Článek
Senior age is calculated for large breeds from about the seventh year, for medium breeds from the tenth, and for small breeds from the twelveth year of their life. „Dogs start to become slower and more tired because their metabolism slows down. They are more susceptible to diseases and there are changes in behavior. The first sign is graying,“ veterinarian Petra Soukupová described for Czech Radio.
Prevention is the key
However, age-related symptoms can be easily overlooked, which is why it is especially important to take your furry friend to the doctor for preventive check-ups at least once a year at this age . This way, you can prevent more serious health problems, which could also significantly affect the cost of treatment.
„There are osteoarthritis, urinary and fecal incontinence, loss of vision, hearing, and senile dementia is also common,“ describes Petra Soukupová, adding that veterinary medicine can already be compared to human medicine in terms of maturity. „We can therefore detect diseases early and also treat them. And thus extend and make the animal's life easier.“
Include supplements in your diet
Another crucial thing to do is to adjust the food . As mentioned, dogs' metabolism slows down as they get older, so without the right diet, your pet could soon start to suffer from obesity . There is a whole range of senior kibble on the market, and the same goes for BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food – feeding dogs and cats raw, natural food).
It is also a good idea to include supplements to support the musculoskeletal system in the food, as well as fish oil , if it is not already part of the food that the dog normally consumes. However, it is possible that despite all your efforts, his joints will still be bothering him, and movements that were previously normal, such as jumping up onto the couch, may become a big problem. In this case, you can look for special steps or an orthopedic bed , which should provide him with relief.
Hearing loss may not be (just) a problem
As mentioned above, a common problem for senior dogs is loss of vision or hearing . Unfortunately, no doctor can do anything about this. However, complete loss of these senses does not happen overnight and you have at least some time to learn to communicate with your animal despite this handicap .
„Our Mána gradually lost her hearing in old age, until she was finally completely deaf. Surprisingly, this did not cause any major problems. We created a kind of sign language for her, which she understood well and responded to it in the same way as before to verbal instructions. It was just necessary to maintain eye contact with her when we were outside for walks. So she often walked us, and not us her,“ laughs the breeder Anna and adds: „And deafness also brought a bonus. Mána was afraid of firecrackers and fireworks her whole life , and at least she had peace of mind towards the end of her life.“
Even dogs should brush their teeth
In addition to the aforementioned health problems, teeth are also a big issue for aging dogs. Any dental disease, such as periodontal disease , can be very painful and can prevent your furry friend from eating .
Consult your veterinarian regularly about the condition of your dog's teeth, have them cleaned, and take good care of them at home. Get a special toothbrush and toothpaste, and chewable treats or dental toys can also help.
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. But that's not entirely true. Your pet will definitely get used to this care. Be patient , in all respects. It may happen that the dog can't hold its urine, it can be confused at times. But it's still your friend, so don't forget to physically show it that you still love it despite various antics.
