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Helping Your Dog Age

Gracefully A publication by Flexcin, International

Your dog has been there with you for all your important milestones - when

you got married, moved houses; he grew up alongside your kids. Your dog is

not just a pet, he is a part of your family. Just like your parents or

grandparents, seeing your dog in pain as they age can be heartbreaking.

These inevitable parts of aging are just like those of humans - health risks and

bodily wear and tear. Your dogs should be active, happy, and playful - without

a care in the world. What can you do to help them achieve this bliss?

There are several easy steps you can take to make your dogs more

comfortable as they age. To ensure your furry family members live a long,

healthy, and rewarding life we've put together a list of exactly what you can

do to help them age gracefully.

Table of Contents:

• Signs Your Dog is Aging

• Arthritis in Your Dog

• How You Can Help

• Caring For a Dog with Arthritis

The information provided in this eBook is for educational purposes only. Please do not use the information provided here as

the sole means of diagnosing and/or treating any medical condition. We strongly suggest that you seek the advice of your

veterinarian for any health questions or concerns you may have about your pets.



Signs Your Dog is Aging








Signs Your Dog is Aging

The way your dogs age and when they are considered a senior dog differs by

breed:

• Giant breeds like great danes have short life spans, 8 to 10 years, and are

considered senior dogs between the ages of 6 and 8.

• Medium-sized dogs are considered to be seniors between 7 and 10 years old.

• Small or toy breeds live longer, often to 16 years or more. They are considered

seniors between 9 and 13 years old.

Typically, once your dog reaches their senior age they may start to exhibit signs of

aging.

Some of the signs you may start to notice are:



Slowing Down. This may not be the case in all dogs, but it is common

for dogs to slow down as they age. You may notice changes in how

your dog gets up or lays down, how they choose to climb stairs, and

how much playing they do. It is not unusual if your dog begins to

become less interested in playing fetch or running around at the dog

park.

Arthritis. With decreased mobility and activity can come arthritis. This

condition is common especially in large breed dogs and other small

dogs that suffer from intervertebral disc disease, like Dachshunds and

Bassets. Just like in people, dogs who had joint injuries in their lives are

at a greater risk for developing arthritis. Dogs may experience only

slight stiffness, or it can become debilitating and painful.

Graying around the face, muzzle. Just like humans, dogs can exhibit

gray hair starting between 5 and 7 years of age. Other skin and hair

coat changes may occur. The coat may become thinner and duller.

Older dogs may need to be groomed more.

Changes in diet/weight. Also similar to people, the metabolism of

dogs changes as they age. Their need for calories decreases because

their activity levels decrease. If you feed dogs senior dogs the same

amount as when they were young, they will gain weight. Obesity can

become an issue and is one of the main health problems in older

dogs.



Hearing and vision loss. Some dogs may experience slight to full

hearing or vision loss during the aging process. Slight hearing loss

can be hard to evaluate in dogs. If your dog is easily startled and

reacts instinctively, this may be a warning sign of hearing loss. Another

sign may be that a dog no longer obeys commands. Some dogs may

experience vision loss or eye disorders that manifest themselves as a

cloudy or bluish eye. Cataracts and glaucoma are also common in

older dogs of certain breeds. If your dog is bumping into things or

falling uncontrollably this might be a sign he or she is experiencing

vision loss.

Increased or strained urination. As dogs age you may notice

involuntary leaking of urine from the bladder, more frequent urination,

or even accidents inside the house. These could be signs of kidney

disease or urinary tract infection, both of which are commonly in older

dogs. Fortunately, these symptoms are easily treated with medication.

Dental issues. Dogs that are excessively drooling, exhibiting bad

breath, gum inflammation, or loose teeth may have oral or gum

disease. Routine dental care like toothbrushing and professional

cleanings can help keep dental disease at bay. Dogs who have not

received correct dental care may develop significant dental diseases

as they age that could lead to life-threatening complications.



• Seem to experience pain when touched in joint areas.

Dog arthritis may occur because of the following

conditions or circumstances:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Trauma to the joints.

Obesity.

Fracture of bone that involves a joint.

Aging and natural degeneration of cartilage

An inherited condition like hip dysplasia.

A joint infection.

Immune system issues.

Arthritis in Your Dog Dog arthritis is the most common health condition in older dogs. Canine

arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. It is

characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints.

Here are the noticeable symptoms you may see if your dog has arthritis:

• Show stiffness or discomfort when getting up.

• Have stiff, swollen, or sore joints.

• Hesitant to jump, run, or climb stairs.

• Seem to find certain positions painful or uncomfortable

• Walk stiffly

• Limp or favor certain legs

The information provided in this eBook is for educational purposes only. Please do not use the information provided here

as the sole means of diagnosing and/or treating any medical condition. We strongly suggest that you seek the advice of

your veterinarian for any health questions or concerns you may have about your pets.


Steps You Can Take To Help

Your Dogs Age Gracefully







Pay attention to change. Generally dogs have routines and behaviors that are

normal for them. If there are changes in those routines, activity, weight, or

bathroom habits this may be a sign that something is wrong. To rule out

developing changes or catch anything serious, it's important to check in with

your veterinarian about these changes.

Make your home senior-friendly. As your dog ages and becomes less agile, it

will be advantageous to make your home an easier place for him or her to get

around. Carpet-lined steps or a ramp can help your dog get around easier.

Keeping them safe and comfortable is key.

Regular veterinarian visits. Early detection of age-related problems is crucial to

keeping your dog healthy and happy. Your dog should be examined by a

veterinarian every six months. These visits should help catch any age-related

illnesses before they become advanced.

Exercise your dog regularly. Your dog needs regular exercise to build and

maintain strong muscles and bones. Even if your dog suffers from arthritis, it is

important that they stay active and continue to use their joints. Just be careful

not to over exercise your dog.

Adjust their diet. Like we mentioned above, caloric intake should change as a

dog ages. High protein is still necessary to build strong muscles, but calories

don't need to be high to achieve this. Antioxidants and vitamins become more

important as they help fight free radicals and slow the aging process.

Joint supplements and other vitamins. A balanced diet with the right types of

vitamins and healing properties are essential to helping your dog age

gracefully. A great compliment to a daily exercise routine is a natural joint

supplement. This would help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis in dogs

such as inflammation, pain, and stiffness.






Caring for a Dog With Arthritis

Because arthritis is such a common ailment in senior dogs, it's important to be

mindful of its symptoms. This is crucial because they can't express to you verbally

that they are in pain. Making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and maintains

a healthy weight may help prevent arthritis. If you think your dog has developed

arthritis there are measures you can take to make him or her more comfortable.

• Give your dog soft bedding.

• Provide gentle massages and physical therapy.

• Provide a firm, orthopedic foam bed.

• Get a portable dog ramp.

• Place food and water bowls on a low table or use a raised feeder to avoid

spine and neck issues.

• Have gentle play sessions.






Joint supplements are an all natural way to treat joint pain and symptoms

associated with arthritis in your pets. Joint supplements can reduce swelling

and pain levels, as well as make activity and every day life easier for your

dog. The unique ingredients can slow degenerative joint diseases and even

help rebuild worn joints. Joint supplements can be administered easily to

your dog in a chewable tablet with or without food. Depending on the size

of your dog, joint supplement tablets may be given 1 to 4 times a day. Soon

after you start your dog on a daily joint supplement you'll notice increased

energy levels, enhanced mobility, increased joint function, and supported

biochemical functions.

Help Your Dog Lead A Fulfilling Life

Aging is a part of life for humans and pets alike. With aging comes health

issues and slowing down of activity. It is up to us to be health advocates and

caregivers for our furry family members. You have the power to make their

lives comfortable and help them age gracefully. Your dogs have spent the

best years of their lives loving you and your family, therefore it's only right

that we give them back the love they have always given us. By learning

about how your dog ages and what steps you can take to help them along

the way, your dog will live the fulfilling life he or she deserves. The wellbeing

of your pets is in your hands.

For more information about your pets health and the benefits of adding a

joint supplement to your dog’s diet:




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signs your dog is aging - flexpet€¦ · this is crucial because they can't express to you...

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