When Age Catches Up
Senior Dog Care

We all know dogs age faster than humans. Is it time to think about senior dog care for your beloved dalmation or dalmatian? (Yes, you'll see it on this site spelled both ways!)

When Is My Dalmatian Considered a Senior?

Unlike humans, dogs don't have a certain age when they are officially deemed "seniors"; however, my research shows that many veterinarians feel that a dog reaches his or her senior years when they have made it into the last third of their life span. For dalmations (or dalmatians, if you really want to be correct) who have an average life span of 12 years, they would be considered a senior dog by age 9. Yes, as early as nine!

Like humans, their overall health can affect whether their senior years are good or bad. Some senior dalmations will be in better shape than others the same age.

What Health Issues Affect Senior Dogs?

• Arthritis Not all senior dalmations (or dogs in general) will be affected by this progressive joint disorder. Just like humans, some may only develop a touch of it while others advance to such a degree that medical treatment to control the pain is needed. A dog with arthritis may have trouble with a leg or hip after having been laying down for long periods of time. He or she may wince when moving the affected area which may or may not show signs of swelling. A good pet bed is helpful and should be considered for senior dog care. If Spot has trouble climbing stairs or getting in and out of your vehicle, you may want to consider investing in a portable pet ramp.
  
  
• Tooth Decay Dental problems affect approximately 80% of dogs by the age of three. Giving them hard kibble, chew bones, hard dog treats, and encouraging them to play with chew toys can help reduce plaque build up. Your veterinarian may need to prescribe a dental procedure. These procedures are a common part of senior dog care.
  
  
• Obesity As dogs age, they are more likely to put on unhealthy pounds. This holds true for your senior dalmatian as well. Quite often, changing your dalmation's diet to one specifically formulated for senior dogs is all that is necessary. Some researchers also believe that the proper diet for a senior dog can slow the progression of kidney failure which is a major cause of death among elderly pets. (Note: not all older dogs are fat, so don't make extreme changes to the diet if your pet is slim and trim.) Science Diet, Nutro, Iams are all excellent brands and have several choices available for senior dog care. Another good thing you can do for your elderly dog is to make sure he or she is getting exercise. Short walks and gentle to moderate playtime will help to keep muscles and the heart in good condition.
  
  
• Bladder Control Problems The good news is, it doesn't happen to all elderly or senior dogs. However, when age, handicap or injury affects your dog's ability to "hold it" until he or she can make it outside, take comfort in knowing that there are things you can do to keep Fido drier. You may need to limit the amount of water available at night. Make sure to give your dog more opportunities to empty his or her bladder. Two or three trips outside per day probably won't cut it with an elderly or handicapped dog. You may need to consider doggie diapers. They may look funny, but keeping your pet comfortable and your floors dry is a serious matter. Just remember to change the diaper frequently. Yes, dogs can get diaper rash (vet's refer to it as moist dermatitis). There are also pet beds and indoor pottys available which can be quite helpful for senior dogs who have bladder control problems.
  
  
• Failing Eyesight Just like with people, your pet's eyesight will worsen as the years advance. Unlike humans, they can compensate fairly well by using their incredible sense of smell. However, don't think their sense of smell will keep them out of trouble. If you know your dog's eyes are failing, try to avoid rearranging furniture or leaving things laying where they could be run into. Think about it. If YOUR eyes were to go bad and someone moved a chair to a new position, and you didn't know it was there, you'd probably run into it too! At your dog's level, more serious injuries than just bruised knees could happen. Keeping food and water in the same place is a good idea as well. Never let a pet with failing eyesight wander around outside. If you love your pet, you'll keep it on a leash or in a fenced area. Also, pets who can't see and swimming pools are a deadly combination. Don't let the two get together.