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senile
care |
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Most of dogs and
cats present the first signs of
senility between the age of five
and 7.
Most of dogs and cats present
the first signs of senility
between the age of five and
7. Unlike |
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puppies that are
always active and playful, aged
dogs are calmer, enjoy a good
nap and do not have much patience
to play and exercise. Depending
on the size and breed, their age
may range from 8 to 16 or 17 years
old. The aging of dogs is very
similar to the one of human beings:
the metabolism slows down, he
has arthritis, the immune system
decreases, there are vision and
hearing loss, and there is a evacuatuion
disfunction. You may notice changes
in his mood. He gets "grumpier",
has no disposition to play and
becomes annoyed more easily with
infants and younger dogs.
Like humans, animals also get
some "grey hair".
Their nourishment needs also
change. They generally gain
weight more easily and a feeding
control is needed. Ask the Veterinarian
to help you choose a special
kind of food for aging dogs.
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Check the most
frequent symptoms on aging dogs: |
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TEETH LOSS |
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DEAFNESS
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BLINDNESS |
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ARTHRITIS
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URINARY INCONTINENCY |
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OBESITY
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SKIN PROBLEMS |
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SENSE LOSS |
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TEETH
LOSS |
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We must pay special
attention to the oral health of
aging animals. As age goes by
they begin to lose their teeth
and develop bad breath. The earlier
you take care of their teeth the
better. Keep their teeth clean
and free of the tartar, so the
chances of having problems will
be smaller. Gingivitis also becomes
more common as they age what leads
to feeding difficulties. The veterinarian
may orient regarding to teeth
brushing and cleaning. |
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DEAFNESS |
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Your old friend will probably
have hearing problems. He will
not answer when called with the
same frequency from before. The
veterinarian will be able to check
if your pet has completely or
partially lost the hearing. In
case of deafness, there are other
ways to make communication with
him. For instance, you can use
hand signs and touches. Avoid
waking them up suddenly or surprise
them from brhind. It may startle
them and they can have violent
reactions. |
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BLINDNESS |
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An elderly dog with lack of
vision should be helped to adapt
himself to the new lifestyle.
It is important that a veterinarian
assess the problem degree. You
can help your friend evaluating
the conditions of the environment
and adjusting them for better
comfort. The animal is probably
accustomed with the position of
the furniture at home; therefore,
changing the furniture place may
injure your old buddy, as he my
bump into it. |
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ARTHRITIS |
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Some body movements may be more
difficult to make due arthritis.
For example, when he tries to
stand up, especially after resting
for a long period. He also can
limp while walking, and may need
aid to get in and out vehicles
and to go upstairs. That does
not mean he will not be able to
practice exercises, so essential
for the animal in this stage of
life. These kind of problems caused
by the pain can be relieved with
medicines prescribed by the veterinarian. |
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URINARY
INCONTINENCY |
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As dogs age they will have the
need to relief themselves more
often. In some cases, the dog
may develop urinary incontinency,
which is necessary to line his
bed with plastic. |
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OBESITY |
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It is one of the greatest
risks to the health of aging
dogs and cats. The change in
the metabolism and the decrease
of activities favour the old
animals to grow fat. Obesity
is not a sign of health, and
is risky for the articulations,
heart and others organs of the
elderly dog.
You are going to notice an
increase regarding to intolerance
to coldness and to heat. This
happens because your dog is
producing less hormones that
help in the maintenance of the
body temperature.
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SKIN
PROBLEMS |
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With age, skin problems appear
due to the poor elasticity and
the time increase for cuts and
wounds to heal. The loss of hairs
increases due to the pilous follicles
weakness. The skin immune system
diminishes allowing the appearance
of tumors. |
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SENSE
LOSS |
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In the third age, the senses
of sight, smell, taste and hearing
gradually diminish. Some animals
get well adapted to these problems,
although the appetite reduces
when taste and smell are reduced.
It is necessary to provide them
with a balanced and nutritious
diet. Some illnesses of the
eyes, as glaucoma and cataract
are more common in elderly dogs,
as well as tumors and infections.
If the animal is not spayed,
several problems can appear.
Womb infections are particularly
common in elderly females. Testicles
and prostate tumors may appear
in males. Aging animal remains
fertile but a pregnancy in this
age is highly risky. |
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