Thus far, in relation to the aging of your dog, we have dealt with the factors that contribute to a more rapid aging process, the behavoiral changes to expect and the physical changes in the musculature leading to arthritis and joint issues.
We shall continue to discuss physical changes today in the elderly dog.
SKIN/COAT
The hair of an older dog mats easily – especially the coat of long-haired breeds. The skin becomes dry and scaly due to the
Nose of a beautiful old Irish Setter dog
reduced function of the oil producing glands. (Another reason why we should not be bathing our dogs too often – once a month is enough). Often, the veterinarian is confronted with small skin tumours. Paw pads become thick, callous and cracked. The skin around the elderly animals’ anal and genital areas becomes pasty and foul smelling, since the stiff old dog may not have the dexterity or energy to cleanse those areas with his/her tongue.
It is advisable to heed the following recommendations to reduce skin and hair problems:
• Groom more often than usual. Ask the groomer to cut the hair closer to the skin.
• If you must bath the dog, limit to once a month. Use a gentle shampoo. I advise including some Aloe Vera in the final rinse. This helps to soften the skin and keep it in a better condition.
• Trim the claws (toenails) more regularly. You will observe that they are not wearing down due to the lack of movement and reduced walking in the external surroundings.
• Pay particular attention to the diet. A properly balanced diet of fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), digestible proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals plays an essential role in maintaining skin and coat health. Always discuss your aging animal’s diet with your veterinarian.
HEARING LOSS (DEAFNESS)
Some more bad news. Gradual loss of hearing commonly takes place as male and female dogs (and cats) get older, and there is no genuinely successful treatment for senile deafness. Of course, if there is a blockage in the ear canal causing a partial deficiency of hearing ability, based on the diagnosis, your vet may be able to remove the blockage (causative factor), by flushing, medication or surgery. Certain breeds of dogs, for example the Doberman and the Rhodesian Ridgeback, seem predisposed to deafness during and later in life. Cats with white haircoats and blue irises are commonly affected with deafness.
Old age is the greatest causative factor leading to deafness in dogs and cats. But there are other risk factors including:
• Repeated exposure to loud noises.
• Repeated exposure to systemic and topical drugs (chemicals) administered as prophylactic and therapeutic interventions by non-veterinarians.
• The genetic predisposition of both dogs and cats, not lastly those whose history shows them to be especially susceptible to external and middle ear infections.
• Dogs and cats born with nerve damage, which only gets worse as the animal ages.
The dog’s hair is on hand. Dogs that are in poor health cause a lot of hair loss. The dog’s fur is shed because it’s time to shed. Dog hair loss
Clearly, beating or berating the elderly (or any) animal for not following vocal instructions is not the answer to treating the deaf dog. But, again, the bad news:
1) There is no practical treatment for congenital, inherited and nerve-damaged deafness.
2) I have been informed that custom-fit hearing aids are offered overseas by some specialty clinics, but that their record of functionality is not very impressive. Also, both dogs and cats will consider these hearing aids as foreign objects and continuously try to dislodge them.
3) One (the caregiver) must be especially careful when using medication not prescribed by a veterinarian.
4) When taking your dog for a walk, keep it on a short leash, especially when near traffic.
5) Before acquiring/adopting a dog/cat, try as best as possible to obtain the animal from breeding establishments which have records to show that their animals have no history of deafness.
6) Simple and specialized tests can be carried out to ascertain the magnitude of the hearing loss. The veterinarian should be consulted.
7) I would advise that one approaches a proven deaf dog calmly and with caution. This advice is especially valid, if it has been established that the animal also has a vision impairment.
8) Prevent children from startling the animal, so as to minimize the risk of bite injury.
9) Lastly, keep a lookout for obvious (even not so obvious) behavioural/physical changes arising from the lack of hearing. Report these to your veterinarian.
