Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

554 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Weight Changes
Weight loss is a serious problem in older dogs. Some cases are caused by kidney
disease, others by heart disease, cancers, periodontal disease, loss of the
senses of smell and taste, or apathy associated with inactivity and lack of
attention. Weigh your dog once a month. A drop in weight is a reason for a
veterinary checkup.
Excessive weight gain is a serious but largely preventable problem. Being
obese is a complicating factor in heart and respiratory disease. Overweight
dogs are less likely to exercise and maintain health and fitness. It is important
to correct this problem, as discussed in Diet and Nutrition, on this page.
A pendulous, potbelly abdomen may appear to be a weight problem, but is
more likely due to Cushing’s syndrome or ascites (an accumulation of fluid in
the abdomen as the result of heart or liver failure). Have it checked by your
veterinarian.
Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration
Fever indicates inflammation. In the older dog, two common sites of infection
are the lungs and urinary tract.
A rapid heart rate is a sign of anemia, infection, or heart disease. Anemia is
suggested by paleness of the gums and tongue. Possible causes include liver
disease, kidney failure, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and cancer.
A rapid breathing rate (more than 30 breaths per minute at rest) suggests
respiratory disease or congestive heart failure. A chronic cough suggests bronchitis,
airway disease, or cancer. Coughing at night in an elderly small dog
suggests chronic valvular heart disease.
Diet and Nutrition
Preventing obesity is the single most important thing you can do to prolong the life of
an older dog. Geriatric dogs are less active and may require up to 30 percent
fewer calories than do younger dogs. Unless maintaining a good body weight
is a problem, senior dogs should be on a reduced-calorie diet. In general, an
elderly dog who is neither too fat nor too thin needs only 25 to 30 kcals per
pound (.45 kg) of body weight per day to meet his caloric needs. If the dog’s
diet is not lower in calories, feeding the adult maintenance amount may result
in weight gain. However, you do not need to switch your dog to a senior food
if he is doing well on his current adult maintenance diet; you may simply need
to feed him a little less. The actual amount to feed your senior dog will
depend on the individual dog and his activity level, health, and metabolism.