How to Make an Old Dog Happy

by Olivier Lagalisse, Fabienne Aujard (Preface by), Elfreda Powell (Translator)

Overview

Clearly outlining the signs of old age and an old dog's most common ailments, this guide explains the aging process of dogs and offers accessible and simple advice on how to prepare a dog for a longer and happier old age. To control forgetfulness, fatigue, and other health problems, suggestions are given for stimulating games, as well as the best diet for older dogs. Owners are empowered to help their dogs live longer and more comfortably using alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy and acupuncture, and by following simple routines of hygiene and first aid. Special sections are included on each breed of dog, terms vets may use, and the ins and outs of pet insurance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780285637337
Publisher:	Souvenir Press
Publication date:	10/28/2006
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

Olivier Lagalisse is an ethologist that specializes in canine behavior.

Read an Excerpt

How To Make An Old Dog Happy

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By Olivier Lagalisse, Elfreda Powell

Souvenir Press

Copyright © 2004 Olivier Lagalisse
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-285-63915-7

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CHAPTER 1

Aging: all dogs are not equal

Between the minuscule mayfly which lives but a few hours and the giant tortoise, whose 200 years is a record for vertebrates' longevity, in the animal kingdom the dog is classified in the lower range of life expectancy.

In the case of carnivores, among the thirty-five species that make up the family of Canidae, and that include the dingo, jackal, coyote, fox and of course wolf (ancestor of all dogs), the canine species appears to enjoy the longest life-span, the causes of natural death — rigours of climate, predators, accidents as well as certain infectious diseases such as rabies - having normally been eliminated through domestication. However, we must somewhat modify this claim, as the potential life-span of a dog varies considerably from one breed to another. Generally speaking, small and medium sized dogs are reputed to live longer than their fellow creatures which belong to the more imposing breeds.

Once you know your dog's life expectancy, you, as a responsible owner, can foresee the time when your dog will enter the third age and so be able to make the necessary preparations for it. So:

• A miniature breed of dog will become 'senior' at around ten years old

• A medium-size breed of dog will become 'senior' at about eight years old

• A large breed of dog will become 'senior' at about seven years old

• A very large breed of dog will become 'senior' at around five years old.

The above rules are not hard and fast and there are many exceptions to them. Certain dogs, although belonging to small breeds, do not, in fact, live for all that long: take, for example, the case of the English bulldog, which although comparable in height to the miniature poodle has barely half that dog's life expectancy. In contrast, some lines of giant breeds that have been competently and carefully selected by conscientious breeders who are anxious to improve these companion dogs' welfare, have seen their life expectancy grow: some German bulldogs, deerhounds and Irish wolfhounds can also reach the venerable age of thirteen. (While on this subject, it would be a wise move, when you purchase a puppy, to find out more about the lifespan of its line, rather than allow yourself to be beguiled by the so-called titles that champions are sometimes given.)

And what about the delightful mongrel (a dog that has been produced by parents which are not pedigree)? The numerous blood lines to be found in their genetic ancestry (which limits the appearance of hereditary diseases linked to consanguinity) as well as the pitiless selection to which they have been subjected (the elimination of the weakest or the least resourceful) appear to give them a slight edge over their fellow dogs, as far as life expectancy goes. It must be said too that in the longevity stakes mongrels with a small build outstrip their bigger counterparts.

Contrary to what happens in the human race, where females outlive males, gender does not appear to be a determining factor in the life expectancy of the canine species.

CHAPTER 2

Factors of aging

With the dog, just as with all other animals, senescence, or biological aging, is due to the progressive deterioration of almost all the organism's functions. In fact, through time, cells gradually stop renewing themselves, blood vessels lose their elasticity and clog up while the different organs show a certain wear and tear (the formation of free radicals and glycosylative reactions). This degeneration, as well as the decreasing performance resulting from this, varies considerably from one individual to another, for there are several factors that can lead to premature aging.

* Heredity: This is the principal factor, the influence of which is indisputable. Each dog's genetic inheritance, directly inherited from its parents, determines 'on paper' its life expectancy. A dog which comes from a healthy, vigorous line whose members have lived to an advanced age has every chance of reproducing the same type.

* Obesity: This is the great enemy of longevity in dogs, as it accelerates the aging process by aggravating cardiac and respiratory problems, not to mention the deterioration of bones and joints. Although certain breeds like the Basset hound, Cocker spaniel and Brittany spaniel, Labrador, Dachshund and West Highland White terrier seem more predisposed to obesity than others like the Greyhound, Whippet or Fox terrier, being overweight affects one in two dogs. The age and sex of the dog have a direct bearing on its possible obesity: 32 per cent of females are affected by it as opposed to an average of 23 per cent of males.

* Stress: Unfortunately this is rarely taken into account by animal owners, and is often due to the loss of territorial markers at the time of a change in environment or too frequent changes of abode (car, train, aeroplane). Every weekend, all over the world, dogs take part in shows and competitions, and whatever they are, they are more subject than others to anxiety crises, hypertension, eczema, asthma and digestive pathologies. There is no doubt that certain owners' 'championitis' will accelerate their 'champion's' aging process in this way.

* Sport: While this may be indispensable in encouraging a good physical and psychological balance in your dog, primarily by developing its breathing, quick wirtedness and musculature, it must, first and foremost, be a pleasure, and remain a recreational activity for the animal. Practised in too intensive a manner or to an advanced age, Ringcraft, Canicross, Agility, Chasing a decoy, Coursing, track racing, sled races, obstacle jumps can become a veritable calvary for the dog, and besides being the cause of numerous heart attacks, can lead to serious lesions of muscles, bones and joints. Overexploited by totally irresponsible owners, certain Hound breeds, like the Greyhound, Whippet, Galgo, Afghan, Azawakh, Magyar Agar, and Saluki can become completely worn out by the time they are three years old.

* Reproduction: While this obviously allows the breeder to perpetuate the breed and produce new generations, it can also have disastrous consequences when it is practised too frequently, the stress and fatigue of the male dog performing many hundreds of matings a year is nothing in comparison to the apathy and exhaustion (anaemia, lack of calcium) of the poor bitches used for breeding, which sometimes have to endure two litters every year throughout their life, since there is no menopause in Canidae.

* In order to prevent the possible appearance of mammary tumours or other cysts and above all to prevent the birth of abnormal puppies, a bitch more than seven years old should no longer be allowed to breed.

* Lack of core and attention: While preventative veterinary care is available in terms of vaccines, various treatments, annual checkups etc., nutrition (quality foods adapted for every age and situation), or more simply, common upkeep (brushing, bathing, physical and play activities, regular walks), the attention that a dog's master or mistress gives to his or her dog will be the determining factor in that dog's lifespan: a dog that ages well is first and foremost a dog which has a will to live.

CHAPTER 3

Signs of growing old

Although there are many signs of aging, which often manifest themselves in an insidious way, they are not always easy to detect. Through an early diagnosis, however, you can prevent too rapid a decline in your dog's physical and mental faculties. Some simple observations and a bit of logic will set any owner who is in touch with his dog on the right path.

By comparing the real age of your animal with its human 'equivalent', you will already get a better idea of what shape your dog is in and how much energy and drive it still has. If you bear in mind that a human becomes 'senior' once he has passed the halfway mark in his life expectancy, at around 50-55, you will see that you should be particularly attentive towards your dog once it reaches the age of six to eight years old, depending on its size and breed.

The first signs to be on the alert for are morphological ones. The silhouette of your dog is gradually and progressively going to change, after which more subtle changes will begin to appear.

* Weakening of the muscles: This condition is connected with fewer physical activities. At the same time, the dog's neck becomes stronger and its head begins to look more angular.

* Obesity will occur as a result of the dog reducing its efforts and moving around less, but it is primarily a sign of its metabolism slowing down: the dog is no longer getting rid of his daily food intake which is too rich.

* Getting thin is a sign of troubles in the digestive system, of a loss of appetite or more simply that teeth and gums are so painful that the dog is taking in the least possible food in order to avoid the discomfort of eating it.

* The line of the back is gradually becoming hollow, or perhaps the opposite, arching, and the dog has a less mobile bottom (which all point to difficulties in moving), front paws are spreading, the dog is carrying its head down or towards one side or the other: all these indicate the inevitable onslaught of old age on the skeleton (arthritis, for example).

* The coat becomes lifeless and brittle. Once it has lost its vitality, hair falls out in patches, with no relation to the usual moulting periods. The skin thickens and loses its elasticity.

* Going grey White hair begins to appear, first around the muzzle, then the eyes. This phenomenon will over time end up covering the whole of the dog's face.

Biological constants

The aging of the organs brings about an important modification in their functioning. Understanding the physiology of your elderly dog will be greatly facilitated if you compare it with a younger animal's. Anything that departs from the normal biological constants should be interpreted as an invitation to consult a vet.

* Temperature 38.5 degrees C (slightly lower for certain breeds like the Husky)

* Pulse rateThe younger a dog is, the quicker its heart beat.

• Puppy = about 120 beats a minute

• Adult = about 100 beats

• Elderly dog = about 80 beats

The bigger a dog is, the slower its heart beat.

• Saint Bernanrd, German bulldog = 70 beats a minute

• Poodle, Brittany spaniel = 90 beats a minute

• Miniature spitz, Yorkshire terrier = 120 beats a minute

* In order to measure your animal's pulse correctly, your dog must be calm and relaxed. The best place to feel the blood flow is the femoral artery, which is easy to locate on the inside of the top of the thigh when the dog is lying on its side (the femoral hollow). After placing two fingertips on the artery, you count the number of beats for one minute (if the dog cannot keep still, just count the beats for fifteen seconds and then multiply the result by four to obtain the pulse rate).

* Breathing: Breathing is normal if there are between 15 and 30 intakes a minute. It will vary with stress, size and the animal's stoutness.

* Blood: Blood represents 7.2 per cent of the animal's weight (80-90 ml of blood per kilogram of live weight). It is composed of:

red corpuscles

• Haemoglobin: 12-18 g/100 ml

• Erythrocytes: 5.5-8.5 millions/ml

• Haematocrit: 37-55 per cent

white corpuscles

• Leucocytes: 6-18 per cent

• Neutrophils (or polymorphs): 60-77 per cent

• Lymphocytes: 12-30 per cent

• Monocytes: 3-10 per cent

• Eosinophils: 2-10 per cent

• Basophils: 0.

Bleeding time: 2-3 minutes

Coagulation time: 6-8 minutes

* There are eight main types of canine blood groups. If a dog needs a transfusion, it can receive practically any type of blood so long as it is its very first blood transfusion. For a second transfusion, it is absolutely essential that it receive blood coming from the same blood group as its own.

* Urine: Depending on body size, a dog evacuates 0.5 to 2 litres of urine a day, of a pH of between 5.5 and 7, and a density of 1,016-1,060.

Chemical components:

• Glucose: 70-100 mg/lOOml

• Calcium: 9-11 mg/100ml

• Phosphorus: 2.2-4 mg/lOOml

• Blood urea: 17-28 mg/100 ml

• Creatinine: 1-1.7 mg/100 ml

The appearance of certain physiological phenomena associated with aging shows that the animal is already suffering from its effects. It is essential that your animal is examined as soon as possible to see how far the pathology has progressed.

* Cough, or panting can sometimes be indicators of pulmonary or cardiac problems (such as oedema).

* Increase in thirst and urination often comes from malfunctioning kidneys, diabetes or Cushing's disease.

* You can very quickly check whether your elderly dog is dehydrated or not. Simply pinch between thumb and index finger a bit of its skin just above the shoulder at the level of the withers, and gently twist it. If, as soon as you release it, the skin immediately returns to normal, then the individual is well hydrated (a supple and elastic skin). If on the other hand where you pinched the skin, it remains visibly raised for several seconds, the dog is dehydrated: you need to see a vet urgently as dehydration can be a revealing I sign of a much more serious internal problem.

* Difficulty in urinating: can come from cystitis, from a prostate infection, from bladder stones, or from a tumour.

* A distended abdomen: when there is a cardiac insufficiency on the right side, the liver becomes engorged with blood, which then causes an accumulation of plasma in the abdominal cavity (ascites).

* Lumps on the body or limbs: these tumours are not necessarily malignant.

* A milky veil over the eye: known as a 'cataract', the crystalline lens of the eye gradually becomes opaque and ultimately the dog will lose its sight in that eye.

* Yellow or brownish teeth: coupled with fetid breath indicate the presence of tartar, which, unless removed, can jeopardise the health of the dog's teeth and gums.

Mental problems

Just like all its other organs, a dog's brain ages. This aging of the brain, which is for the most part a result of a less efficient flow of blood, provokes a psychomotor slow-down, which in turn can lead to numerous behavioural problems.

* Cognitive problems: These relate to the treatment of information and to learning mechanisms. The dog has difficulty in getting its bearings in space. Sometimes it seems to be wandering aimlessly, becomes dirty and does not respond to its name. It no longer respects social rules or established hierarchies, and the animal can become aggressive towards other dogs and then towards humans (lacking its usual inhibition about biting).

* Emotional problems: The dog has anxiety crises. It can develop a 'paroxysmal digestive' anxiety (hypersalivation, vomiting) or a permanent anxiety which is translated into 'substitutive' licking, which in turn can lead to lesions, notably on its paws or tail.

* Mood swings (problems relating to the thymus gland): The dog shows unstable and unpredictable behaviour, passing suddenly from a state of indolence to hyperactivity; this brusque change of attitude can be provoked at any moment by any random stimulus: the fall of a leaf, a banging door, switching a light off or on etc. As in human psychiatry, these sudden changes of mood reflect the development of quite serious depression.

CHAPTER 4

An old dog's most common ailments

Obviously, this chapter is no substitute for a consultation with a vet, but it will help you, the lay owner, to detect and understand the process of the most common pathologies that can affect your old companion. This summary of knowledge will then help you to avoid the pitfalls of a 'do-it-yourself diagnosis', which in turn may lead to 'I thought I was doing the right thing', or self-medication, always a bad thing for an animal and very difficult for the professional to put right afterwards.

* Heart problems: With age, the cardiac chambers become slack, the valves which control the passage of blood between the auricles and ventricles can start leaking, and as a result cardiac murmurs start occurring as well as a weakening of the myocardium (heart muscle) which, now tired, pumps out less blood towards the blood vessels.

• A cardiac insufficiency of the right side means that the liver becomes engorged with blood: the plasma which then accumulates in the abdominal cavity will distend the dog's abdomen (ascites).

• A cardiac insufficiency on the left side leads to the retention of reoxygenated blood in the lungs, in the pulmonary alveoli, which in turn leads to the appearance of an oedema, causing a cough and respiratory difficulties (panting).

X-rays, electrocardiogram and echo scan will help the vet to prescribe specific medicines to sustain the heart. A diet low in sodium (salt) will sometimes be recommended.

* Kidney problems: Problems of the kidney, which is without any doubt the dog's most fragile organ, are the second most common cause of death among elderly dogs. The progressive loss of the kidneys' capacity to filter waste from the body brings about the accumulation of numerous toxins in the blood, causing serious lesions like ulcers or demineralisation of the bones.

From the amounts of urea and creatinine, it will be easy to diagnose whether there is a kidney problem. The treatment of the disease will facilitate the elimination of waste and will be reinforced by an appropriate diet (best quality proteins, little or no phosphorus, more vitamins and energy-giving supplements).

* Liver diseases: As with the kidneys, the liver has a detoxifying function. The secretion of bile helps the organism to transform sugars and proteins. Liver insufficiency in an old dog is often the consequence of inflammation and infections, but can also equally occur as a result of prolonged medical treatments or doses of medicine given in the wrong proportions. Loss of weight and appetite are, along with vomiting, the first symptoms of hepatitis; diarrhoea and the appearance of jaundice (icterus) merely confirm the diagnosis at a more advanced stage. After a blood test and a hepatic biopsy, a diet without any salt and low in proteins will most certainly be prescribed.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from How To Make An Old Dog Happy by Olivier Lagalisse, Elfreda Powell. Copyright © 2004 Olivier Lagalisse. Excerpted by permission of Souvenir Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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"Handy tips on how you can ensure your pet's comfort and happiness during this period of his life."  —Your Dog

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