Embracing The Older Dog

The golden years of a dog’s life can be some of the best years to spend with them. A dog may be slightly less energetic, but now is the time that they will also be able to offer great companionship to a family. Many old dogs already have acquired the training and patience that young dogs may need years to develop. So, when a change is noticed in a dog, think about what someone would do if they saw a change in an older family member: It’s important to consider a cause rather than assuming that it is just a consequence of getting old.

When I worked as a veterinarian in private practice, I was always surprised that people thought there was nothing they could do to slow the aging process in their dogs; because while some problems are very common in senior dogs, a lot of these problems could potentially be mitigated with the right level of nutritional, behavioral, or medical support. Below are some of the most common problems senior dogs face and a few possible options to address them.

Lower activity level

As dogs age, they often lose joint fluid,¹ resulting in stiffness and soreness after exercise. This may look like a dog that might spend more time in its bed. Some dogs also develop arthritis, which can make it difficult to exercise. Supplements may help both the pain of arthritis and the stiffness and soreness of aging joints.² However, it’s important to find a supplement that matches the symptoms.³

If a major decrease in physical activity is noticed, scheduling a visit with the veterinarian may be beneficial to address any pain that may be an underlying cause. It can also be helpful to take the time to encourage dogs to get regular exercise through walks or playtime to keep their body and joints in good shape. Swimming is the gold standard⁴ if a dog has joint or weight problems, and they can be fitted with a life jacket if the dog is not a strong swimmer.

Loss of muscle mass and increase in body fat

Loss of muscle mass or increased body weight is not a necessary side effect of aging. In fact, one potential cause of the loss of muscle may have to do with a lack of quality protein consumption, not a reduction in activity.⁵ Any change in a dog’s weight always merits visiting a veterinarian to rule out hypothyroidism, diabetes, Cushing’s, kidney, or liver disease. Additionally, it is important to look at the dog's diet. In the past, senior dog foods had lower protein levels in case your dog had undiagnosed poor kidney function.⁶ However, canine aging studies demonstrate^7-10 that most senior dogs thrive on a normal amount of protein unless a disease is present.

Horrible dog breath

No matter how old a dog is, they do not have to live with doggie breath. Bad breath is a common signifier of dental disease¹¹, so arranging for a full dental cleaning will often significantly improve bad breath. Due to the risk of tooth fractures, harder bones are not recommended, so consider dental chews designed and tested to help reduce plaque or tartar. Also, after a dog has their teeth cleaned, maintain the results through regular tooth brushing or Veterinary Oral Health Council^A approved supplements that reduce plaque build-up, to continuously enjoy fresh breath.

Unexplained behavior due to cognitive decline

It’s true that senior dogs experience cognitive decline over time. A recent study determined¹² that 68% percent of dogs over 16 years of age suffered from some level of canine cognitive dysfunction.

Cognitive decline often starts with strange behaviors like increased barking, breaking housetraining, disorientation, obsessive licking, and separation anxiety. Some of these behaviors may improve if a dog is supplemented with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and an amino acid derivative called L-carnitine. Many excellent supplements target canine brain health, and some dogs show real improvement after at least three months of therapeutic-level supplementation¹³.

Changes in bathroom habits

Old dogs who start breaking their house training often have a treatable illness, like a urinary tract infection, so the first step is to discuss any problems with a veterinarian. If a veterinarian thinks a dog is okay, consider supplementing for cognitive decline to see if the problem improves. As dogs age, they also have more difficulty digesting food, so considering a digestive supplement to improve any problems with stool and gas is another option.

Changes in attitude

Many people think that grumpiness in old dogs is just a sign of overall decline, but it is often a sign of pain. Dogs are predators, so they naturally disguise pain, so they don’t look weak. Look for evidence of joint pain, such as difficulty rising or getting settled, favoring a leg while walking or running, or uneven wear in some of the nails on their paws, and talk to a veterinarian about treatment options if a dog seems unhappy. Remember that a dog walking with a limp is likely in pain, even if they aren’t whimpering or crying out loud.

Significant changes, such as a new child, kitten, or puppy, can also alter a dog’s personality because they become stressed due to rough play or a new creature in their house. Consider consulting a Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist found here^B and using calmatives either from your veterinarian or over-the-counter supplements from your local pet store. Both resources can help ease stressful interactions and help a dog feel happier about his place in the household.

 

References

1. Huntingford, J. Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats: Why is it so important to know what’s going on in there?
2. Johnson, K.A., Lee, A.L. Swanson, K.S. Nutrition and nutraceuticals in the changing management of osteoarthritis for dogs and cats. J. Amer. Vet. Med. Assoc. 1335-1341.
3. Musco, N., et al. 2019. Effects of a nutritional supplement in dogs affected by osteoarthritis. Vet. Med. Sci. 5(3):325-335.
4. Ion, V. 2007. The wonders of water. Vet. Nurs. J. 22(8):16-18.
5. Brownie, S. 2006. Why are elderly individuals at risk of nutritional deficiency? Intern. J. Nurs. Prac. 12(2):110-118.
6. Böswald, L.F., Kienzle, E. Dobenecker, B. 2018. Observation about phosphorus and protein supply in cats and dogs prior to the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 102:31-36.
7. Moyers, T. 2015. Canine nutrition for a healthy old age. Vet. Nurse. 8:452-459. doi:10.12968/vetn.2015.6.8.452.
8. Wannemacher, R.W. McCoy, J.R. 1966. Determination of optimal dietary protein requirements of young and old dogs. J. Nutr. 1:66-74. doi:10.1093/jn/88.1.66.
9. Richardson, A., Birchenall-Sparks, M.C. 1983. Age-related changes in protein synthesis. Rev. Biol. Res. Aging. 1:255–73.
10. Hutchinson, D., Freeman, L., Schreiner, K., Dawn, T. 2011. Survey of opinions about nutritional requirements of senior dogs and analysis of nutrient profiles of commercially available diets for senior dogs. J. Appl. Res. Vet. Med. 9:68-79.
11. Niemiec, B. 2008. Periodontal disease. Sci. Health Med. J. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1938973608000056.
12. Salvin, H.E., McGreevy, P.D., Sachdev, P.S., et al. 2010. Under diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction: a cross-sectional survey of older companion dogs. Vet. J. 184(3):277-281.
13. Pan, Y., Landsberg, G., Mougeot, I., et al. 2018. Efficacy of a therapeutic diet on dogs with signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS): A prospective double blinded placebo controlled clinical trial. Front. Nutr.5:127.

Helpful Websites

1. Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Dental Products: Accessed January 17, 2023 http://www.vohc.org/all_accepted_products.html
2. American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) Find a Diplomate Near You: Accessed January 17, 20223-https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=4709

 

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About the Author

Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutriton, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.