It’s A Dog’s Life

The Older Dog

I am quite sure he thinks that I am God —

Since he is God on whom each one depends

For life and all things that His bounty sends —

My dear old dog, most constant of all friends.

He had lived out his life, but not his love;

Daily up steep and weary stair he came,

His big heart bursting with the strain to prove

His loneliness without me.

—William Croswell Done, 1902

A dog begins his older years about the age of 7. Growing old is a process in dogs as well as with people; however, the changes are not always as obvious in a dog. It is important for a dog owner to learn the signs of old age. Even though each dog grows old differently, there are one or more common signs that can be observed in your dog.

One sign you might notice will be that your dog is not as active as before. He will not have the stamina as when he was young. He will tire more quickly with changes in his sleeping habits, such as longer naps during the day or not getting up so early in the morning.

He will also show less interest in his surroundings or watch at the sidelines rather than eagerly participating as before. As your dog advances in age, there will be a lack of attentiveness, which is a critical stage in aging. The dog seems to be ignoring or disobeying you when you call him, but your dog might be becoming partially deaf. Make sure your dog hears your call and give him time to respond.

Some dogs’ sense of smell and taste will diminish with age and this might cause him to become a finicky eater. An aging dog also becomes more sensitive to temperature change. He is not as capable of keeping warm in cold weather as when he was young. Therefore, he should be protected from extreme cold or hot weather.

It is very important for an outside dog to have a well insulated dog house in the cold weather and adequate shade and ventilation in the hot summer months. All dogs are creatures of habit but to all older dogs a regular routine becomes especially important since the dog is less adaptable to changes. Any changes in his environment can produce emotional and physical stress.

At this time, dogs require diets to meet their levels of activity, which is reduced along with the physical changes occurring with age. A completely balanced diet during your dog’s early years is an excellent way to assure good health in later years. Poor nutrition, whether it be a deficiency or excess, can severely affect the dog’s ability to maintain his health.

Due to the decrease in activity, along with the changes in his metabolism, the older dog needs fewer calories to provide energy than the younger dog. The total amount of food your dog eats daily should be reduced; if not, your dog will eventually become overweight. The diet need not be changed, only the amount of food. The most common problem with the older dog is overfeeding.

The overweight dog is in poor health and becomes a risk in surgery. Dogs should not overeat. It is your responsibility to feed your dog the appropriate amount and type of food for a longer life with your dog. To help an overweight dog, you must reduce the amount of food, cut out snacks, and don’t let him beg for food. Dog biscuits must be included when you count the total food your dog eats each day. Reduce the amount of food in the dish by one third. Should the dog continue to be overweight, cut back again until the dog has lost his excess weight. Then you can increase the food in the dish by a tablespoon full until the correct weight is maintained. Nevertheless, fat is necessary in the dog’s diet and a small amount of corn or vegetable oil should be added to his food.

Along with diet, exercise is still an important part of your dog’s health in later years. The amount of exercise depends on the dog’s age and the state of health. Exercise, however, will retain a healthy attitude along with keeping an interest in life for your dog. Old dogs live well today. They live healthier and longer lives. Many of the discomforts and disabilities can be treated and controlled so that they can remain your constant companions for many more years.