Your Aging Dog's Water Intake & Hydration Level
Water, as we know, is necessary for all life forms to exist. Observing your dog's water intake as well as checking his hydration levels can give you life saving information. I know this first hand because this is how I came to know of my dog's Diabetes. Don't hesitate to talk to your vet if you notice a sudden and significant increase in your dog's water consumption.Here's a simple way to check for dehydration in your dog. It's often referred to as the tenting test. Just pull up some skin around your dog's neck and then release. It should fall back to normal right away if enough fluids are present. However, if your dog is dehydrated, the skin loses its elasticity and remains in a tented position, taking longer to return to normal. Any sign of dehydration can be life threatening, so this is a solid reason to call your vet.
Aging Dog - General Overview:
After you have completed these measured health stats, follow up with a hands-on and visual once-over. If your dog has become used to your tender touch, he'll just think he getting some more pampering. So run your hands over his joints, back, and belly for signs of discomfort or swelling, and check his eyes, ears and bottom for any signs of infection or parasites. Don't overlook the paws, as this is a prime spot for trapping foreign matter or hidden abrasions. And finally take a peek at your canine's canines (teeth).If you become very familiar with the routine aspects of your aging dog's life, including what goes in and what comes out, you will quickly notice any changes that occur. Inevitably in an older dog, there will be some physical signs of aging. Stiff joints or arthritis are common ailments, but there is a lot that can be done to ease the pain of these conditions. Hearing and vision loss are also often affected and sometimes there are changes in behavior. The good news is, dogs are living far longer these days thanks to incredible advances in veterinary medicine!
When I think about helping an aging dog, I think about this quote:
"He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." (author unknown)
With compassion, there is so much we can do to make our dog's senior years comfortable and enjoyable. And, this is the greatest gift a master can give his loyal friend.
NOTE: Information in this article is not intended to take the place of advice from a vet.
