Senior Years

The wild ancestors of our modern day pets would have been extremely lucky to die from natural causes, most died early from disease or injury, before the afflictions of old age could manifest themselves. Our modern day pets are luckier; protected from the problems faced by dogs in the wild, they are living longer and longer lives. However, this longevity means that the inevitable ageing process will cause our dogs to develop much the same problems of old age as we humans do. Jacob Mosier, Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, says that the signs of senility in dogs is similar to those in man and there is a condition called Canine Cognitative Dysfunction. Studies on geriatric dogs with symptoms of CCD have found developing brain lesions similar to those found in humans with Alzheimers Disease.
As humans, we can talk about our failing eyesight, hearing loss, poor memory and aching bones but our pets rely on us to recognise their symptoms and give them the extra care which will help to make the next stage of their lives as happy and healthy as possible. Although there is nothing that can be done to stop the ageing process, there are things we can do to minimise its effects.
In his book 'The Dog's Mind', author Bruce Fogle says, "There is almost undoubtedly a biological clock that governs the ageing process in dogs and this is genetic in its origins. This is why the life expectancy of some breeds is dramatically longer than others."
He goes on to suggest that environment can have a significant effect on the ageing process and although we cannot alter the genetic clock, we can provide a lifestyle and environment which will extend the lifespan of our dogs and keeping them fit, healthy and mentally stimulated plays a vital part in this process.
Lakeland Terriers can live as long as 17 or 18 years. In the show ring a dog is a veteran at 7 years but Lakies are so full of 'joie de vivre', the onset of old age may not be apparent until they reach around 10 years of age or more. In most dogs, the first sign is a few grey hairs around the muzzle but Lakelands tend not to look old because the greying hairs are not so apparent in the colour of their coats, unless of course, you have a black one! Their first signs may be stiffness when waking, lower energy levels or a change in eating habits. However, the signs of approaching old age, and when they appear, will vary from dog to dog.
Because ageing causes both physical and metabolic changes which can also occur in dogs who are sick, it is good practice to have twice yearly medicals for an ageing dog, to ensure the changes are due to age and not illness. Never assume any changes in your dog are simply due to old age, there could be a medical reason for them which is easily treatable.
An adult dog's character and temperament is a result of his early experiences as a young puppy. From the day he was born, every new encounter, every lesson learned, played its part in shaping his brain, determining the adult dog he would grow into. He learned to rely on his senses providing him with information to decipher the world around him. When increasing age brings about a deterioration in these senses, he is no longer receiving accurate information about familiar situations and changes in his behaviour can result. These changes can be either physical or mental or a combination of both. For instance, loss of house training can be due to a physical cause such as kidney problems, or to mental deterioration when he simply 'forgets'.
SENSORY DETERIORATION
As the body ages, organs become gradually less efficient. In the heart and lungs this means reduced blood flow to the brain and therefore lower oxygen levels, causing a reduction in brain function. Small haemmorhages in the blood vessels of the brain cause mental processes to slow down, affecting a dog's behaviour. The dog takes longer to react to commands and short term memory is affected. The changes in brain function can lead to unusual behaviour. Sometimes older dogs appear disorientated and will stand and stare at the wall, they seem to forget that they need to turn around in order to move and have to be gently turned to remind them. Some go down to the bottom of the garden and then forget how to get back to the house.
Eyesight weakens, hearing is less acute and some dogs may become a bit grumpy and appear depressed or lethargic. Their sleep during the day becomes deeper and longer and if they have any loss of hearing they may growl or even snap at family members or other pets if woken suddenly. The deterioration in their hearing is also thought to explain why some elderly dogs appear to bark for no apparent reason, often during the night when the house is quiet. Many dogs lose their appetite, needing to be coaxed to eat, whilst others may forget that they have been fed recently and ask for dinner several times a day. If your dog is one of the latter, it's a good idea to split their daily food into several small meals rather than feed once or twice a day. Sometimes reluctance to eat can be caused by pain in your dog's neck or spine from arthritis. A raised feeding bowl on a stand can help to make eating a pleasure again.
PHYSICAL DETERIORATION
ARTHRITIS affects some older dogs, causing stiffness and pain. The physical causes are varied and genetics can also contribute to the likelihood of your dog developing symptoms. Some causes can be avoided during your dog's early years by not allowing him to become overweight and giving regular exercise to keep his muscles and joints strong and healthy. However, injuries to joints, caused by accidents or sprains and strains, will increase the chances of developing arthritis so exercise should be tailored to the age of the animal. Puppies who are over-exercised can develop muscular and skeletal problems which are likely to cause arthritis when they reach old age and just like human athletes, dogs who take part in agility, or working dogs herding sheep and cattle, are at more risk of injury and also have a higher risk of developing arthritis.
Changes in your dog's behaviour and mood may indicate the onset of arthritis. Taking longer to get out of bed in the mornings, stiffness after exercise and being a 'bit grumpy' are all signals which need investigation. A visit to your vet is needed for diagnosis and he will probably suggest pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate the symptoms. You could also consider magnotherapy, using either a magnetic collar on your dog or buying a special pad containing magnets which is placed in his bed. There seems to be no definite, scientific explanation as to why this works, just that it does, relieving pain and stiffness without the need for drugs. Both humans and animals have been helped by the use of these products which are widely available and can be purchased online.
http://www.magnet-healing.co.uk
http://www.amazinghealth.co.uk/pets-health.htm
There are other measures you could take to reduce the incidence or severity of arthritis:
• Keep an eye on your dog's weight to reduce pressure on the joints.
• Feed a well-balanced diet and increase vitamins and anti-oxidants. There are supplements available specifically for older dogs.
• Make sure he has a comfortable bed out of draughts. Because he's not able to move so quickly any more, place his bed away from family traffic but make sure he is still able to see and hear everything that is going on.
Two or three short walks a day are better than one long one.
If you have tiled or wooden floors, provide 'stepping stones' of rugs so he can walk around the house without any danger of slipping.
• Gentle massage is good for stiff joints.
Playing games is not just for young dogs, suitable, gentle games for your oldie will keep him mobile and provide mental stimulation.
INCONTINENCE can be a problem, especially at night. Age can make dogs lose their previous house training but it is more likely to be due to failing kidneys or a urinary tract infection. It would be a good idea to ask your vet to test your dog's blood and urine to check his kidneys are functioning well. If they are, the vet may prescribe Propalin syrup which can help in some cases of incontinence. There are other things you can do to cope with a 'leaky' dog.
• Regular trips out to the garden can help remind your dog that ‘he needs to go’.
Many older dogs leak a little urine whilst sleeping and you can use special absorbent pads on their bedding or you can get specially designed pants with a differently shaped pad for either female or male dogs. They can be purchased online at: http://www.dog-nappy.co.uk/
If your dog gets very wet around the nether regions, a dry shampoo on the wet hair is kinder than having to be continually bathed.
GROOMING is very important for elderly dogs, not just to keep them clean and tidy, but because it stimulates circulation all around the body. Just as brain cells need a good supply of oxygen to function well, the skin, which is the dog's first line of defence against parasites, fleas, wet and cold, also needs a healthy circulation and gentle grooming and massage will help.
• Grooming also allows you to keep an eye on your dog's skin. Check for lumps and bumps and anything suspicious can be referred to your vet before it becomes serious.
• Grooming is a good way to give your oldie some special attention and love. Gentle combing will add to his sense of well-being and give him the close physical contact he needs from you.
• During grooming, check for dry skin patches or hair loss which could indicate a hormonal problem.
• Keep nails trimmed short. Long nails will affect the way your dog walks and could lead to muscle and joint problems. You should also keep the hair between the pads trimmed to avoid him losing his grip on slippery surfaces.
• Keep a check on your dog's ears. A build up of wax or too much hair in the ear canal can cause loss of hearing (although by this age, your dog may simply have developed 'convenient deafness').
• Elderly Lakelands benefit from having their coats kept short. This makes grooming times shorter and less stressful and tiring for the dog.
LOSS OF EYESIGHT is something dogs cope with remarkably well in familiar surroundings. They use their noses much more than their eyes so just don't move the furniture.
A HEALTHY MOUTH AND TEETH are vital for your dog's well-being. He needs to be able to eat efficiently to maintain health. Caring for the teeth should begin at the puppy stage. There are toothbrushes and pastes on the market designed for dogs and you should get your pup used to having his teeth brushed daily. Human toothpaste is not suitable as it contains foaming agents and fluoride which are harmful. There are also several products on the market which work in slightly different ways. Some need to be added to the dog's water, there are gels or sprays which can be applied to the dog's teeth and do not require brushing and there are products you can add to the dog's food. If your dog will not have it's teeth cleaned, the following should help:
• Rawhide chews help keep the teeth clean and there are special dog dental chews available at pet stores. A note of caution though, never leave your dog alone with a rawhide chew. After they have been chewed for a while, they become sticky and soggy and if the dog tries to swallow them whole, they can get stuck in the throat. Get your dog used to having treats like this taken away before they can cause problems.
RAW bones are excellent, particularly if there is still some meat attached. Some people are nervous about giving them to their dog but just ensure the bones are of a suitable size and never leave them alone when they are chewing on one. As with rawhide chews, you should get your dog used to letting you take it from him. Remember, never give cooked bones of any kind.
If the dog's breath is very smelly or the gums are red you may need to ask your vet to clean them properly, although as this needs to be done under general anaesthetic, prevention is definitely better than cure. Many vets are unwilling to carry out teeth cleaning on elderly dogs because of the high risks involved in anaesthesia.
At each stage in our dog's lives, our relationship with them changes. The adorable puppy, so easy to love in spite of the puddles on the floor and the chewed furniture; the young dog who made us proud as he learned new skills; the mature dog, a well-trained companion and a joy to live with. But this relationship changes again during old age, it can be a difficult time but also very rewarding. Now is the time for you to show the full extent of your love for your dog and to repay all the years of devotion he has shown to you and your family. Throughout his life you have made many decisions on his behalf, his life has been held in your hands. You decided what and when he would eat, when it was time for a walk, when he needed grooming and when it was time for bed. We all have to make decisions which affect the health and well-being of our dogs, from worming and vaccination to whether they are allowed to reproduce or not. However, with increasing old age, you may be faced with the hardest decision of all. If your dog is in pain or the quality of his life is poor whether from old age or illness, the final decision you will make on his behalf is the greatest demonstration of the love you have both shared and the responsibility you accepted when he first came into your life.
As humans, we can talk about our failing eyesight, hearing loss, poor memory and aching bones but our pets rely on us to recognise their symptoms and give them the extra care which will help to make the next stage of their lives as happy and healthy as possible. Although there is nothing that can be done to stop the ageing process, there are things we can do to minimise its effects.
In his book 'The Dog's Mind', author Bruce Fogle says, "There is almost undoubtedly a biological clock that governs the ageing process in dogs and this is genetic in its origins. This is why the life expectancy of some breeds is dramatically longer than others."
He goes on to suggest that environment can have a significant effect on the ageing process and although we cannot alter the genetic clock, we can provide a lifestyle and environment which will extend the lifespan of our dogs and keeping them fit, healthy and mentally stimulated plays a vital part in this process.
Lakeland Terriers can live as long as 17 or 18 years. In the show ring a dog is a veteran at 7 years but Lakies are so full of 'joie de vivre', the onset of old age may not be apparent until they reach around 10 years of age or more. In most dogs, the first sign is a few grey hairs around the muzzle but Lakelands tend not to look old because the greying hairs are not so apparent in the colour of their coats, unless of course, you have a black one! Their first signs may be stiffness when waking, lower energy levels or a change in eating habits. However, the signs of approaching old age, and when they appear, will vary from dog to dog.
Because ageing causes both physical and metabolic changes which can also occur in dogs who are sick, it is good practice to have twice yearly medicals for an ageing dog, to ensure the changes are due to age and not illness. Never assume any changes in your dog are simply due to old age, there could be a medical reason for them which is easily treatable.
An adult dog's character and temperament is a result of his early experiences as a young puppy. From the day he was born, every new encounter, every lesson learned, played its part in shaping his brain, determining the adult dog he would grow into. He learned to rely on his senses providing him with information to decipher the world around him. When increasing age brings about a deterioration in these senses, he is no longer receiving accurate information about familiar situations and changes in his behaviour can result. These changes can be either physical or mental or a combination of both. For instance, loss of house training can be due to a physical cause such as kidney problems, or to mental deterioration when he simply 'forgets'.
SENSORY DETERIORATION
As the body ages, organs become gradually less efficient. In the heart and lungs this means reduced blood flow to the brain and therefore lower oxygen levels, causing a reduction in brain function. Small haemmorhages in the blood vessels of the brain cause mental processes to slow down, affecting a dog's behaviour. The dog takes longer to react to commands and short term memory is affected. The changes in brain function can lead to unusual behaviour. Sometimes older dogs appear disorientated and will stand and stare at the wall, they seem to forget that they need to turn around in order to move and have to be gently turned to remind them. Some go down to the bottom of the garden and then forget how to get back to the house.
Eyesight weakens, hearing is less acute and some dogs may become a bit grumpy and appear depressed or lethargic. Their sleep during the day becomes deeper and longer and if they have any loss of hearing they may growl or even snap at family members or other pets if woken suddenly. The deterioration in their hearing is also thought to explain why some elderly dogs appear to bark for no apparent reason, often during the night when the house is quiet. Many dogs lose their appetite, needing to be coaxed to eat, whilst others may forget that they have been fed recently and ask for dinner several times a day. If your dog is one of the latter, it's a good idea to split their daily food into several small meals rather than feed once or twice a day. Sometimes reluctance to eat can be caused by pain in your dog's neck or spine from arthritis. A raised feeding bowl on a stand can help to make eating a pleasure again.
PHYSICAL DETERIORATION
ARTHRITIS affects some older dogs, causing stiffness and pain. The physical causes are varied and genetics can also contribute to the likelihood of your dog developing symptoms. Some causes can be avoided during your dog's early years by not allowing him to become overweight and giving regular exercise to keep his muscles and joints strong and healthy. However, injuries to joints, caused by accidents or sprains and strains, will increase the chances of developing arthritis so exercise should be tailored to the age of the animal. Puppies who are over-exercised can develop muscular and skeletal problems which are likely to cause arthritis when they reach old age and just like human athletes, dogs who take part in agility, or working dogs herding sheep and cattle, are at more risk of injury and also have a higher risk of developing arthritis.
Changes in your dog's behaviour and mood may indicate the onset of arthritis. Taking longer to get out of bed in the mornings, stiffness after exercise and being a 'bit grumpy' are all signals which need investigation. A visit to your vet is needed for diagnosis and he will probably suggest pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate the symptoms. You could also consider magnotherapy, using either a magnetic collar on your dog or buying a special pad containing magnets which is placed in his bed. There seems to be no definite, scientific explanation as to why this works, just that it does, relieving pain and stiffness without the need for drugs. Both humans and animals have been helped by the use of these products which are widely available and can be purchased online.
http://www.magnet-healing.co.uk
http://www.amazinghealth.co.uk/pets-health.htm
There are other measures you could take to reduce the incidence or severity of arthritis:
• Keep an eye on your dog's weight to reduce pressure on the joints.
• Feed a well-balanced diet and increase vitamins and anti-oxidants. There are supplements available specifically for older dogs.
• Make sure he has a comfortable bed out of draughts. Because he's not able to move so quickly any more, place his bed away from family traffic but make sure he is still able to see and hear everything that is going on.
Two or three short walks a day are better than one long one.
If you have tiled or wooden floors, provide 'stepping stones' of rugs so he can walk around the house without any danger of slipping.
• Gentle massage is good for stiff joints.
Playing games is not just for young dogs, suitable, gentle games for your oldie will keep him mobile and provide mental stimulation.
INCONTINENCE can be a problem, especially at night. Age can make dogs lose their previous house training but it is more likely to be due to failing kidneys or a urinary tract infection. It would be a good idea to ask your vet to test your dog's blood and urine to check his kidneys are functioning well. If they are, the vet may prescribe Propalin syrup which can help in some cases of incontinence. There are other things you can do to cope with a 'leaky' dog.
• Regular trips out to the garden can help remind your dog that ‘he needs to go’.
Many older dogs leak a little urine whilst sleeping and you can use special absorbent pads on their bedding or you can get specially designed pants with a differently shaped pad for either female or male dogs. They can be purchased online at: http://www.dog-nappy.co.uk/
If your dog gets very wet around the nether regions, a dry shampoo on the wet hair is kinder than having to be continually bathed.
GROOMING is very important for elderly dogs, not just to keep them clean and tidy, but because it stimulates circulation all around the body. Just as brain cells need a good supply of oxygen to function well, the skin, which is the dog's first line of defence against parasites, fleas, wet and cold, also needs a healthy circulation and gentle grooming and massage will help.
• Grooming also allows you to keep an eye on your dog's skin. Check for lumps and bumps and anything suspicious can be referred to your vet before it becomes serious.
• Grooming is a good way to give your oldie some special attention and love. Gentle combing will add to his sense of well-being and give him the close physical contact he needs from you.
• During grooming, check for dry skin patches or hair loss which could indicate a hormonal problem.
• Keep nails trimmed short. Long nails will affect the way your dog walks and could lead to muscle and joint problems. You should also keep the hair between the pads trimmed to avoid him losing his grip on slippery surfaces.
• Keep a check on your dog's ears. A build up of wax or too much hair in the ear canal can cause loss of hearing (although by this age, your dog may simply have developed 'convenient deafness').
• Elderly Lakelands benefit from having their coats kept short. This makes grooming times shorter and less stressful and tiring for the dog.
LOSS OF EYESIGHT is something dogs cope with remarkably well in familiar surroundings. They use their noses much more than their eyes so just don't move the furniture.
A HEALTHY MOUTH AND TEETH are vital for your dog's well-being. He needs to be able to eat efficiently to maintain health. Caring for the teeth should begin at the puppy stage. There are toothbrushes and pastes on the market designed for dogs and you should get your pup used to having his teeth brushed daily. Human toothpaste is not suitable as it contains foaming agents and fluoride which are harmful. There are also several products on the market which work in slightly different ways. Some need to be added to the dog's water, there are gels or sprays which can be applied to the dog's teeth and do not require brushing and there are products you can add to the dog's food. If your dog will not have it's teeth cleaned, the following should help:
• Rawhide chews help keep the teeth clean and there are special dog dental chews available at pet stores. A note of caution though, never leave your dog alone with a rawhide chew. After they have been chewed for a while, they become sticky and soggy and if the dog tries to swallow them whole, they can get stuck in the throat. Get your dog used to having treats like this taken away before they can cause problems.
RAW bones are excellent, particularly if there is still some meat attached. Some people are nervous about giving them to their dog but just ensure the bones are of a suitable size and never leave them alone when they are chewing on one. As with rawhide chews, you should get your dog used to letting you take it from him. Remember, never give cooked bones of any kind.
If the dog's breath is very smelly or the gums are red you may need to ask your vet to clean them properly, although as this needs to be done under general anaesthetic, prevention is definitely better than cure. Many vets are unwilling to carry out teeth cleaning on elderly dogs because of the high risks involved in anaesthesia.
At each stage in our dog's lives, our relationship with them changes. The adorable puppy, so easy to love in spite of the puddles on the floor and the chewed furniture; the young dog who made us proud as he learned new skills; the mature dog, a well-trained companion and a joy to live with. But this relationship changes again during old age, it can be a difficult time but also very rewarding. Now is the time for you to show the full extent of your love for your dog and to repay all the years of devotion he has shown to you and your family. Throughout his life you have made many decisions on his behalf, his life has been held in your hands. You decided what and when he would eat, when it was time for a walk, when he needed grooming and when it was time for bed. We all have to make decisions which affect the health and well-being of our dogs, from worming and vaccination to whether they are allowed to reproduce or not. However, with increasing old age, you may be faced with the hardest decision of all. If your dog is in pain or the quality of his life is poor whether from old age or illness, the final decision you will make on his behalf is the greatest demonstration of the love you have both shared and the responsibility you accepted when he first came into your life.