Wie man einen älteren Hund schaut
The first time you realise that your four legged friend is old can be quite an upsetting realisation. Maybe they didn't move when you called them, or perhaps a photograph you took illuminated all those grey hairs and tired eyes? The autumn years for your pooch requires a different level of care, so it's important to learn about the best ways to provide that care.
What breed of dog you own will also determine when they are categorised as 'senior.' Generally, giant breeds have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds so you can expect them to reach old age sooner. However, your dog's lifestyle - diet, exercise and medical history will also impact on the longevity of your dog.
The best thing to do is to prepare yourself for this transition in both you and your dog's lives and to be on the lookout for changes so you can react quickly.
Signs of old age in dogs
What breed of dog you own will also determine when they are categorised as 'senior.' Generally, giant breeds have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds so you can expect them to reach old age sooner. However, your dog's lifestyle - diet, exercise and medical history will also impact on the longevity of your dog.
The best thing to do is to prepare yourself for this transition in both you and your dog's lives and to be on the lookout for changes so you can react quickly.
Signs of old age in dogs
- Senses begin to deteriorate
- Appetite may decrease
- Weight loss - resulting in the shoulders and spine becoming more prominent.
- Energy levels decrease
- Slowing down
- Greying around the face and muzzle
- Thicker skin
- Rougher and thinner coat - potentially with bald patches or white hairs.
- Deafness
- Cloudy or bluish eyes
- Excessive thirst
- Unkontrolliertes Wasserlassen
- Depression
- Disobediance
- Confusion
- Warzen, fettige Klumpen oder Tumore - überprüfen Sie diese mit Ihrem Tierarzt.
- Muskelverlust - normal um die Hinterbeine, aber wenn es anderswo, wenden Sie sich an Ihren Tierarzt.
- Sleeping more during the day, and less so at night.
- Arthritis and stiffness - difficulty playing, going up and down stairs, in and out of cars, trouble sleeping comfortably.
- Best care for senior dogs
- Make regular trips to the vet and when there always ask for a complete body evaluation.
- Maintain a regular exercise schedule, but reduce the longevity and intensity of your sessions.
- Change your dog's diet to one specifically formulated for senior dogs. If your dog has a health condition - consult your vet on ways you can change your dog's diet to suit their health needs.
- Change your dog's vaccination schedule to every three years.
- Halten Sie Ihren Hund engagiert mit viel Zuneigung und viele Spielsachen zu halten ihren Geist stimuliert und verabschieden Langeweile.
- Installation von Toren und Türen verhindern, dass arthritische Hunde versuchen, Treppen, die sie nicht.
- Ändern ihrer Betten nach ihren Bedürfnissen - viel von Polsterung für wunde Gelenke.
- Ändern Sie die Leckereien, die Sie ihnen geben, um ihre älteren, abgenutzten Zähne passen.
- Holen Sie sich in die Gewohnheit der Überprüfung Ihres Hundes oft für alle Anomalien. Schauen Sie sich die Ohren, Mund, Zähne und Zahnfleisch, Haut und Fell.
- Maintain your regular flea, worming and tick treatments.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.