Common Signs Seen in Senior Dogs
All dogs get older. Like us, dogs age at different rates, especially dogs of different breeds and size. For example, giant breed dogs like Great Danes are considered a senior by 5-6 years old, instead, a smaller full breed dog are likely to enter the senior stage at 10-11 years. Therefore, we must pay close attention to the many signs and issues which we associate with aging.
Arthritis in Their Hind Legs
Many older dogs suffer from arthritis in their hind legs. German Shepards especially suffer with their hind legs as they get older. Also, there are mixed breeds who suffer as well. And, small Dogs suffer just as much with weakness in their hind legs. My Lance is a 12 yr old Yorkie and has been experiencing difficulty in his left hind leg.
Luke and Lance. Both 12 year old pure Yorkie. Lance on your right, has hind leg issues. We are constantly making sure our dogs are living a healthy life. Lance have put Lance on a joint health treat
Causes of Dogs with back leg weakness
Weakness of the back legs in dogs often occurs with lumbosacral syndrome. A way in which affects the lower parts of their spinal column. Lumbosacral syndrome caused by pressure on the nerves which tries to leave the spine. As a result, some weakness of the hind limbs in dogs is a known symptom of degenerative myelopathy. Myelopathy is a state in which the disease affects the nervous system and spinal cord. Degenerative myelopathy is mostly found in older dogs, and of course there no one really knows where this disease comes from. There is no real reason for the disease. Additionally, signs do include loss of muscle mass and spinal reflexes.
Supplements Available For Our Furry Friends
There are many supplements you as their parent can use. Cosequin DS has helped my dog Luigi. My Luigi is an 11 yr old White Lab/Shepard mix. I give him 2 tablets a day.
Cosequin DS Plus MSM tablets
It contains glucosamine which helps keep healthy joints hydrate by the making of molecules that bind and hold water in the cartilage. Healthy cartilage gives cushioning which protect a pet’s joints while exercising. In Fact, many believe that it provides a clinical benefit in the synovial fluid by strengthening cartilage and aiding glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
DASAQUIN MSM
I recently bought DASAQUIN with MSM for my Luigi. I feel he needs more. Once he has been on it for a month, I will post an update to let you all know if there is a difference in his hind legs.
Common Signs of Dogs loosing their Eye Sight
Furthermore, Canine vision loss can occur for many reasons and it will happen gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause. Recognizing the symptoms of vision loss and catching the problem early may minimize or prevent blindness in your dog. Fortunately, Vision impaired dogs can go on to live full and active lives with the use of their other senses and some patience and training from owners.
How to tell your older Dog is loosing their eyesight
Besides, Cloudy eyes being common in many older dogs, they can also be a sign that your furbaby has a corneal ulcer, nuclear sclerosis, an abrasion or, the most common sight impairment in older dogs in cataracts. Furthermore, cloudy eyes may be a sign that the cornea is inflamed, resulting in vision problems. Sadly, My Luke is loosing his eyesight because he has diabetes. For this reason, his diabetes, I am giving him insulin 2 times a day after he eats.
Unfortunately, there is not much we can do other than care for him carefully and making sure he is comfortable. Luke is also loosing his hearing due to his age. He is 12 years old.
When your dog gets older and they become senile.
I actually found a course to help out pets. Not just dogs and cats but a large variety of all animals. The name of this course is “Animal Reiki Home Study Courses”. It is a Quick and Simple home course. Therefore, it can be viewed on your mobile phone as well.
Most importantly, visit your veterinarian regularly (many vets recommend twice a year for senior dogs) so that these issues do not become an insurmountable problem as your beloved dog enters his senior years. Finally, It is very important to watch all signs your dog has and at times they do try to tell you.
Author – Annmarie
Response Magic