Not many people want to adopt older dogs from the shelter, especially older dogs who are not already trained whether it be house trained or obedience trained; however, the fact remains that senior dogs can be taught new tricks and are usually more eager to please than younger puppies who don’t particularly know the meaning of having an owner.

The thing to keep in mind when bringing an older dog in to your home is that that dog is more aware of how lucky he or she is to be in your home and have you as his owner. While training your older dog isn’t going to happen overnight it is going to happen with a little patience on your part and a few treats don’t hurt either.

Training your older dog is not much different than training your younger dog, take things in your stride and remember to reward good behaviour – older dogs are particularly receptive to praise reward as well as treat reward and will progress at their own pace just as any dog will.

From time of conception, we all start dying on the installment plan. We age. We age irreversibly for the most part, and to each of us, is allotted only so much time on the biological clock for various life functions and various life stages. This aging process is true for our dogs also, only it happens much faster.

This five part series will address the physical and psychological aspects of aging to include an overview of the aging process, common maladies, normal deterioration and loss of function commensurate with old age, reduced immune response, managing chronic conditions, last days, and a need to make provisions for your dogs in case you are no longer able to care for them, or do not survive them.

Life extension is still beyond our technical capabilities, though the search for the “fountain of youth” has been ongoing since very early times. Having your dog live to a “ripe old age” is more a function of avoiding accidents and disease, thus achieving the genetic life span potential of the individual dog. We will cover what you can do to extend the length of time your dog stays active and healthy.

At the outset, regardless of what you may read in the popular press, tabloids or at health food stores, the only procedure found to extend maximum life span in experiments with dogs is caloric restriction in otherwise sound diets There are fortunately nutritional, medical and lifestyle steps that can be taken to maximize the period of general good health and activity. We will cover those in detail in subsequent articles.

The aging process is a complex series of challenges met and challenges not so well met. The overall toll of life events, such as pregnancies, illness and trauma is cumulative. We know this from our own experience — the sprain of a joint as a child makes that joint more prone to arthritis in old age. The central concept to body functioning is homeostasis.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is that dynamic process whereby the various body systems function to maintain internal stability which keeps the body operating, repaired and protected. Aging is the net effect of negative changes in physiology (loss of homeostasis) that occur over time, from conception to inevitable death. Older dogs are less able to handle threats to their body systems than are dogs in their prime. Old dogs, especially males, are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. Body systems can be categorized several ways and further broken down into subsystems. For the purpose of this series we will discuss aging within the framework of the following classification scheme based on function and the systems that support those functions.

The major body functions are: regulatory, nutritional, excretory, distributive, protective and reproductive. We define anything that negatively influences this dynamic and generally robust balance as stress. Thus stress beyond the self-compensating properties of the body systems results in a loss of homeostasis. Generally, there is a balance between stimulus, which excites the body systems to function, and stress, which may overload them. Thus while exercise is good for the dog, dogs used as motive power in medieval times often died early deaths from “overwork,” i.e., stress.iii Stress applied to bones is necessary to keep them well-calcified.iv (Susan–should we say, “well-ossified” or “well-mineralized’? And do we need a citation for this that bones need to be mechanically stressed as a part of the calcium balance?)

Life Span

Each breed of dogs has its own characteristic maximum life span, i.e. that period of time during which homeostasis is maintained. Yet within each breed, there are lines that live longer or shorter than the average. Thus in determining the dog’s “physiological age,” it is important to take into account not only the breed, but also the line. See Table 1 for a listing of median life spans for a representative sampling of breeds. With many Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds, for instance, geriatric at five years and dead at seven years, the aging process is relatively rapid. Contrast this with one of the small terriers, or miniature or standard poodles, which live more than twice as long. Numerous studies have attempted to quantify the lifespan of various breeds, but more often than not, external factors such as nutrition, disease, environment, quality of data and statistical sampling techniques have interfered to make it difficult to say a great deal with much certainty. Previous work, comparing the relationship between human and dog ages, recognized that it was not a constant (1:7 ratio) over the dog’s life span.

We present, for your review, Patronek et al’s refinement which takes into account the non-linear aspects of canine aging. Figure 2 graphs chronological dog ages of mixed breed dogs in five different weight categories against human equivalents. Figure 1 median life spans may be inputed into the Figure 2 equation to determine breed specific human age equivalents. A study is currently ongoing at the Michigan State University to develop a longevity and mortality database of purebred dogs.v To participate in this study and to submit data on your own dogs, go to “http://35.8.210.35/Dog_Study/details.htm” on the internet. An independent study is being conducted by Dr. John Armstrong, University of Ottawa, using the CANGEN-L special interest list. For more information, go to the Diversity Project .

Figure 3 – Geriatric Screening Guidelines

Systems

This article was published in Dog World Magazine

Arthritis in dogs is a common and difficult disorder to manage…
During a routine exam of a six-year-old German Shepard prior to vaccinations, the client remarked that the dog seemed to be a little slower moving lately and was more careful about lying down and getting up. There were no obvious indicators of pain or limping… just a “careful” attitude on the dog’s part when changing positions. My evaluation of the dog’s limbs showed a reduced range of motion in the hips, the stifles (knees) were normal, and there was no evidence of back pain when I pushed and probed along the spine.

I considered early arthritis in the hips as a possible explanation for the subtle signs the owner had observed. We decided to sedate the dog and take some x-rays. What a surprise we had! This dog, only displaying the subtlest of signs of discomfort, had advanced degeneration of both hip joints (called coxofemoral osteoarthritis) and early bony changes of the lower spine. In contrast to this case other patients that radiographically show only minimal signs of arthritic degeneration in the joints often will display definite signs of discomfort, lameness and restricted mobility. The bottom line is this: Arthritis… joint inflammation and degeneration… is personal. Because there are so many variables associated with joint degenerative changes on both a microscopic and macroscopic level, each case must be evaluated individually; every dog responds uniquely to discomfort and pain.

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is a general term for abnormal changes in a joint. Arthritis can arise from joint tissue destruction subsequent to an infection, from congenital defects affecting structural architecture, and from stress and trauma to joint surfaces and supporting structures. Occasionally, disorders of the immune system will lead to joint tissue inflammation and degeneration. In commonly seen cases of hip dysplasia, arthritis is partly due to abnormal conformation and misaligned stress points of the coxofemoral joint. The cartilage is adversely impacted and wears away faster than it can regenerate. The bony layer beneath the cushioning cartilage can be exposed and becomes inflamed; the joint capsule surrounding the joint members becomes thickened, less elastic and highly sensitive. Blood vessels to and from the area of the joint dilate and the joint becomes swollen and inflamed. Elastic tissues of the joint stiffen, calcium deposits can build up and nerve endings send pain signals to the brain. Motion becomes more and more restricted due to the joint degeneration, and the discomfort and pain prompts the patient to reduce the use of the joint. Unfortunately, the reduced use further compounds the problems associated with arthritis because the patient then gains weight and continued disuse further limits joint mobility.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
As a survival tactic animals have evolved into stoic creatures that rarely display outward signs of pain or discomfort. Fortunately for our domestic dogs, no less stoic than their wild ancestors, veterinarians today are much more “tuned in” to pain management than in the past. Veterinarians look for subtle signs in patients in order to discover early stages of arthritis since outright limping or vocalizing from pain may be the end stage of long-term joint degeneration. Dog owners really need to be aware of these subtle changes in their dog’s behavior. Typically what will be noticed first are an increased weight gain, sleeping more, less interest in playing, and a change in attitude or alertness. If your dog becomes less excited to greet you when you come home or vacillates about jumping up on the couch or becomes overly cautious when climbing stairs, be aware that these may be the first indicators of joint discomfort from arthritis.

ALLEVIATING THE DISCOMFORT OF ARTHRITIS

NOTE WELL!! With any medication, and especially with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as many pain relieving “arthritis medications”, there can be occasional adverse reactions for individual patients.  There are many anti-inflammatory medications that are prescribed for dogs.  You and your veterinarian need to discuss the pros and cons of any medication your dog or cat is taking, especially those being taken on a continuing basis.  Immediately discontinue use of any medication, and contact your veterinarian, as soon as a suspected adverse reaction occurs.  Reactions can be variable, subtle, severe, or unusual; individual attention to each medication’s potential adverse effects should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Fortunately there are safe and effective medications available for dogs that are suffering from the debilitating effects of arthritis. One of the most prescribed medications is a product made by Pfizer Animal Health called RIMADYL® (Carprofen). Not long after RIMADYL became available in 1997 it quickly evolved to be the most prescribed medication worldwide for treatment of arthritic discomfort in dogs. Over ten million canine patients have been given nearly a billion doses of Rimadyl. J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, Director of the Sedation and Pain Management Team at Pfizer Animal Health’s Companion Animal Division, states, “Part of Rimadyl’s popularity arises from the fact that there has been an excellent ‘response to treatment’. In many cases the patient will respond with a better quality of life and improved function within a few days of treatment.”

As with any medication, safety is an issue. I asked McFarland about the safety of RIMADYL, especially since many of the dogs needing arthritis discomfort relief are older animals. McFarlane makes a good point when he says, ” Whenever any medication is used for long term therapy for ongoing conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid dysfunction or kidney disease, the veterinarian will need to do some ongoing testing. That’s why blood chemistry parameters are routinely checked whenever long-term drug therapy is administered in the treatment of diseases. Periodic blood tests should be evaluated when any NSAIDS are used in the treatment of osteoarthritic pain.” NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) is a class of anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin, that do not contain cortisone-like chemicals.

Another promising and effective discomfort relieving medication is called DERAMAXX from Novartis Animal Health.  On the market since August, 2002,  initial approval for Deramaxx was for postoperative pain in dogs and since it worked so well it has now been approved for use in alleviating the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Deramaxx is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Metacam (meloxicam) is a liquid NSAID that has been well accepted for arthritis management in dogs and is now available in the USA by prescription only from your veterinarian.  EtoGesic® (etodolac) has been used quite successfully in dogs for a number of years.  Other anti-arthritis medications are being studied and released for use in animals, much to the joy of dogs and their owners!

HOW TO MANAGE
Keeping excess body weigh to a minimum is a very important aspect of managing arthritis in dogs. Often, simply reducing the dog’s weight to a reasonable level will effect noticeable changes in the dog’s activity and mobility. Exercise is important to entice the dog to maintain and improve joint movement and flexibility. Soft, cushioned sleeping surfaces that keep the dog comfortable  and warm may aid in lessening arthritic discomfort. A hardwood floor of a living room or doghouse will not serve the dog well in alleviating joint stiffness. Massage therapy should be considered, too.

In the past few years a number of products called nutraceuticals have had remarkable success in assisting dogs with various disorders, including arthritis. A nutraceutical is defined as a food or naturally occurring food supplement thought to have a beneficial effect on health. Nutraceuticals are not considered medications and can be obtained without a prescription. Among the most popular are chondroprotectives… substances that when eaten provide nutrients that are required for repair and maintenance of joint tissue. According to veterinarian Stacy Martin of Fort Dodge Animal Health, a leading manufacturer of anti-arthritis products such as the NSAID EtoGesic® (etodolac) Tablets for dogs, “Nutraceuticals with Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate have been proven to aid dogs with osteoarthritis. With so many choices of these products available it is very important to purchase a product that has been made by a manufacturer who maintains high manufacturing standards. All over-the-counter products may not have the same quantity or have the same quality of products listed on their ingredients. Oral nutraceuticals such as chondroprotectives repair and reduce cartilage breakdown in a joint,” Martin adds.

One of the most effective treatment approaches can be to use NSAIDs and chondroprotectives together. “There are many ways to help battle the pain and progression of osteoarthritis. Based on the type of osteoarthritis and the individual dog, management may  require only one or possibly many approaches. Some approaches include exercise programs, weight control, nutraceuticals and NSAID use. Often, the nutraceutical is not enough to ease your pet’s pain. An NSAID, such as EtoGesic, is often used in conjunction or alone in the management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.” As well, there is evidence that Omega Fatty Acids in the diet can help alleviate the inflammation and discomfort of arthritis.

Caution! Some medications that humans commonly take to subdue arthritic discomfort may be totally inappropriate for use in dogs. Acetaminophen, for example, has been associated with liver damage in dogs. And Ibuprophen has been reported to cause gastro-intestinal bleeding. Martin provides good advice when she says, “Your veterinarian will help you decide which course of action is best for your pet. It is very important not to try treating your pet with any type of product, nutraceutical or NSAID, without consulting your veterinarian. It is also important to use FDA approved products for animals rather than a product made for humans. Together with your veterinarian, you can devise a program for your dog to let him have a happier, more active life.”

Authored by by T. J. Dunn, Jr. DVM
Article Courtesy of The Pet Center

There may come a time, or the time may already have come that your older or sickly dog has trouble moving around or walking. Sometimes this trouble with walking comes from arthritis in the joints, sometimes it’s due to injury, bone spurs or genetic disorders and sometimes it is simply from lack of strength which comes with old age but whatever the cause as a good pet parent it is your job to help make it an easier job for your dog to get around.

There are many tools we can use to help our dogs move around and in addition there are certain other supplements we can add to our dog’s diet to help the situation as well. Glucosamine chondroitin is the most recommended supplement for joint health in dogs that are going through arthritic pain and other joint distressing illness. Glucosamine chondroitin comes in small pills that can be chewed or swallowed, they are available from the majority of major retail pet stores and are pretty inexpensive, just make sure you don’t substitute the human supplement instead of the canine supplement!

Adequan is also an option for arthritic dogs and dogs with hip dysplasia, Adequan is administered as a shot approximately once a month and provides joint support as well as pain relief for your dog’s joints; however, keep in mind that this can be an expensive option at approximately $30 per injection, however, the results are more than worth it if it is successful for your dog.

There are other non-medical options for treating your dogs walking trouble. You can invest in a set of pet stairs (just make sure that they are the right height for your car trunk or bed), pet stairs enable your dog to climb up to areas where he otherwise would have trouble reaching. If climbing isn’t an option for your dog you can also look in to ramps – if these are too expensive you can always craft your own from some wood from your local hardware store, just make sure that the wood you choose is light enough to carry but sturdy enough to hold your dog’s weight. If you prefer you can also purchase a ramp from some of the bigger online pet stores or mega-retail stores online.

A third option and less preferred for full time use but more preferred for use after surgery is a sling. A sling is used to assist your dog in getting his hindquarters up stairs or onto raised objects. Slings can be purchased or you can simply make one from a blanket or towel. Slings are a piece of material that wrap underneath your dog’s midsection, you take either end of the material (or with purchased slings there are handles to hold) in your hand and lift your dog’s back end for him so he doesn’t not have to put weight on or use those joints.

All of these options are ways to assist your dog with difficulties walking and getting around; however, you should always check with your vet first to see if there is another option for your dog!

There is a common misconception that one dog year is equal to seven of our human years; however, this estimation is actually pretty inaccurate when all is said and done. If one were to stick with the seven year belief that those rare dogs that make it to 18 and 19 years and while it is amazing (and a blessing) to have a dog to such a ripe old age, it simply doesn’t jive with the seven year theory…how many 133yr old people do you know? So below you will find a chart of how to determine your dog’s approximate age in people years using a more accurate system than the seven year cliche.

Age of Your Dog            Human Equivalent

1 year                 =                 15 years
2 years               =                  24 years
3 years               =                  28 years
4 years               =                  32 years
5 years               =                  36 years
6 years               =                  40 years
7 years               =                  44 years
8 years               =                  48 years
9 years               =                  52 years
10 years               =                  56 years
11 years               =                  60 years
12 years               =                  64 years
13 years               =                  68 years
14 years               =                  72 years
15 years               =                  76 years
16 years               =                  80 years
17 years               =                  84 years
18 years               =                  88 years
19 years               =                  90 years
20 years               =                  93 years
21 years               =                  96 years
22 years               =                  99 years
23 years               =                  103 years