{"id":25817,"date":"2011-11-17T21:39:32","date_gmt":"2011-11-18T01:39:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/miserybay.usanethosting.com\/wordpress\/?p=25817"},"modified":"2011-11-17T21:39:32","modified_gmt":"2011-11-18T01:39:32","slug":"pet-85","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/pet-85\/","title":{"rendered":"Benny and Jessie's Pet Info"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nThe Aging Dog<\/strong>
\nMost dogs enter their golden years between seven and 10 years of age, with large\/giant breeds becoming seniors earlier than small breeds. Many breeds experience a graying of their coat as the age, particularly around the muzzle–but there are other, more subtle signs that your dog is aging.
\nHis\/Her hearing may not be as sharp as it once was, the fur may be thinner, and it may take a little longer to get up and out of bed in the mornings. It is perfectly normal for an older do to sleep more than he used to and to tire more quickly when playing. In healthy dogs, these changes occur slowly, over time, at a gradual pace that you probably won’t even notice
\nIt is important that dogs have an annual checkup or “wellness” visit with their vet. This is even more important as they age, so talk to your vet about whether such visits should become more frequent. ASCPA experts recommend that health senior dogs see the vet every six months. Make sure the exams are thorough–vets should listen to your dog’s heart and lungs, take their temperature and examine your dog’s skin, fur, ears, eyes, mouth, teeth and internal organs. They may also order routine screening tests for early detection of problems.
\nHealth issues more common in aging dog’s include:<\/strong>
\n– Kidney and liver disease
\n– More frequent intestinal problems
\n– Prostate diseases and testicular cancer
\n– Breast cancer and infected uterus
\n– Diabetes
\n– Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
\n– Cognitive problems
\nLifestyle Changes<\/strong>
\nDogs, especially older ones, tend to love routine. But for the sake of the dogs health, your vet may recommend the following:
\n– Weighing less than 20 lbs-7 years of age for small breed dogs
\n– Medium breeds\/dogs weighing 21-50 lbs–7 years of age
\n– Large breed dogs\/weighing 51-90 lbs–6 years of age
\n– Giant breed dogs\/weighing 91 lbs or more–5 years of age
\nMore frequent feedings are easier on a dog’s digestive system than one or two large meals a day. Some vets feel that aging dogs benefit from the addition of dietary supplements.
\nMaking Your Senior Dog More Comfortable:<\/strong>
\nOlder dogs are unable to regulate body temperature as effectively as young dogs, and should be kept warm, dry and indoors when not outside for exercise. Likewise, senior dogs are extra sensitive to heat and humidity. Please take precautions to protect them from conditions that could cause heatstroke.
\nAn arthritic pet may appreciate ramps in the home, extra blankets and an orthopedic bed.
\nIf your dog is losing his sight or hearing, remove obstacles and reduce his anxiety by keeping floors free of clutter.
\nRegular tooth brushing (with special toothpaste, please) will help cut down on excessive plaque that can lead that can lead to a host of heart problems, but many senior dogs will require professional cleanings under general anesthesia.
\nUntil next time,
\nMaralyn
\nBenny and Jessie
\nWe wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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