What Is "Old Age" For Dogs?

source: about.com/veterinary medicine

The old classic "one human year equals seven dog years" is an easy way to calculate and relate to your dog's age, but isn't the most accurate. Large breed dogs (i.e. Great Danes) are considered a senior at 6 or 7 years of age, whereas small breeds (i.e. toy poodle), aren't considered a senior until their teen years. I personally have seen more than one poodle and several mix-breeds in the 18 to 20 year range.

As a general rule of thumb, a dog who is 7 years or older should be considered middle to senior aged, and a consultation with your vet is in order to determine the best health care maintenance program for your dog as s/he ages. For smaller breed dogs, your vet (in consultation with you) may elect to wait a couple of years before doing any geriatric monitoring.

What things should you expect as your dog ages? Each dog, like each human, is different. Here are some general things to watch for as a pet ages.

Slowing down - You may notice that you dog slows down some with aging. This isn't always the case, but look for subtle changes in how s/he gets up, lays down, and uses stairs. Is there any hesitation or stiffness? Does a change in the weather (rainy, cold) make it worse? Arthritis is common in dogs as they age, particularly large breeds. Arthritis can occur in any joint, most commonly the legs and back (spine). There are many different medications available to help ease the discomfort of arthritis -- see your vet if you notice any signs of slowing down in your dog. Another potential cause of slowing down is hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder common in dogs. This condition is easily diagnosed and treated with proper veterinary care.

Graying around the face, muzzle - One of my dogs went prematurely gray at two years of age, but most dogs commonly show a bit of gray starting at middle age (5-6 years).
Reduced hearing - Is your dog hard to wake up after sleeping or does s/he become startled easily if you approach from behind? Hearing loss or deafness may be a reason for this. There isn't a lot that can be done for age-related hearing loss, but a vet exam should be done first to rule out other medical problems, such as an infection, growth, or foreign body in the ear. If your dog does experience hearing loss, take care to protect him/her from hazards, such as cars and kids that s/he may not hear (or see). Dogs do learn and adapt well using hand signals to come, stay, sit, and so on. It is a good idea to "cross train" your dog early in life to recognize basic hand signals.

Cloudy or "bluish" eyes - As they age, dog's eyes often show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis. Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as cataracts. Cataracts are white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts, and your vet needs to be consulted (see "when is it time to see the vet?" below).

Muscle atrophy - Mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may be seen with old age. Some muscle atrophy, notably on the head and the belly muscles, can signify diseases such as masticatory myositis and Cushing's Disease. Be sure to have your vet check this out if any muscle loss is noted.

A Revolutionary Arthritis Drug For Dogs.

Rimadyl (pronounced "Rim-a-dill") for Osteoarthritis and Post-Surgical Pain. What is Rimadyl? Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis and pain following surgery in dogs.


Rimadyl is a prescription drug for dogs. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition caused by "wear and tear" of cartilage and other parts of the joints that may result in the following changes or signs in your dog: Limping or lameness, decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run, or difficulty in performing these activities), stiffness or decreased movement of joints, surgical pain (e.g., for surgeries such as spays, ear procedures or orthopedic repairs) can be controlled when your veterinarian administers Rimadyl before the procedure.


What kind of results can you expect when your dog is on Rimadyl for OA? While Rimadyl is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can relieve the pain and inflammation of OA and improve your dog’s mobility. Response varies from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic. In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days. If Rimadyl is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog's pain and inflammation may come back. Rimadyl should be given to dogs only. Cats should not be given Rimadyl.


How to give Rimadyl to your dog. Rimadyl should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of Rimadyl is right for your dog and for how long it should be given. Rimadyl should be given by mouth and may be given with or without food. What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving Rimadyl. Talk to your veterinarian about: What tests might be done before Rimadyl is prescribed? How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian.


The risks and benefits of using Rimadyl: Experienced side effects from Rimadyl or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea) liver disease, kidney disease, a bleeding disorder (for example, Von Willebrand’s disease).


Tell your veterinarian about: Any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now or has had. All medicines that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription. If your dog is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your dog. What are the possible side effects that may occur in my dog during Rimadyl therapy? Rimadyl, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs, including Rimadyl. Serious side effects can occur with or without warning, and in rare situations result in death.


The most common NSAID-related side effects generally involve the stomach (such as bleeding ulcers), and liver or kidney problems. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with Rimadyl or may have another medical problem: Decrease or increase in appetite, vomiting, change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry or bloody stools), change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, in-coordination, seizure or aggression), yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice), change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed), change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell), change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching).

It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from Rimadyl therapy. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your dog's medicines can be given together.