Many of us parent senior dogs. My older Doberman, Fraser will be 11 years old this year. He loves to work and has a very busy work schedule and social calendar. He has been actively involved with pet therapy visiting patients at Overlake hospital in Bellevue and residents at Cascade Vista in Redmond. However, age related challenges are now presenting.

No Longer 7:1
The new approach to determining the comparative of a dog's age to human years is based on weight and size. The old correlation of dog years to human years was 7:1 or 7 years of a dog's life is equal to one of ours. That 7:1 correlation is no longer accurate. Based on these updated correlations, Fraser, at 10 1/2 would be approximately 86 years old in human years.

Fraser's Medical Emergency
In the past month, at the end of a very active week Fraser needed more of a rest than in younger days and presented some muscle stiffness. Although he did not want to take time off, I let him stay home to rest until I observed what appeared to be recovery. Then, I allowed moderate activity. Dogs are very stoic, not always showing pain and usually want to be with us. If they have an active lifestyle they may want to continue an active lifestyle no matter the discomfort.

Fraser was back to normal for a couple weeks, then suddenly unique and chronic symptoms appeared and necessitated an emergency Vet visit. The symptoms occurred after normal clinic hours of course. It is a good idea to know where your closest 24 hour emergency clinic is before you need it.

Second and Third Opinions
Fraser presented some neurological problems upon the Vet exam at the emergency clinic. The Vet suspected one of several spinal diseases. Upon the Vet's recommendation, I took him to a canine neurologist who concurred with those initial findings and offered options for further diagnosis and treatment. Save your pennies for emergency Vet care or make sure you check into Vet insurance. Surgical options are not inexpensive.

Research Fanatic
When the need arises to learn about medical conditions, I am one to do quite a bit of research and try all avenues before surgery for either myself or my pets. Last Friday, I took Fraser to another Vet practicing alternative care for a third opinion and exam. He suggested acupuncture to help manage pain. Fraser had his first treatment and I observe some positive benefits from that treatment although today is not going so well. I am certainly trying to keep both a positive and realistic outlook as to his condition.

Your Senior Dog
I work with many clients parenting dogs over 8 years of age up to 12 years of age and remind owners to observe their dog and notice any minor changes. You may observe some behavioral or physical changes along with a change in eating habits. All changes are noteworthy. Behavioral changes may at first be annoying to you but these changes can be a heads up that something else is going on with your pet.

Your dog may refuse to jump in bed with you or jump into the car. Your dog may hesitate or outright refuse to take long walks. You may observe your dog refusing commands or becoming unresponsive in some way. Your dog may become finicky with food or seem to exhibit excessive thirst.

CDS
Yes, dogs can even exhibit senior moments. There actually is a condition called Cognitive Disorder Syndrome. It is similar to human dementia.

Mental Changes
Human senior moments could be where we cannot remember where we put our keys, the children, a book, the car, if we brushed our teeth or the idea we just shared with a friend. Like humans, dogs can lose a bit of memory and may not seem as responsive as they were during younger days.

An example of a canine senior moment could be when you dog goes outdoors, he or she just keeps wandering seemingly disoriented. Maybe you have noticed your senior dog no longer recognizes certain family members.

Physical Changes
You also may see your formerly housebroken dog begin have accidents in the house.
Your older dog may even develop some incontinence. You may also observe that your dog has developed a hearing problem. Although, if your dog was not well trained in the first place that selective hearing may now just appear more prevalent. You may see or feel lumps and bumps on various areas of your dog's body. A Vet can help determine if those bumps are benign so always worth an appointment with your Vet.

Your active dog may have developed arthritis so looking into a comfortable dog bed may be in order. If the dog needs to get into your SUV or truck, then buying an access ramp to get in and out of your vehicle would be suggested

At Home Vet Exam
One thing I always suggest to clients is to touch your dog from nose to bum weekly to feel for new lumps or bumps. Look into the dog's mouth to check for tartar and if needed take thee to the Vet for a teeth cleaning. If the dog's breath is bad, then more than likely dental hygiene has been ignored. Brushing your dog's teeth regularly can help promote and maintain better general canine health.

Dietary Changes
I also suggest senior dogs have an annual Vet exam including a CBC (complete blood count) to stay on top of their total physical condition. Your Vet may offer some suggestions on tweaking the diet of your aging dog. Please be careful about adding supplements without professional advice. Over-supplementation can be damaging to any age dog.

If you observe changes in your beloved dog, be it mental or physical, I recommend you be proactive and see your Veterinarian.

Your dog gives you plenty of love and has always been there for you. Caring for our dogs in their senior years is the least we can do for our devoted companions. Every day with a dog is a gift.

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC

www.spokesdog.com