Dogs can live well into their teens and sometimes into their 20s. Anyone considering adopting or buying a dog should realize that senior dogs or dogs over seven years old have special health needs. But these health issues are usually treatable if the owner is willing to be patient and be committed to the welfare of a beloved old friend.
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Feeding
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Senior dogs do not need the large amounts of calories they did as young, growing dogs. Senior dogs are also not as active as younger dogs. If senior dogs are fed the same food in the same amounts as when they were a younger, they will rapidly become overweight. The extra fat makes senior dogs far more prone to heart ailments, diabetes, arthritis and coordination problems, according to the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.
Functions
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Older dogs often have problems with urinary or fecal incontinence. There are a variety of reasons for housetraining accidents, including arthritis making it too painful for the dog to get outside in time. Other medical issues could be urinary tract infections, senility or a symptom of diabetes, especially if the older dog drinks more water than normal. Dogs over six years old are most likely to get diabetes, according to WebMD. Older male dogs often are not able to lift their legs in order to urinate and will then squat like they did when they were puppies.
Misconception
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Contrary to popular belief, old dogs can learn new tricks. Given mentally stimulating toys, new experiences and regular exercise may even help to reduce canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, according to veterinarian Nicholas Dodman. Although medication, diet and stimulating activities have helped dogs suffering with cognitive dysfunction, pets with this ailment still need supervision.
Warning
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Older dogs are more prone to pick up illnesses like ringworm because their immune system deteriorates, according to peteducation.com. Older dogs should not be exposed to young puppies or sick dogs whenever possible. Their inner organs such as the lungs and the kidneys also cannot work as well as when they were young. Senior dogs need more supervision and a daily inspection so that the owner can spot any strange physical symptoms and get the dog into immediate treatment.
Significance
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The Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook states that old dogs exhibiting the following symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible: weight loss, appetite loss, increase in urination and drinking, problems breathing or panting for no known reason, blood mixed in with mucus or any growths, whether they are under the skin or on top of the skin.
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