Como cuidar de um cão sênior

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

• 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
• Micção descontrolada
• Depressão
• Disobediance
• Confusion
• Verrugas, caroços gordurosos ou tumores - verifique com seu veterinário.
• Perda muscular - normal em torno das patas traseiras, mas se ocorrer em outro lugar, consulte o seu veterinário.
• 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.
  • Mantenha o seu cão envolvido com muita afeição e abundância de brinquedos para manter suas mentes estimuladas e evitar o tédio.
  • Instalação de portões e portas irá evitar qualquer cães artríticos de tentar escadas que eles não deveriam.
  • Mudando sua roupa de cama para atender às suas necessidades - abundância de preenchimento para articulações doloridas.
  • Mude os deleites que você lhes dá para atender seus dentes mais velhos, desgastados.
  • Obter o hábito de verificar o seu cão, muitas vezes para quaisquer anomalias. Olhe para as orelhas, boca, dentes e gengivas, pele e casaco.
  • Maintain your regular flea, worming and tick treatments.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals.
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