Shih Tzu<BR>Elderly Dogs Deserve Special Attention

During the week of May 6 – 12, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet owners will celebrate "People and Pets, The Perfect Combination." National Pet Week is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Auxiliary to the AVMA, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the North American Veterinary Technician Association. The theme recognizes the warmth, joy, love, and companionship that pets bring into our lives as well as the vital role of the veterinarian in that relationship.

Today's pets are considered important members of the family, and for many persons pets provide emotional stability and improve their quality of life. Just as human medicine is making huge advancements to increase people's life expectancy, sophisticated medical procedures are now available for pets. Veterinarians are increasingly referring patients to animal cardiologists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, and dermatologists for special treatment to ensure a longer, more comfortable life.

Pet ownership is a longterm commitment, but the rewards will last a lifetime.
With advancements in veterinary medicine and nutrition, pets are living longer than ever before. Geriatric medicine is gaining in popularity as the demand grows for more attention to our aging pet population.

Most dogs are considered "old" around eight or nine years. Large and giant breeds are considered middleaged around 6 or 7. Smaller breeds tend to live much longer than large breeds, even into their mid-teens.

Canine senior citizens have more needs, and require more attention. Their sight and hearing may diminish, and they will require more sleep and move more slowly. Stairs may become a hardship, so sleeping arrangements may need adjusting. They need to go out more often, as bladder and bowel control may weaken with age. They still need appropriate exercise, frequent grooming, and proper nutrition. Since they may have fewer teeth, a soft diet may be necessary.

Most changes with the aging process occur gradually, but there are several things to watch for, and preventative steps to take to ensure that your favorite dog will keep active and healthy into his/her golden years. Regular veterinary examinations are critical to a dog's health. It is important to keep a detailed medical history and continue regular veterinary visits to ensure a long, healthy life for your dog.

Obesity is a major problem with dogs in our society, since owners tend to feed table scraps in excess. Serious health problems may result from obesity. Extra weight puts a strain on the animal's heart, lungs, skeleton, and muscles, and lowers resistance to disease. Regular moderate exercise and proper nutrition are essential to maintain optimal weight and health.

Arthritis often affects older dogs, and causes them to slow down and lessens their ability to climb steps or jump up on a favorite chair. If your dog shows signs of arthritis, your veterinarian can examine him and may suggest radiographs. Your veterinarian then may be able to prescribe an appropriate medication to lessen the pain, and give the dog more mobility.

Heart disease is more common in aging dogs. Initial signs are coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and even fainting spells. If diagnosed in the early stages, medications are available to treat the symptoms of heart disease that can help your dog live a more normal life.

Your dog will benefit from regular grooming to stimulate the coat and skin. During grooming sessions, check for skin disorders or dry, irritated skin, or oozing sores under the coat. This is a good time to notice any lump or growth that has appeared. Often these are benign growths, but may require surgery, especially if they are growing. Your veterinarian can help guide you with these decisions.

Bathing is only suggested on rare occasions, since frequent baths remove natural protective oils from the skin. If he is dirty, or shows evidence of fleas, he may be bathed in lukewarm water using mild shampoo. Be sure to rinse the soap thoroughly. Also look for parasites that may cause discomfort. Fleas are common, but can be controlled by oral medication or topical products, including powders, sprays, collars, or dips. Contact your veterinarian for recommended prevention or treatment.

Eyes should be cleaned of any discharge with a soft cloth moistened with water or saline solution. Ear discomfort is indicated by scratching or head shaking. Infections can settle deep in the ear canal and should be treated by your veterinarian immediately.

The dog's mouth should be examined periodically for signs of gum disease, and tartar accumulation. This is an important part of the annual veterinary examination, and any problems should be addressed immediately. Many older dogs lose their teeth, or they may be extracted if disease or infection is detected.

Elderly dogs may exercise less frequently on hard surfaces to keep their nails filed down, so it is your job to clip their nails, to keep them comfortable. Neglected nails may cripple a dog.

Preventing Accidents

Extra precautionary measures should be taken with elderly dogs. As their hearing and eyesight diminishes, they should be supervised more closely, and not allowed to fend for themselves. They may not see or hear cars or life-threatening hazards. Do not allow them on balconies, or stairwells without supervision.

Keep poisons out of reach of any animal. Many popular household plants can be toxic to dogs, including cyclamen, ferns, philodendrons, dieffenbachia, and other varieties. Cleaning solutions such as detergents, bleaches, oven cleaners, etc. may pose hazards as well. Make sure bottle caps are tight and the rags used to apply these chemicals are stored safely out of reach. Treat pets like children and keep medicines locked up, and never leave candy, especially chocolate, where dogs may have access to it.

Outdoor hazards include windshield cleaners, antifreeze, weed killers, used motor oil, and insecticides. Antifreeze has a sweet taste, and just a few licks can be fatal to your dog. Other hazards include rodenticides used to kill rats and mice. If any poisoning occurs, call your veterinarian immediately, and provide a sample of the poison with the labeling to aid in proper treatment. In an emergency, you may wish to call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

Avoid extremes in temperature. Of course, never leave any dog in a parked car in hot weather, even with the windows open, and never leave him outside without water and shade. Similarly, in frigid temperatures, bring him indoors, and be sure he always has shelter from wind, rain, and sun, even in mild temperatures. Tolerance for temperature extremes is reduced with old age, and you should always consider the dog's comfort. In old age, you may not want to take your pet on car trips as often, since he may become uncomfortable with strange places, and would rather stay at home in an environment where he is very familiar.

Please remember:

YOUR VETERINARIAN IS THE BEST SOURCE
OF INFORMATION ABOUT ALL ANIMAL HEALTH MATTERS.

In a medical crisis situation, call your veterinarian immediately if you detect any of the following symptoms:

• abnormal breathing
• abnormal behavior
• active bleeding
• bone exposure
• puncture to abdomen, chest, or neck
• watery or bloody discharge
• partial or complete paralysis
• difficulty urinating
• profuse vomiting or diarrhea
• poison ingestion
• bloated or tender abdomen
• rectal temperature over 103 degrees F or under 99 degrees F
• dehydration
• abnormal color of gums or eyes
• disorientation
• collapse

NEVER GIVE ANY MEDICATION (EVEN ASPIRIN)
WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR VETERINARIAN.

Together you and your veterinarian can have a positive influence on your dog's happiness and comfort and ensure that the quality of life is maintained during the senior years. A lifetime of love should be rewarded with special attention.