Last week we focused on the behavioural changes exhibited by the elderly dog. Today, we commence the discussion on physical alterations in ageing dogs – those that are immediately visible, and those that are insidious in their development and not suddenly and abruptly apparent.
Elderly dogs often develop physical limitations. Arthritis and joint pain are common, resulting in slower movement and difficulty navigating stairs or jumping onto furniture. These physical challenges can also lead to a reduced interest in activities that were once enjoyable, such as fetching a ball or playing with other dogs.
As they become less mobile, there will be consequently a loss of muscular tone. The first areas to react to the relatively constrained usage would be the thighs (upper portions of the hind legs) and the upper parts of the front legs.
The older dog’s abdomen may move from side to side as he/she walks. It tends to hang sideways, be lopsided, and display a downward bulge.
The elbows spread out (away from the body), in order to facilitate an easier breathing and heart function.
You may also observe quivering of the muscles when the animal exerts itself too much. This is due to biochemical changes linked to ageing.
The tendency to sleep for several hours at a time is common and you should ensure that the elderly dog is provided with a comfortable sleeping surface on which to rest/sleep. Unless the elderly dog’s environment in Guyana is in the mountains, the caregiver ought not to worry about the ambient temperature being too cold. Importantly, however, the dog should not be exposed to sleeping conditions which are draughty or on the cold, damp, hard ground or cement pad. Large and heavy dogs really need to sleep on padded surfaces. Small breeds may need to be provided blankets for coverage, and they should always be sleeping inside the house, preferably in the caregiver’s bedroom – especially during thunderstorms and fireworks displays.
The provision of comfortable resting/sleeping will contribute towards assuaging/delaying the onset of arthritis (and the discomfort associated therewith) as well as stiffness in the joints as a consequence of Osteoarthritis, a condition which is not uncommon in elderly dogs.
Moderate, less intense, less vigorous exercise schedules – worked out with your veterinarian must be encouraged. But let me hasten to add that the older dog should not be exercised beyond its normal level of its activity and capability. Again, your veterinarian should be involved in establishing the dog’s exercise protocol. The vet will have the records of your dog and will tailor the therapy taking into account its historical medical conditions. For example, if your dog was a patient with a heart condition over several (or even a few) years, your vet may advise a total (or at least partial) exercise restriction.
Finally, to date, although there are some promising indications (e.g. analgesics and anti-inflammatories) used in human/veterinary medicine, there is no guarantee of a full and painless recovery from arthritis in the elderly dog via the available medications. Basically, I am offering the bad news version that there is no totally successful way to stop the progress of this condition of the joints. However, the medications, which your veterinarian will prescribe/administer, will enable the elderly dog to lead a more active life. We may address this arthritic malady in more detail, if and when we deal with this ailment affecting dogs of any age.
Next week, we will continue to discuss the management of elderly dogs and focus on other physical (skin/coat) and sensory (sight, hearing) issues that you will need to be prepared for as your beloved companion ages.
