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Aging in dogs covers the impact of aging in the domestic dog (Canis Lupus Familiaris), common medical and clinical issues arising, and life expectancy. Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ...
Canine conditions such as temperature, change, hearing, and skin condition often degrade with geriatric age, and medical conditions such as cancer, renal failure, arthritis and joint conditions, and other signs of old age may appear. Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion and the prevention and treatment of disease and disability in later life. ...
Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these to spread, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion, or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis (where cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system). ...
Renal failure is the condition in which the kidneys fail to function properly. ...
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. ...
The aging profile of dogs varies according to their adult size (often determined by their breed): - smaller dogs often live over 15 to 16 years, medium and large size dogs typically 10 to 13 years, and some giant breeds such as mastiffs, often only 7 to 8 years. The latter also mature slightly older than smaller breeds - giant breeds becoming adult around two years old compared to the norm of around 12 - 15 months for other breeds. This Chihuahua mix and Great Dane show the wide range of dog breed sizes. ...
Mastiffs are a group of large, solidly built breeds of dogs typically with heavy bones, pendant ears, a relatively short and well-muscled neck, and a short muzzle. ...
Aging profile
 Approximate graph of dog years and human years, allowing for differing sizes of dog. Click here for larger view, and for data sources. [1] -
A variety of calculators to convert "dog years" to human years have been proposed and can be found on the Internet. They can be summarized into three types: Older dogs, like this 10-year-old Neapolitan Mastiff, often grow grey hairs on their muzzles; some dogs go grey all over. ...
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- "Popular myth" - popular myth suggests that "one dog year equals seven human years" or the like. This is inaccurate on two scores, since the first year or two years representing some 18-25 years, and the ratio varies with size and breed.
- "One size fits all" - for example this calculator, which suggests that the first two years equal 10.5 years each, with subsequent years equallying four human years. This is more accurate but still fails to allow for size/breed, which is a significant factor.
- Size/breed specific calculators - which try to factor in the size or breed as well. These are the most accurate types. They typically either work by expected adult weight [1], or by categorizing the dog as "small, medium, large".
No one formula for dog to human age conversion is scientifically agreed, although within fairly close limits they show great similarities.
As a rough approximation, the human equivalent of a one-year-old dog is between about 10 and 15 years—a one-year-old dog or cat has generally reached its full growth and is sexually mature, although it might still be lanky and need to fill in a more mature musculature, similar to human teenagers. The second year is equivalent to about another 3 to 8 years in terms of physical and mental maturity, and each year thereafter is equivalent to only about 4 or 5 human years.[2]
Emotional maturity occurs, as with humans, over an extended period of time and in stages. As in other areas, development of giant breeds is slightly delayed compared to other breeds, and as with humans there is a difference between adulthood and full maturity (compare humans age 20 and age 40 for example). In all but large breeds, socio-sexual interest arises around 6-9 months, becoming emotionally adult around 15-18 months, and full maturity around 3-4 years, although as with humans learning and refinement continues thereafter.
According to the UC Davis Book of Dogs, small-breed dogs (such as small terriers) then become geriatric at about 11 years; medium-breed dogs (such as larger spaniels) at 10 years; large-breed dogs (such as German Shepherd Dogs) at 8 years; and giant-breed dogs (such as Great Danes) at 7 years.[3] A Scottish Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier The terrier is a group of dog breeds initially bred for hunting and killing vermin. ...
Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion and the prevention and treatment of disease and disability in later life. ...
Most spaniels, like this English Cocker Spaniel, are small-to-medium dogs with drop ears and a longer coat. ...
The German Shepherd Dog or Alsatian (see Breed names), is a breed of dog. ...
The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its large size and gentle personality. ...
Life expectancy by breed (Data taken from pets.ca).
Accidents aside, life expectancy usually varies within a range. For example, a Beagle (average life expectancy 13.3 years) usually lives to around 12 - 15 years, and a Scottish Terrier (average life expectancy 12 years) usually lives to around 10 - 16 years.[4]
A random-bred dog (also known as a mongrel) has an average life expectancy of 13.2 years in the USA and much of Europe. For other uses, see Mongrel (disambiguation). ...
Sorted by breed The Afghan Hound is a very old sighthound dog breed. ...
The Airedale Terrier (often shortened to Airedale) is a large and versatile terrier dog breed originating from Airedale in Yorkshire, England, in the UK. It is often called the King of Terriers because it is the largest of the terrier breeds, 50 to 70 pounds (23-32 kg). ...
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. ...
This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...
The Bearded Collie or beardie is the traditional dog of the Scottish shepherd. ...
The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of dog. ...
The Bernese Mountain Dog (also called Berner Sennenhund or Bouvier Bernois) is a versatile farm dog originating in the canton of Berne in Switzerland. ...
The Border Collie is a hard-working breed of herding dog that originated in the border country of England and Scotland. ...
A Border Terrier is a small, rough-coated breed of dog of the terrier group. ...
The Boxer is a breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog with a smooth fawn or brindled coat and square-jawed muzzle. ...
The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. ...
This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...
The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog, said to be a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog. ...
The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category. ...
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed of dog usually considered one of the toy dog breeds. ...
For other uses, see Chihuahua (disambiguation). ...
Chow-chow is a combination of different vegetables: cabbage, carrots, beans, asparagus, cauliflower, and peas which are pickled in a jar and served cold. ...
Both types of Cocker Spaniel come in a variety of coat colors. ...
The Welsh Corgi is a dog breed that originated in Wales. ...
The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. ...
The Dalmatian is a breed of dog, noted for its white coat with either black or liver spots. ...
The Doberman Pinscher (alternatively spelled Dobermann in many countries) or Doberman is a breed of domestic dog. ...
The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog. ...
The English Setter is a breed of dog. ...
The English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. ...
Country of origin England Classification Breed standards (external links) FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC, UKC The King Charles Spaniel (known as the English Toy Spaniel in the U.S. and Canada) is a small breed of dog in the spaniel category. ...
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a gundog breed from Britain. ...
Country of origin Germany Classification Breed standards (external links) FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC, UKC The German Shepherd Dog (known also as the Alsatian or Schäfer(hund)) is an intelligent breed of dog. ...
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a breed of dog developed in the 1800s in Germany for hunting. ...
The Golden Retriever is a popular breed of dog, originally developed to retrieve downed fowl during hunting. ...
A Gordon Setter is a medium-sized breed of dog, a member of the setter family that also includes both the better-known red Irish Setter and the normally white with black, brown, orange or lemon, or a combination of three of these colours English Setter as well as the...
The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its large size and gentle personality. ...
The Greyhound is a breed of dog used for companionship, coursing game and racing. ...
The Irish Red and White Setter is virtually identical in use and temperament to its cousin, the Irish Setter, but is more often found as a working gundog. ...
The Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, is a breed of gundog and family dog. ...
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of dog (a sighthound) bred to hunt. ...
The Jack Russell Terrier is a type of small, principally white-bodied, terrier that has its origins in fox hunting. ...
The Labrador Retriever (Labrador or Lab for short), is one of several kinds of retriever, and is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in both the United States and the United Kingdom. ...
The fuck up is not a dog breed, but rather a type of dog native to the British Isles, a hearty crossbred sighthound which is generally a cross between a Greyhound and another sort of local dog. ...
Miniature (or Zwergteckel) dachshunds have a typical chest measurement of 12-14 inches (31-35 cm) and weight of 11 to 13 lb (4-5 kg). ...
The Poodle is a breed of dog; specifically, it is a gundog noted for its ability in the water. ...
For other uses, see Mongrel (disambiguation). ...
The Norfolk Terrier is the smallest of the working Terriers. ...
The Old English Sheepdog is a breed of dog used for herding livestock, and as a pet. ...
Pekingese or Pekinese is an ancient breed of toy dog, originating in China. ...
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog from Southern Africa. ...
This article is about the dog breed. ...
A Rough Collie is a breed of dog developed originally for herding in Scotland. ...
Samoyed may refer to: the Samoyed, an obsolete name of Nenets people of Siberia. ...
Deerhound Categories: Dog stubs | Dog breeds ...
Scottish Terriers are a breed of dog best known for their distinctive profile, their fierce loyalty, and their die-hard spirit. ...
This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
The Shih Tzu and Imperial Shih Tzu, in English pronounced // (shee tzoo), in singular and plural, (ç…åç‹— pinyin: ShÄ«zi GÇ’u, Wade-Giles: Shih-tzu Kou) is a dog breed which originated in China. ...
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium sized, short coated, old time breed of dog, originally bred for bull and bear fighting. ...
The Poodle is a breed of dog; specifically, it is a gundog noted for its ability in the water. ...
The Tibetan Terrier is not a member of the terrier group, the name being given to it by European travelers to Tibet who were reminded of terriers from back home when they first encountered the breed. ...
The Poodle is a breed of dog; specifically, it is a gundog noted for its ability in the water. ...
Country of origin Hungary Classification Breed standards (external links) The Hungarian Vizsla, pronounced Vizh-la (zh as in vision), is a dog breed originating in Hungary. ...
The Weimaraner is a silver-grey breed of dog developed originally both for tracking game, such as birds, and as a pointing breed. ...
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed of dog and a member of the spaniel family. ...
West Highland White Terriers, commonly known as Westies, are a breed of dog known for their spirited personality and brilliant white coat. ...
For other uses, see Whippet (disambiguation). ...
Common nickname Foxie Country of origin England Classification and breed standards The Wire Fox Terrier is a breed of dog, one of many terrier breeds. ...
The Yorkshire Terrier, (diminutive / nickname: Yorkie), is a breed of small dog in the toy category. ...
Sorted by expectancy Exp.
(yrs) | Breeds | | 6 | Bulldog, Irish Wolfhound | | 7 | Bernese Mountain Dog | | 8 | Bullmastiff, Great Dane | | 9 | Doberman Pinscher, Flat-Coated Retriever, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Scottish Deerhound | | 10 | Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, German Shepherd, Norfolk Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Weimaraner | | 11 | Airedale Terrier, Corgi, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Old English Sheepdog, Samoyed, Welsh Springer Spaniel | | 12 | Afghan Hound, Basset Hound, Bearded Collie, Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, German Shorthaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Irish Red and White Setter, Labrador Retriever, Lurcher, Rough Collie, Scottish Terrier, Standard Poodle, Viszla, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier | | 13 | Beagle, Border Collie, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, English Springer Spaniel, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Pekingese, Random-bred/Mongrel, Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu, Wire Fox Terrier | | 14 | Bedlington Terrier, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, Tibetan Terrier, Toy Poodle, Whippet | This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of dog (a sighthound) bred to hunt. ...
The Bernese Mountain Dog (also called Berner Sennenhund or Bouvier Bernois) is a versatile farm dog originating in the canton of Berne in Switzerland. ...
The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog, said to be a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog. ...
The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its large size and gentle personality. ...
The Doberman Pinscher (alternatively spelled Dobermann in many countries) or Doberman is a breed of domestic dog. ...
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a gundog breed from Britain. ...
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog from Southern Africa. ...
This article is about the dog breed. ...
Deerhound Categories: Dog stubs | Dog breeds ...
Boxer redirects here; for other meanings of boxer, see Boxer (disambiguation). ...
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed of dog usually considered one of the toy dog breeds. ...
Country of origin England Classification Breed standards (external links) FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC, UKC The King Charles Spaniel (known as the English Toy Spaniel in the U.S. and Canada) is a small breed of dog in the spaniel category. ...
Country of origin Germany Classification Breed standards (external links) FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC, UKC The German Shepherd Dog (known also as the Alsatian or Schäfer(hund)) is an intelligent breed of dog. ...
The Norfolk Terrier is the smallest of the working Terriers. ...
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium sized, short coated, old time breed of dog, originally bred for bull and bear fighting. ...
The Weimaraner is a silver-grey breed of dog developed originally both for tracking game, such as birds, and as a pointing breed. ...
The Airedale Terrier (often shortened to Airedale) is a large and versatile terrier dog breed originating from Airedale in Yorkshire, England, in the UK. It is often called the King of Terriers because it is the largest of the terrier breeds, 50 to 70 pounds (23-32 kg). ...
The Welsh Corgi is a dog breed that originated in Wales. ...
The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog. ...
The English Setter is a breed of dog. ...
A Gordon Setter is a medium-sized breed of dog, a member of the setter family that also includes both the better-known red Irish Setter and the normally white with black, brown, orange or lemon, or a combination of three of these colours English Setter as well as the...
The Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, is a breed of gundog and family dog. ...
The Old English Sheepdog is a breed of dog used for herding livestock, and as a pet. ...
Samoyed may refer to: the Samoyed, an obsolete name of Nenets people of Siberia. ...
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed of dog and a member of the spaniel family. ...
The Afghan Hound is a very old sighthound dog breed. ...
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. ...
The Bearded Collie or beardie is the traditional dog of the Scottish shepherd. ...
The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. ...
Both types of Cocker Spaniel come in a variety of coat colors. ...
The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. ...
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a breed of dog developed in the 1800s in Germany for hunting. ...
The Golden Retriever is a popular breed of dog, originally developed to retrieve downed fowl during hunting. ...
The Irish Red and White Setter is virtually identical in use and temperament to its cousin, the Irish Setter, but is more often found as a working gundog. ...
The Labrador Retriever (Labrador or Lab for short), is one of several kinds of retriever, and is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in both the United States and the United Kingdom. ...
The fuck up is not a dog breed, but rather a type of dog native to the British Isles, a hearty crossbred sighthound which is generally a cross between a Greyhound and another sort of local dog. ...
A Rough Collie is a breed of dog developed originally for herding in Scotland. ...
Scottish Terriers are a breed of dog best known for their distinctive profile, their fierce loyalty, and their die-hard spirit. ...
The Poodle is a breed of dog; specifically, it is a gundog noted for its ability in the water. ...
Country of origin Hungary Classification Breed standards (external links) The Hungarian Vizsla, pronounced Vizh-la (zh as in vision), is a dog breed originating in Hungary. ...
West Highland White Terriers, commonly known as Westies, are a breed of dog known for their spirited personality and brilliant white coat. ...
The Yorkshire Terrier, (diminutive / nickname: Yorkie), is a breed of small dog in the toy category. ...
This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...
The Border Collie is a hard-working breed of herding dog that originated in the border country of England and Scotland. ...
A Border Terrier is a small, rough-coated breed of dog of the terrier group. ...
The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category. ...
For other uses, see Chihuahua (disambiguation). ...
Chow-chow is a combination of different vegetables: cabbage, carrots, beans, asparagus, cauliflower, and peas which are pickled in a jar and served cold. ...
The Dalmatian is a breed of dog, noted for its white coat with either black or liver spots. ...
The English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. ...
The Greyhound is a breed of dog used for companionship, coursing game and racing. ...
The Jack Russell Terrier is a type of small, principally white-bodied, terrier that has its origins in fox hunting. ...
Pekingese or Pekinese is an ancient breed of toy dog, originating in China. ...
For other uses, see Mongrel (disambiguation). ...
This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
The Shih Tzu and Imperial Shih Tzu, in English pronounced // (shee tzoo), in singular and plural, (ç…åç‹— pinyin: ShÄ«zi GÇ’u, Wade-Giles: Shih-tzu Kou) is a dog breed which originated in China. ...
Common nickname Foxie Country of origin England Classification and breed standards The Wire Fox Terrier is a breed of dog, one of many terrier breeds. ...
The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of dog. ...
Miniature (or Zwergteckel) dachshunds have a typical chest measurement of 12-14 inches (31-35 cm) and weight of 11 to 13 lb (4-5 kg). ...
The Poodle is a breed of dog; specifically, it is a gundog noted for its ability in the water. ...
The Tibetan Terrier is not a member of the terrier group, the name being given to it by European travelers to Tibet who were reminded of terriers from back home when they first encountered the breed. ...
The Poodle is a breed of dog; specifically, it is a gundog noted for its ability in the water. ...
For other uses, see Whippet (disambiguation). ...
Factors affecting life expectancy Apart from breed, several factors influence life expectancy: -
- Diet
- Spaying and neutering - according to a study by the British Veterinary Association (author AR Michell is the president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons), "Neutered bitches lived longest of dogs dying of all causes, though entire bitches lived longest of dogs dying of natural causes, with neutered males having the shortest lifespan in each category." [5] Neutering reduces or eliminates the risk of some causes of early death, for example pyometra in bitches, and testicular cancer in males, as well as indirect causes of early death such as accident and euthanasia (intact dogs may roam more and be more aggressive), but also raises the risk of death from other conditions (castration favors prostate cancer in males, and neutered males have the highest rate for this condition[6]).
A major study of dog longevity, that considered both natural and other factors affecting life expectancy, concluded that: Diet may mean: In nutrition: Diet (nutrition), the sum of the food consumed by an organism or group. ...
Spaying and neutering are the respective processes of female and male animal sterilization, in order to keep them from producing offspring. ...
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom. ...
Pyometra is a disease of the uterus in bitches (female dogs). ...
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system. ...
Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. ...
- "The mean age at death (all breeds, all causes) was 11 years one month, but in dogs dying of natural causes it was 12 years eight months. Only 8 per cent of dogs lived beyond 15, and 64 per cent of dogs died of disease or were euthanased as a result of disease. Nearly 16 per cent of deaths were attributed to cancer, twice as many as to heart disease. [...] In neutered males the importance of cancer as a cause of death was similar to heart disease. [...] The results also include breed differences in lifespan, susceptibility to cancer, road accidents and behavioural problems as a cause of euthanasia." [5]
Effects of aging In general, dogs age in a manner similar to humans. Their bodies begin to develop problems which are less common at younger ages, they are more prone to serious or fatal conditions such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, and the like, they become less mobile and may develop joint problems such as arthritis, and in old age often become less physically active. Additionally, they become less able to handle change, including wide climatic or temperature variation, and may develop dietary or skin problems or go deaf. In some cases incontinence may develop. Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these to spread, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion, or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis (where cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system). ...
A myocardial infarction occurs when an atherosclerotic plaque slowly builds up in the inner lining of a coronary artery and then suddenly ruptures, totally occluding the artery and preventing blood flow downstream. ...
A stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA),[1] is an acute neurological injury in which the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted. ...
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. ...
This article discusses the way the word deaf is used and how deafness is perceived by hearing and Deaf communities. ...
Look up incontinence in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
- "Aging begins at birth, but its manifestations are not noticeable for several years. The first sign of aging is a general decrease in activity level, including a tendency to sleep longer and more soundly, a waning of enthusiasm for long walks and games of catch, and a loss of interest in the goings on in the home." [7]
The most common effects of aging are:[8] -
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of vision (cataracts)
- Decreased activity, more sleeping, and reduced energy (in part due to reduced lung function)
- Weight gain (calorie needs can be 30-40% lower in older dogs)
- Weakening of immune system leading to infections
- Skin changes (thickening or darkening of skin, driness leading to reduced elasticity, loss or whitening of hair)
- Change in feet and nails (thicker and more brittle nails makes trimming harder)
- Arthritis and other joint problems (for example hip dysplasia)
- Loss of teeth
- Gastrointestinal upset (stomach lining, diseases of the pancreas, constipation)
- Urinary issues (incontinence in both genders, and prostatitis/straining to urinate in males)
- Mammary cysts and tumors in females
- Senility
- Heart murmurs
- Diabetes [9]
A cataract is an opacity that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope. ...
Respiratory system The lungs flank the heart and great vessels in the chest cavity. ...
A scanning electron microscope image of a single neutrophil (yellow), engulfing anthrax bacteria (orange). ...
An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. ...
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Epidermis (skin). ...
Elasticity has meanings in two different fields: In physics and mechanical engineering, the theory of elasticity describes how a solid object moves and deforms in response to external stress. ...
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. ...
This article covers Hip dysplasia, a condition affecting the hip joint, which occurs in humans but is more commonly associated with animals, especially dogs (Canine hip dysplasia). ...
The pancreas is an organ in the digestive and endocrine system (of vertebrates[2]). It is both exocrine (secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes) and endocrine (producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin). ...
Constipation or irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or animal) experiences hard feces that are difficult to eliminate; it may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. ...
Look up incontinence in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
Prostatitis is any form of inflammation of the prostate gland. ...
A mammary tumor is a tumor originating in the mammary gland. ...
Murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that are produced as a result of turbulent blood flow, which is sufficient to produce audible noise. ...
Diabetes mellitus strikes 1 in 400 cats and a similar number of dogs, though recent veterinary studies[1] note that it is becoming more common lately. ...
Illnesses
Behavior, needs and adaptability
Handling aging in dogs -
| "A dog that enjoyed his puppyhood and his mature years should have the opportunity to enjoy his aging years as well. If he has been a happy-go-lucky, independent critter for six or eight or 10 years before signs of aging become overt, let him set his own limits for as long as possible. He'll probably do a better job than you will." [7] | As a dog moves from midlife to old age and becomes geriatric, there are some specific measures which can help to keep a good quality of life and help the older dog remain in the best condition possible: [7] The well-being or quality of life of a population is an important concern in economics and political science. ...
-
- Dogs which are stiff in the morning may benefit from gently walking it out, with coaxing if necessary.
- Provide a thick, soft surface to lie and sleep on, if they want one.
- The skin may dry out, if this happens more frequent brushing can stimulate natural oils, or else ask a vet for advice.
- Older dogs have less resistance to parasites and infection, so watch more carefully for ticks and fleas.
- As their activity level reduces, also reduce their food intake (and particularly fatty foods) to ensure they don't put on weight. Extra weight - as with humans - is a factor in many health conditions.
- A dog may be accustomed to climbing stairs or furniture which they no longer can do with ease. Balance their need to be close to their family, with their ability to manage obstacles, and the risk of incontinence if they cannot easily reach a "safe location". Consider baby gates, or ramps, which are commonly available.
- Do not scold dogs angrily for accidents which they are unable to easily avoid (incontinence, clumsiness, and so on). As with humans, control and co-ordination may be less smooth than in their prime of life.
- Allow them their sleep. They may not adapt to sudenly being woken up in an abrupt manner, and may snap slightly if this is unexpected and happens during a deep sleep or dream.
- Continue to provide ongoing training and activities for their enjoyment and mental stimulation. These might include refresher courses, outings and the like.
- Check with a veterinarian for advice on their general health, including digestive upsets.
Other common changes include being aware of changes to their attention, behavior and body. For example, skin conditions can often be noticed by familiarity with their feeling, as gained through stroking and exploring their fur. Dull eyes or appearance of anxiety may indicate pain. Sudden changes to digestion or activity level may indicate organ or diet issues that can often be treated. A parasite is an organism that spends a significant portion of its life in or on the living tissue of a host organism and which causes harm to the host without immediately killing it. ...
An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. ...
Families Ixodidae - Hard ticks Argasidae - Soft ticks Nuttalliellidae Wikispecies has information related to: Ixodoidea Tick is the common name for the small arachnids that, along with mites, constitute the order Acarina. ...
Families Tungidae – sticktight and chigoe fleas (chiggers) Pulicidae – common fleas Coptopsyllidae Vermipsyllidae – carnivore fleas Rhopalopsyllidae – marsupial fleas Hypsophthalmidae Stephanocircidae Pygiopsyllidae Hystrichopsyllidae – rat and mouse fleas Leptopsyllidae – mouse and rat fleas Ischnopsyllidae – bat fleas Ceratophyllidae:-fleas mainly associated with rodents Amphipsyllidae Malacopsyllidae Dolichopsyllidae – rodent fleas Ctenopsyllidae Flea is the common name...
References - ^ Data sources: Note that there is no one authoritative chart; this chart follows best information presently available.
- ^ Spadafori, Gina (1996). Dogs for Dummies. IDG Books. ISBN 1-56884-861-7
- ^ Siegal, Mordecai (Ed.; 1995). UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Book of the Dogs; Chapter 5, "Geriatrics", by Aldrich, Janet. Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-270136-3.
- ^ http://estateplanningforpets.org/faq2.htm
- ^ a b Longevity of British breeds of dog and its relationships with sex, size, cardiovascular variables and disease, A.R. Michell, Veterinary Record vol 145 no 22 November 27 1999. PubMed listing
- ^ Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an increased risk in castrated dogs, Teske E, Naan EC, van Dijk EM, Van Garderen E, Schalken JA, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
- ^ a b c http://www.canismajor.com/dog/older.html
- ^ http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-to-expect-as-your-dog-ages/page1.aspx
- ^ http://www.petplace.com/dogs/commonly-asked-questions-about-senior-dogs/page1.aspx
See also Ageing or aging is the process of getting older. ...
A woman at over 90 years. ...
External links -
- More information on life expectancy for a number of popular breeds (attributed to petplace.com)
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