Older Dog Health Issues and What to Do About Them

If you have a dog in your family, you hope she will live to a very old age. But, just like with humans, as a dog ages, various health issues are almost certain to show up. This article will explore some of those issues.

On a personal note, my family is fortunate to have a Dalmatian who just recently turned 17 years old. With a normal maximum lifespan of 14 years, that is old! And we have experienced many of the health issues we will discuss here.

Common Health Issues Facing Older Dogs

Senior dogs are obviously not all the same. The health concerns they experience as they get older is greatly reliant on the type of dog, its normal activity level, and how big they are. But there are some conditions that are common among most types and sizes of dogs, so we will limit this article to those issues.

Joint and Bone Issues

Arthritis is probably the most common condition experienced by our older canine friends. This is a painful inflammation of the joints

Glucosamine for Dogs

which causes a great amount of discomfort in your dog. She will typically slow down a lot, due to this discomfort.

The natural reduction in activity experienced due to arthritis means a greater probability of obesity problems, unless you counter with a reduction in her meals.

The pain and discomfort, fortunately, can be reduced significantly by using one of several anti-inflammatory drugs your veterinarian can suggest.

Your dog also may experience other bone and joint problems, such as intervertebral disk disease, where the disk becomes weaker with age. This causes a portion of the disk to protrude upward, putting pressure on the spinal cord. You probably have heard of this as either a ruptured disk or a herniated disk.

Vision Problems With Your Elderly Dog

The most common vision related issues your dog may experience as she ages are cataracts, glaucoma, and nuclear sclerosis. Cataracts and glaucoma can often lead to total blindness. Nuclear sclerosis, while it appears to be cataracts, is simply when the lens fogs due to fibers in the lens, and is normal.

Cataracts are painless, so normally they are left untreated. However, if the dog is completely blind in both eyes due to cataracts, surgery may be recommended to remove the cataract in one of the eyes.

Glaucoma, on the other hand, is extremely painful, and can result in blindness within hours. If you suspect your dog is suffering from glaucoma (she avoids bright areas, tearing is excessive, or she keeps her eyes closed), get her to a vet as soon as possible! There are certain drugs that have been successful in reducing the pressure in the eye. If the drugs fail, then surgery will be recommended.

Obesity

Becoming overweight is very common in older dogs, mainly because of the lowering activity levels. The extra weight your dog carries can result in many more problems, not only with the joints but also in the circulatory system and digestive tract.

With the decreased level of activity, it is important that you begin lowering the amount of food provided. She simply does not need the same amount of calories she used to. Also, make sure you have switched to a diet more appropriate for the senior canines.

We have discussed three of the more common problems your senior dog may experience as she ages. But, as you can see, it is possible to respond to those issues in a way to minimize pain and ensure he or she enjoys their golden years.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Older-Dog-Health-Issues-and-What-to-Do-About-Them&id=9420394

My Older Dog Is Going Blind! What Do I Do?

Have you noticed your older dog has become just a bit more clumsy? Is she bumping into that coffee table or even the wall? Does she have a little more difficulty finding her favorite toy? Or did you notice a haze in her eyes? These are all signs of one of the common ailments in elder dogs - going blind.

We will briefly discuss some of the reasons your dog might go blind. More importantly, we will discuss what you can do to make your blind companion more comfortable with her condition; what you can do both in the house and while outside. Blindness is not a death sentence. Many dogs have thrived and enjoyed a very fulfilling life, even with the loss of one of their senses.

Causes of Blindness in Elderly Dogs

There are several conditions that can lead to vision loss and eventual blindness in your dog. Here are the more common ailments:

· Cataracts - Just as in humans, this condition causes a clouding in the lens of the eye. Depending on the extent of the clouding, either partial or full loss of vision can occur. While surgery is possible to correct this condition, many vets do not recommend it, since it can result in scar tissue that is worse for the dog's vision than the original cataracts.

· Diabetes - About 10% of elderly dogs suffer from diabetes. This is generally more common when the dog is obese, or if the nutrition in her meals was less than adequate. Diabetes will result in cataracts, discussed above, and partial or full loss of vision.

· Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is actually a collection of several similar diseases that are inherited by various breeds of dog. These diseases cause the degeneration of the rods and/or cones in the dog's retina. Since rods are responsible for the dog's excellent night vision, night blindness is usually the first symptom, but full blindness will eventually occur.

· Suddenly Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) - This disease is similar to PRA, in that it results in the degeneration of the rods and cones of the retina. However, unlike the gradual progression of PRA, SARDS causes blindness in a very short period of time, from a couple days to a couple of weeks. This disease is most common in overweight elderly dogs, particularly females.

Blindness can also be caused by many other conditions, such as tumors, epilepsy, and Cushing's disease. This is why it is so important to take your elderly dog to a veterinarian when you first notice symptoms of blindness. Many times, if the condition causing the blindness can be treated, the blindness may also be treatable.

So What Can You Do?

In most cases, dogs who go blind experience a slow progression of vision loss, allowing them to adapt to their new environment before they have completely lost their sight. This is why many people who think their dog went blind overnight find out that, in fact, their dog has been blind for some time. One day they move the couch, and the blind dog, unaware of the change to her environment, promptly dashes right into the new obstacle!

Remember that vision is not relied upon in a dog's life as much as it impacts us humans. Dogs can readily adapt to their loss of vision, with their other senses becoming more acute. Their blindness will prove to be much more of an issue to you than to your canine companion! If you want to make the transition from sight to blindness easier on your dog, though, there are some simple methods you can use.

Establish a routine, and stick with it. Feeding time should always be at the same time, and in the exact same location. Call your girl to her meal in the same tone and manner each time. And, while on the subject of mealtime, make sure your dog does eat. Blindness, especially sudden blindness, can lead to depression in your dog. If you see she is not eating, seek a veterinarian's advice immediately.

Talk to your dog regularly. It is not important what you talk about. Your voice will relieve her feeling of isolation and comfort her, since she knows you are there.

Minimize changes within the home. Your dog will become used to her surroundings, and if you change them, it will only confuse her. Consider adding some sort of padding to sharp objects your dog might encounter, such as the corners of your coffee table.

Most of all, you need to maintain a calm, positive attitude at all times. Your dog can sense your feelings, and if you emote stress, the dog will pick up on that stress, becoming stressed herself.

We have discussed several of the more common causes of blindness in an elderly dog, and what you can do to make your blind dog more comfortable with her condition. Remember, your dog will adapt much more easily than you can imagine... just give her time and love!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?My-Older-Dog-Is-Going-Blind!-What-Do-I-Do?&id=9434554

All You Need To Know About Cocker Spaniels

Before adopting any canine, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the breed. By knowing the facts one will not experience any difficulties during ownership. This article will provide information about the cocker spaniel, including its appearance, its personality, and the health requirements. It should be noted that there are various types of cocker spaniels and each presents with its own specific needs. 

The cocker spaniel is a breed that falls into two separate categories: the American cocker spaniel and the English cocker spaniel. The difference is dependent on the geological area in which the spaniel was raised; as well as the function of the spaniel. The English cocker spaniel is the older breed and these spaniels were used for

hunting; whereas the new American cocker spaniel is bred for shows. 

Both types of cockers present with very similar appearances. The eyes are generally dark and show a great deal of expression, hence the term 'doggy eyes'. The cockers ears are floppy and their fur is often long. The skin of the spaniel is loose; however, it is well proportioned and does not cause difficulty walking or running. The average height of this dog is 15 inches, and the average weight is 26 pounds. The cocker can be found in a variety of colors; however, the most common is brown and white. 

Cockers, both English and American, have very positive and happy personalities. They are expressive and are always eager to please their owners, which makes them great family dogs. Despite the animal's upbeat and up tempo personalities, they are also very mellow. The spaniel is also highly intelligent making it one of the most easily trained breeds globally. 

While the cocker presents with various positive attributes, it does have a downfall regarding health needs. This type of dog is more susceptible than most to various infections, particularly ear and eye infections. The most common physical health conditions for the spaniel are cataracts and glaucoma, which prompts the need for spaniels to have regular eye examinations. 

The cockers have a typical lifespan of approximately 12 years; however, it may decrease if the spaniel is not gaining exercise or eating a balanced diet. To decrease health issues and increase lifespan of this happy customer, it is essential that one provide a healthy lifestyle for the dog.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?All-You-Need-To-Know-About-Cocker-Spaniels&id=9055465

5 Popular Dog Breeds And Some Health Problems That They Are More Prone To Suffer

The most popular dog breeds each have potential health issues that are common to their breed. Increased knowledge of the predisposed or more common health problems of a breed can sometimes make us more aware and enable us to be more pre-emptive and proactive should a problem occur.

Below are five breeds and their commonly associated health issues. This is not an exhaustive list and should never be used as a guide for diagnosing health issues in your dog. Any suspected health problem should be properly diagnosed and treated by a veterinary professional.

German Shepherds

Whilst it is more commonly known that this smart and active breed require a lot of stimulation and exercise to keep them in peak condition, they are also prone to the following conditions:

• Hereditary canine hip dysplasia - a condition that is due to a deformed hip socket that can lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Chronic eczema- studies have shown that this common non-contagious skin disease that is estimated to be prevalent in 3-10 percent of dogs has a higher incidence rate within the German Shepherd breed.

• Keratitis - This is a disease of the cornea of the eye and German Shepherds are more prone to the affliction than many breeds of dog.

Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers commonly live a lot longer than many breeds and regular exercise will help them to keep healthy. Health problems common to Jack Russell's include:

Glaucoma - This can lead to a gradual loss of vision

• Epilepsy - Jack Russell Terriers have a higher predisposition to epileptic seizures than many other breeds.

• Hernias - Sadly hernias are more commonly seen in Jack Russells than many other breeds.

Labrador Retriever

This smart and affectionate breed benefits highly from a lot of exercise and this helps to keep their weight down which strongly contributes to avoiding the cardiovascular problems commonly seen in overweight retrievers.

Other health problems associated with Labrador Retrievers include:

• Hip C - In common with German Shepherds and other large breeds

• Cataracts - Cataracts are common within the breed but can usually be surgically removed.

Lhasa Apso

These lovely little dogs require a regular grooming routine to avoid tangles and associated fur issues.

Health issues common to the Lhasa Apso include:

• Eye problems - The Lhasa Apso breed more commonly suffer from dry eyes, corneal ulcers and cataracts than many other breeds and owners should keep a particular watch in this area.

• Renal dysplasia - This is an inherited kidney disease that is found to be more common in the Lhasa Apso breed.

Dalmatians

This engaging breed, commonly affectionately associated with the popular Disney movie that carries its name is more prone to the following health issues than many other breeds:

• Deafness - This is a common hereditary defect associated with the Dalmatian breed

• Kidney stones - Dalmatians are commonly more afflicted with kidney stones than many other breeds.

To help to relieve the effects of Hip Dysplasia and Joint pain that can effect dogs of all ages, a supplement of Glucosamine can be given.

Liquid Glucosamine
for Small Dogs

Liquid Glucosamine Vegetarian
(can be given to dogs allergic to shellfish)

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Popular-Dog-Breeds-And-Some-Health-Problems-That-They-Are-More-Prone-To-Suffer&id=9199034