog's quality of life?
Well, if they seem to be happy, they're running around eating and doing a lot of the things that they like to do, then they likely have a good quality of life still.
What are the signs that my dog is dying?
Signs can include things like collapse, vomiting, diarrhea, not acting themselves, just laying around and not wanting to move.
How can I tell if my dog is in pain?
You'll see some muscle tremors, their legs will be shaking, sometimes their teeth will chatter or they're just not wanting to get up and move around.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care for my senior dog?
Palliative care means that there may still be some other options out there for us to try to make them more comfortable. Whereas with hospice, we're just making them the most comfortable as there are no other options.
What is euthanasia for a senior dog?
Euthanasia is when we administer medications that help sedate the dog and then slow everything down until it stops.
How can I tell if it's time to euthanize my dog?
When you have more bad days than good, when they're hiding and not enjoying anything that they used to enjoy, it might be time to consider euthanasia.
Would it be better to let my senior dog pass away on their own?
Normally, no, because most of the time they are suffering. They could be in pain or have difficulty breathing. Essentially, they're suffering and that's something we want to avoid.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram