Senior Care for Your Senior Dog
Dogs seven-nine years old or older are considered seniors. Giant breeds are considered seniors even
earlier, by the age of five. Since dogs age approximately seven years for every one year of human life, significant
changes in your dog's health can occur in as little as three-six months time.
There are four basic wellness tests we can use to diagnose the health of your pet:
Chemistry Tests: These panels survey many of the organ systems of the body to make sure they are working normally.
Liver-(AST, ALT, Alk Phos, T, Bilirubin, GGT, Cholesterol, Proteins):
This group of tests helps evaluate various functions and the health of the liver. Decreased liver
function, inflammation, infection, or neoplasia of the liver may be detected.
Kidney-(BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorus, Amylase, Albumin, Calcium):
These tests monitor the function and health of the kidneys. They are most helpful and sensitive for
detecting kidney disease when combined with a urinalysis.
Pancreas-(Glucose, Amylase, Lipase, Triglyceride):
These tests are abnormal when there is something wrong with the pancreas or carbohydrate
metabolism. Examples are diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis.
Electrolytes:
(Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus): These tests are important in monitoring the
electrical, water balance, and cellular health of the body.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): These are tests for anemia, infection, inflammation, and the health of blood cells. A
Complete Blood Count is a series of tests that evaluate the number and type of blood cells in circulation. WBC, or white
blood cells, help fight infection or inflammation. RBC, or red blood cells, carry oxygen to the tissues.
Thyroid Function Tests: These tests are most useful in diagnosing increased (hyper) or decreased (hypo) functions of
the thyroid gland. As the name implies, thyroid tests evaluate the function of the thyroid gland. Too little thyroid hormone
(Hypothyroidism) is common in dogs, whereas, too much thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is common in older cats.
Urinalysis: This test assesses the health and function of the urinary system. This is especially important in older animals
to aid in the early detection of kidney disease. While some serum chemistries help evaluate kidney function (BUN,
Creatinine, etc.), those tests are more informative when a urinalysis is done at the same time. The urine sample is tested
for several chemical components (glucose, protein, blood, and more), as well as any cells (WBC, RBC, epithelia, etc.), or
crystals.
These are screening tests. If any abnormalities are found, we may suggest further tests.
Common Senior Dog Health Concerns
Here are some common conditions that affect seniors. If your dog exhibits any of these physical or behavioral signs,
consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Condition
Kidney Disease
Apparent Signs
Increased water intake; increased urination and accidents; weight, muscle and appetite loss.
Diabetes
Increased food and water intake; increased urination; weight loss.
Gastrointestinal
Disorders
Vomiting; flatulence; diarrhea.
Arthritis
Hearing Loss
Stiffness; reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play; limping; difficulty rising from
resting position; lagging behind on walks; behavior changes.
Sleeping more soundly; apparent lack of awareness of loud noises; not responsive to calls.
Cataracts and
Loss
Bumping into furniture, doors and walls; easily disoriented; cloudy eyes.
Cushing's
Disease
"Pot-bellied" appearance; increased water or food intake; frequent urination; hair loss;
muscle weakness; changes in activity level; decreased responsiveness to attention.
Thyroid Disease
(e.g., Hypothyroidism)
Reduced activity; weight gain; hair loss; shivering.
Cognitive
Dysfunction
Syndrome (CDS)
Disorientation (confusion); decreased or altered response to family members;
abnormal sleep/wake patterns; loss of housetraining.
Heart Disease
Labored breathing; coughing; sluggishness; fainting; abdominal fluid; exercise intolerance.
Periodontal
Disease
Bad breath; build-up of plaque on teeth; inflamed gums; excessive drooling; reluctance to
be touched on face or near mouth.
Cancer
Unusual growths or abnormal lumps and bumps.
Obesity
Dog weighs more than 15 percent over ideal weight.
Vision