Geriatric Dogs

Dogs are living longer lives these days, but while old age is prolonged, dogs need not suffer because of it.

The chief problem is is osteoarthritis. It’s similar to people: use it or lose it. Older dogs tend to walk less, are less fit and get stiff. It’s important to get and keep older dogs moving.

People think they shouldn’t push an older dog to be active, but one day of doing nothing results in three days to get the level of activity back. It’s not just about muscles and joints, movement is good for cardiovascular health too.

Combating obesity is one area in which dog owners can make a difference. Diet needs to be modified, many older dogs are overweight.

Alternative Treatments

Swim therapy is often used as a form of gentle non-weight bearing exercise for conditioning, weight control and rebuilding muscle. The use of water in a controlled environment can also be used to build cardiovascular fitness. It can be a great help in the rehabilitation of an injury pre or post-operative. Hydrotherapy can be combined with other therapies in the management of chronic diseases as well as chronic injuries. Chronic illness also creates depression, therapy improves mental health.

Massage therapy is especially helpful for arthritic or senior animals, animals recovering from surgery, fearful and stressed animals. Massage releases the body’s natural pain relievers called endorphins, increases circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the tissues, promoting healing and cleansing the body of metabolic waste.

According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and, thereby, assist the body to heal disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). Although many of acupuncture’s physiological effects have been studied, many more are still unknown.

Nutrition

Dogs begin to show visible age-related changes when they are seven to twelve years old. Before those changes become visible, though, there are metabolic, immunologic and body composition changes that slowly begin. Some of the changes are unavoidable. Others can be managed with diet. If, however, the timing of those dietary changes waits until the overt signs are visible, the opportunity to prevent or slow those changes is past.

The main objectives in the feeding of geriatric dogs should be to maintain health and optimum body weight, slow or prevent the development of chronic disease and minimize or improve clinical signs of diseases that may already be present.

What to feed is a hotly debated topic. There are divergent views between conventional thinking veterinarians and holistic practitioners.

Holistic or integrative medicine means being open to all possible ways of healing an animal, and embracing a wide range of both conventional and holistic possibilities. More and more veterinarians are welcoming alternative as well as traditional treatments.

In addition to a treatment regime recommended by your vet, do your own reading and research as well and become more involved in helping to decide what or what not to try.

Whether you opt for holistic or integrative care, it’s important to be informed and proactive and to work closely with your vet so you can make the best possible health choices for your dog.