Caring for your senior dog

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Dogs today are living longer than ever before, thanks to increasing knowledge about nutritional needs and advances in veterinary medicine. There is a price to be paid for those extra years however, and that price is an increase in geriatric disorders.

These problems and changes that your dog may experience are remarkably similar to those faced by their human counterparts. It's vitally important that you work closely with your dog's veterinarian to develop a health plan suitable for your senior pet.

Some of the more common problems are osteoarthritis, which when combined with weight gain can severely limit mobility; kidney, liver, and heart disease; tumors and cancers; hormone disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalance; and many others. Some of the topics you should discuss with your veterinarian to ensure your senior pet optimal care are listed below.

When is a dog considered a senior?

As a rule, a small dog breed such as a Chihuahua can live into their twenties while a giant breed, such as a Great Dane has an average life span of ten years. Within that broad outline, many factors come into play to determine an individual dog's expected lifespan, such as his medical history, his genetics and the care he has received during his life. The best way to get information about your dog's golden years is to talk to your veterinarian.

Geriatric health exams

Regularly scheduled veterinary examinations throughout his life are an important part of your dog's health maintenance. As they age, these exams become more important, and don't be surprised if your veterinarian suggests a general geriatric exam, including blood work, fecal exam and lab tests, every six months. These exams are the best defense in catching and delaying the onset or progress of diseases and for the early detection of problems such as organ failure and osteoarthritis.

When preparing for the geriatric health exam, make notes about any changes you've seen in your dog's activities or behavior. It's important to write it down so that you don't forget to mention a critical change while at the veterinarian's office. But don't wait for the exam to talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your senior dog's health. What might seem like a small problem can quickly overwhelm the  [Continued]

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