4
Common Aging Dog Problems You Should Know About
By Michael Whitman
While every dog is an individual, a few age-related
maladies seem to strike many of them. You should of course
discuss how they affect your dog - and the best approach to
treating them - with your veterinarian, but knowing a little
bit about what you're dealing with before you go in is helpful.
Here are a few old-dog problems, along with some
things you can do to help:
1. Stiffness:
Your veterinarian can help you determine if the stiffness
is because of temporary muscle soreness - say from overdoing
it - or the onset of arthritis. Many dogs are worse in cold
weather and first thing in the morning. Arthritis is common
in older dogs, and while no cure exists, treatments are available
that can make your pet's life comfortable. Your veterinarian
may prescribe buffered aspirin, food supplements, or anti-inflammatory
medications, all of which your pet may need to take for the
rest of her life. For your part, you need to be sure that
your pet is not overweight and is kept consistently, but not
strenuously, active.
2. Decline of the senses:
Deaf and blind dogs do just fine, as long as you do your part
to keep them out of any danger their disabilities may cause.
Blindness, in particular, is a problem dogs adjust to with
an ease that stuns their owners. But consider the following:
Dogs don't have to read the newspaper, they don't care about
TV, and they count on you to read the ingredients label on
a bag of kibble. Sight isn't their primary sense anyway; they
put much greater stock in their sense of smell. After they
learn the layout of the land, they rarely bump into things
(as long as you don't keep moving the furniture). Handicapped
pets should never be allowed off-leash on walks, because they
can't see danger and cannot hear your warnings.
Even if your older dog is blind, there may be something that
you can do. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a specialist
like a veterinary ophthalmologist. Problems such as cataracts
may be treatable with medications and surgery.
3. Incontinence: There
are many inquiries all of the time from frustrated owners
wondering why their older dogs are no longer house-trained
- and how they can get them back on track. The first rule
of any sudden-onset behavior problem is to make sure that
it's not a health problem, and we can think of no case where
this rule is more true than with an older dog who's suddenly
urinating in the house. Your pet could have an infection or,
if she's an older spayed female, she may be suffering from
the loss of muscle tone related to a decrease in her hormone
levels. Both are treatable; see your veterinarian. At a certain
age, a little dribbling of urine is practically inevitable,
especially while your older dog is sleeping.
4. Lumps and bumps:
Benign fatty tumors are common in older dogs, and the vast
majority are nothing to worry about. Benign tumors are round
and soft, with well-defined edges. You can usually get your
fingers nearly around them, and they don't seem well-anchored.
Showing them to your veterinarian for a more complete evaluation
is important, and you should inform her of any changes in
size or shape, especially if they happen rapidly. Your veterinarian
may be concerned enough about the size, appearance, or location
of a mass to suggest its removal
and a biopsy; most bumps, however, are left alone. The best
time to check for lumps and bumps? During regular grooming,
weekly, at least. Run your hand over every inch of your dog,
and don't forget to talk sweetly - she'll think it's petting.
About the Author:
Michael Whitman can teach you how to quickly
and easily train your problem dog. http://www.dogtrainingmethod.com/DogExpert.html
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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