(continued)
Physical changes in the elderly dog
Since the old dog tends to be more lethargic and less likely to frolic around the yard as he used to do when younger, it stands to reason that the increased slothfulness and resting periods will lead to a loss of muscular tone. Actually, he might get a bit heavier around the neck and torso, while the muscle mass of his legs seem thinner, sometimes even emaciated. Very often the abdomen looks swollen and sagging (which could also be the result of a heart and blood circulation disorder, or a kidney malfunction.) When he walks, you may notice a swaying action and his muscles may begin to shake when he exerts himself.
Stiffness in the joints due to osteoarthritis is made worse by drafts and by sleeping on cold damp ground or on very hard (concrete, say) surfaces. His bed should be indoors in a warm dry spot, or in a kennel not subjected to high wind. Arthritic dogs, especially large and heavy ones, should be given a padded surface on which to sleep. Toy dogs may need to be covered at night.
Moderate exercise helps to keep the joints supple and should be encouraged but not overdone. However, the older dog should never be exercised beyond his normal level of activity. A specific condition (such as heart disease) actually may require that exercise be restricted. Although there is no way to stop the progress of arthritis, analgesics such as aspirin and maybe some anti-inflammatories could relieve the pain and enable the dog to lead a more active life.
The coat of an older dog mats easily and his skin becomes dry and scaly due to reduced activity of the oil producing glands. (Matting of the hair should never be allowed to take place; but if it does, then cut off the matted hair). Small skin tumours are common. Pads of the feet may be thick, overgrown, and cracked. Stiff old dogs have trouble keeping their anal and genital areas clean. Frequent grooming and even appropriate bathing may be necessary to keep them clean and free of parasites and skin diseases. The addition of a little bit of bath oil to the final rinse helps to soften the skin and keep it in better condition. Toenails need to be trimmed more often, unless they are worn down by activity.
For easy reading, here – in telegram style – are the expected physical and physiological changes in geriatric dogs and cats:
- Skin and hair coat changes
- Calluses (thickened skin) at the joint areas and elsewhere
- Brittle toenails
- Thickened foot (sole) pads
- Decreased mobility/arthritis/unwillingness to move
- Loss of bone, muscle and cartilage mass – the animal looks skinny
- Increased bad breath (very often linked with kidney problems)
- Dental diseases (especially of the gums)
- Skin becomes hyper-pigmented (dark colour, especially the underbelly. At times the facial hair/becomes grey
- Constipation
- Decreased immune system function
- Decreased heart function/enlarged heart
- Incontinence (the animal’s inability to hold its urine); sometimes the opposite symptom can be observed, namely when the older dog does not urinate much or strains when trying to urinate
- Prostate gland enlargement in males
- Testicles decrease in size
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes
- Loss of sight, hearing and smell
- Respiratory distress (difficult breathing)
- Diarrhoea of unknown origin
- Brain function deteriorates (creeping senility)
Next week we’ll address psychological changes in the elderly dog.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-Heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
