Pets in Spain

Pet owners from all over the world are feeding their animals an astonishing diet of junk food, including scones, chocolate, pizza and burgers, a charity has revealed.

We want to warm people that the trend is fuelling an epidemic of over-sized pets, ranging from dogs and cats to hamsters, gerbils, rats, rabbits and budgies. The charity estimated that over the past year alone there has been a 10 per cent rise in the number of overweight animals - weighing in at half a million pets.

Animals that pile on weight are increasingly suffering from diseases associated with obesity in humans: from poor energy levels and breathing problems to painful and sometimes fatal illnesses such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, liver and heart disease and breeding problems.

Some of the most common problems are fatty and sugary human treats such as cheese, chips, scones and avocado.

Pets are often being fed by several different family members with people underestimating how big a ’small’ treat should be for a smaller-than-human sized animal: A single biscuit is like a packet of biscuits, or a single crisp is like a packet of crisps.

Some foods also contain substances that are safe for humans but dangerous for animals: chocolate has a stimulant called theobromine, which can cause heart failure in dogs and avocados contain persin, which can cause heart failure in small rodents and stomach upsets for cats and dogs. Many pet owners are ‘literally killing their pets with their kindness’.

One report from an inspector found a dog so grossly fat that it could not move out of its own urine. The owner, a pensioner, was banned from keeping pets for life after admitting cruelty for overfeeding his dog with a diet that included cooked English breakfasts. Then there was a 10-year-old cat called Ginger that was so fat she could not get through a cat-flap.

The Guinness Book of Records has also dropped listings of heaviest animals because of fears that owners were deliberately overfeeding pets to qualify.

If you think your pet is overweight you should take your pet to the vet for a check-up in case there is a medical problem and seek advice on a diet and more exercise.

The best treats for animals involved attention - from a walk in the park for a dog to playing with a cat. If owners really wanted to treat their pets with food, they should reduce their main meal and use the same dog food as treats.

It’s time to start thinking about spaying or neutering your dog. But, maybe you are not quite sure if it is the right thing to do. Many people think spaying and neutering dogs is unfair, but if you look at the pro´s , it can be positive and could save many dogs lives be abandoned.

The neutering procedure has been used to control animal population growth, reduce unwanted sexual behavior in pets, combat aggressive behaviour and decrease or eliminate the possibility of certain disease conditions later in life, such as pyometra or infection in the uterus.

Castration is a term used to describe the removal of the gonads (testicles) in male animals.
Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia and both involve a surgical incision, although they are quick operation´s and very easily done.

Neutering is done most commonly at or around six months of age. However, many veterinarians perform this procedure earlier – as early as 8 to 10 weeks in some situations. Early neutering can be done safely and has a number of advantages, especially in cases of pet adoption.

Spaying – The Positive Side

Spayng prevents unwanted pregnancy. Pet overpopulation is a serious issue and by allowing your dog to have litters, you are adding to the problem. Finding homes for your new family additions is not as easy as you may think. Even if you choose to keep the puppies, you now have the additional cost of vaccines, parasite control, toys and food for several pets. In addition to costs, the health of the mother can be in jeopardy during delivery. Some new mothers can have serious complications delivering puppies and can even develop health problems during nursing. All these potential problems can be avoided by spaying your dog.

Without the drive to mate, your dog may be quieter and not prone to an incessant need to seek out a mate. The spayed dog no longer attracts males and their annoying advances and serenades. Dogs won’t have a bloody discharge for several days while they are in heat. Without proper protective products, the discharge can stain sofas, bedding and carpets. Spayed pets are also easier to get along with. They tend to be more gentle and affectionate.

A final positive aspect of spaying your dog is that spayed pets tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs or dogs spayed later in life.

Spaying – The Negative Side

Spaying will result in the sterilization of your dog, and she will no longer have the ability to become pregnant. In the era of pet overpopulation with thousands of unwanted pets being euthanized each year, this is really not so bad.

Some pets may gain weight after spaying and as they get older. Just as with people, to loose weight we need to either diet or exercise. Cutting back on food intake or increasing your pets activity will help reduce weight gain.

Above all before we think about mating our dogs we need to think about the pros and cons of doing so. last year about 17 million dogs and cats were turned over to animal adoption centres and shelters. Only one out of every 10 taken in to the shelters found a home. This means that over 13.5 million had to be destroyed. We see too many rescue cases and almost most of the problem could be eliminated by simple surgery: Spaying and neutering operations are performed under general anesthesia and are quite painless. By neutering pets, owners can help lower the numbers of unwanted and homeless animals on the streets and in the shelters today.

The decision to put a pet to sleep is every pet owner´s worst nightmare and can only ever be made its owner. But veterinary advise should always take part in your decision.

I have been a veterinary nurse and animal lover for over 12 years and it still hurts when I assist with euthanasia or am witness to a death at the surgery. My boss has always said that to feel emotional is normal, and if the day comes that you become hardened and stop caring, you should probably not be working in a veterinary practice.

To help people understand the procedure and to over come there loss i have put together the normal procedure program on how it assits.

Euthanasia is performed using a very large dose of an anaesthetic drug, causing unconsciousness within a few seconds, followed by death. The route chosen depends upon the species and medical condition of the animal, but in every case the procedure is quick and painless. The drug may be administered by any of the following routes:

• Injection into a vein in the forelimb (cephalic vein).
• Injection into a vein in the hindlimb (saphenous vein).
• Injection into an indwelling intravenous catheter (if the animal is on a drip for example).
• Injection into the liver, kidney or heart (this may be necessary if the animal has very poor circulation).
• Injection into a vein in the ear (usually the case with rabbits).
• Inhalation of a volatile agent (usually the case with small rodents such as hamsters, rats and gerbils since a vein is very difficult to visualise).

Every animal is assessed individually, and the method chosen will be that which causes the least stress. If a pet is particularly nervous, then a tranquillizing drug may be given prior to the procedure.

Consciousness is lost within a few seconds, there may be some reflex actions evident. These include gasping, sighing, urination or defecation, but it is to be assured that although these signs may be distressing, the pet is unaware of any pain or discomfort.

There are a number of options available after the procedure to cremate your beloved pet. Make sure that you are familiar with those offered by your practice. As a general guide, the following are the usual methods of burial and cremation:

Home burial.

• Many people with a garden chose to bury their pets at home. The size and depth of the grave must be sufficient to accommodate the animal without risk of disturbance from wild animals or future owners of the property. The pet should not be wrapped in plastic as this will affect normal decomposition. There are a number of companies specialising in memorials for pets, or a shrub or tree could be planted.
• Routine cremation.
  This is an economical and sensible option. The practice will have a contract with a pet crematorium who will collect the bodies from the surgery and carry out cremation. Routine cremation involves the cremation of several pets at once. The ashes are usually scattered in the grounds. A reputable company will encourage inspection by you and allow you to visit the garden of remembrance.

• Individual/private cremation.
  Pets are individually cremated by the pet crematorium and the ashes returned to the surgery for you to collect. Many people find returning to the surgery very traumatic, you could always ask your vet if he could deliver them to you. Most crematoria offer a choice of container. A biodegradable box is the cheaper option – the ashes can then be kept, buried or scattered. A polished, wooden casket may be preferred and usually this will come with an engraved name plate.

It is a very sad thing to have to do but question yourself , What is best for your pet, is he in pain, what is his quality of life? All of these need to be taken into account.

For more advise on coping with a bereavement of a pet Email us at: info@pets-in-spain.com

Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

Osteoarthritis affects millions of Europeans and almost one in 5 dogs in households in the EU. Symptoms include lameness, stiffness and pain in the joints, pain when rising or exercising or tenderness to the touch in the affected joints.

Osteoarthritis is caused by a gradual wearing-down of the spongy cartilage between the joints - cartilage that is meant to protect and cushion the joint during movement. As it thins, the ends of the bones begin to wear against each other. This continual touching and grinding causes bone deformities and pain. Two nutritional ingredients are of utmost importance in the maintenance of joint function: Glucosamine serves as a “building block” for healthy cartilage development while Chondroitin Sulfate helps the cartilage remain fluid and supple to enhance its cushioning and shock-absorbing qualities.
Symptomatic Animals

Some pets suffer from Osteoarthritis due to general age and condition. Working dogs or dogs who are engaged in repetitive motion exercise such as agility training tend to exhibit earlier. Large breeds are very prone to become symptomatic at an earlier age. Breeds with high incidence of hip dysplasia certainly suffer greatly. And traumatic injury to the bone or joint area can cause problems.
Prevention and Cure

Dozens of studies have shown that many of the symptoms of osteoarthritis can be minimized, or even eliminated, by adding Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfates to the intake of affected animals. Studies with rats showed dramatic differences in the incidence of induced osteoarthritis in animals who received arthritis treatments of Glucosamine and Chondroitin vs. those that did not.

Don’t wait. Early intervention is essential to help prevent the disease. Even young dogs who are not exhibiting symptoms should have Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfates added to their daily vitamin regimen to help keep the cartilage strong and supple. This is important for all breeds but is particularly important in breeds whose genetic pre-disposition includes joint diseases such as hip dysplasia.

Pets who are already exhibiting symptoms of stiffness or pain can definitely benefit from added supplements. Any cartilage that is still useful will benefit greatly from more fluid content. And your dog’s natural cartilage-building will be enhanced by Glucosamine additions. Pain can be reduced and damage slowed.
Types of Arthritis Supplements
There are many ways to add the required supplements to your dog’s diet. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are now added to biscuits, wafer treats, meaty chew treats and everyday tablets. Liquid supplements are easy and tasty.

Tips for Healthy Bone Maintenance
Keep your pet at a slender weight. Overweight animals suffer considerably more pain that dogs of normal weight. Add supplements for joint strength. Also change the exercise requirements. While exercise is important, walking is less damaging than running. Purchase an arthritis-friendly pet bed with extra-heavy cushioning.

Ear Problems in cats and dogs are normally a type of infection.

Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are very commmon in dogs; especially those with floppy ears such as cockers and retrievers. A lack of oxygen to the ear canal smothers the aerobic bacteria that is beneficial to the ear and allows the yeast to grow.

Normal wax in the ear is usually light tan in color. A dark brown, odorous discharge is typical of a yeast infection. Many veterinarians recommend over-the-counter Lotrimin for jock itch to treat yeast infections.
Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections can be caused by a variety of conditions.

Normal wax in the ear is usually light tan in color. A yellowish discharge is common in bacterial infections. Unfortunately, most treatments for bacterial infections require a prescription from your veterinarian.
Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats

Ear Mites, which look like tiny ticks (too small to see) and live in the ear canal, are a particulary difficult but common problem of dogs and cats.

Although people don’t seem to get them, mites are contageous from one animal to another, laying their eggs on the fur coat and traveling from one pet to another during play, sleep or other contact.

Symptoms include intense itching, odor, and tar-colored, waxy build-up inside and even sometimes outside the ear.

There are many treatments for mites. Read the labels carefully and always use the treatment (preceded by a thorough cleaning of the ear each time) as frequently and as long as the manufacturer recommends.

Additionally, we recommend that you treat the ears of all of your pets (whether they look like they need it or not) if any one pet has the mites, and that you bathe the pets in a good quality flea shampoo and/or dip the pets to stop the spread of the mites on the hair.

It feels good to treat your pet to human food every once in a while. Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist as they watch you eat and try to convince you that they are starving! It makes you want to give them a taste of everything you eat. But beware: Giving in to those eyes and giving dogs human foods can actually harm them.

In 2007, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center received more than 130,000 calls. Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common human foods and household items.

Many foods we enjoy can be dangerous to animals. It’s best to stick to your pet food and a diet recommended by your vet. Here are a few of the most toxic foods that can harm your pet:

Bad news foods:

Avocados
They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and most animals.

Beer
Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal’s liver and brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal, the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.

Nuts
Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat’s heart to beat very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is exercising or overly active.

Candy
Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal’s blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.

Caffeine
Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an animal’s central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the animal consumes.

Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.

Onions
Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They can destroy an animal’s red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over time.

Medicine
Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children. The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.

And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet parent’s medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an animal’s pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death.

Good news foods:

There are a few things that you CAN give to your furry pal. However, you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food item to your pet.

Although these foods are normally harmless, some animals have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. So even these healthy treats should be avoided if they cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Keep in mind that these and other “extras” should not make up more than 5 to 10 percent of the pet’s daily caloric intake.

Lean meats
Any cooked lean meat should be fine for most dogs. High-fat meats, chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. In addition, most companion animals do not need extra fat in their diets. Never give your pet meat with the bone in it. Animals can choke on the bones, and they can splinter as well.

Vegetables
Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices and zucchini slices are all OK.

Leishmaniasis is an parasitic infectious disease of dogs and people that is usually limited to tropical regions of the world, including South America, the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia. The subspecies of the parasite Leishmania donovani can infect dogs, causing a disease form called visceral leishmaniasis. Dogs serve as a reservoir of infection. The disease is transmitted among dogs and to people by sandflies.

Sand fly species, presumably capable of transmitting the disease, are present in Spain creating the potential for the disease to increase in incidence. General interest in this disease has risen because of pet owners here have pets diagnosed with “Lesh”.
kennel organizations and veterinarians are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify the source and extent of infection in the dog population.

Dogs may become infected when bitten by an infected sand fly, and the parasite infects cells in many organs including bone marrow, liver, kidney, spleen, lymph nodes and skin. After an incubation period of 6 to 18 months, the dog may become ill with a variety of clinical signs.

What to Watch For

# Weight loss
# Hair loss
# Skin ulcerations
# Abnormal toenail growth
# Bleeding from the nose
# Kidney failure
# Liver failure
# Lameness

Because these clinical signs are variable and not specific, making a diagnosis is difficult unless the veterinarian considers the disease as a possibility.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is completed by examining samples of bone marrow or lymph node to look for the parasite, or by testing serum. Many times examination of bone marrow or lymph node is negative even when the dog is infected. As a result, serum tests are often preferred for diagnostic screening. There are two tests available for identifying antibodies to the parasite in serum:

# Immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA)
# Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Both tests require a submission and request by a licensed veterinarian.

Treatment

Treatment is difficult and there are currently no drugs available now that cure the disease. Some drugs may be used in an attempt to lessen the signs of illness and require administration for a long time. Relapse of disease may occur weeks, months or years later.

Heartworm prevention is simple. It involves a blood draw to determine whether the parasite is present and regular dosing with preventive medication. Heartworm infestation is dangerous; untreated dogs die and treated dogs go through weeks of discomfort while the worms are killed and expelled from their bodies.
The parasite

Parasites go through several life stages before emergence as adults and often need at least two hosts to complete the cycle. In heartworms, a mosquito serves as the intermediate host for the larval stage of the worm, also known as the microfilariae. The mosquito ingests the larva when it bites an infected dog and deposits its cargo in an uninfected dog when seeking another blood meal. The microfilariae burrow into the dog and undergo several changes to reach adult form, then travel to the right side of the heart through a vein and await the opportunity to reproduce. Adult heartworms can reach 12 inches in length and can remain in the dog’s heart for several years.

Dogs can have some microfilariae in their blood and worms in their lungs without manifesting the disease. Once the number of worms exceeds a certain number based on the size and activity level of the dog, however, the adult worms move to the heart and symptoms begin to occur. Very active dogs may experience symptoms with lower numbers of worms than couch-potato dogs.

The time lag between the initial infestation of microfilariae and reproduction by adult worms living in the heart is six-to-seven months in dogs.

Female heartworms bear live young – thousands of them in a day. These young – the microfilariae – circulate in the bloodstream for as long as three years, waiting to hitch a ride in a bloodsucking mosquito. They undergo changes in the mosquito that prepare them to infect a dog, and they transfer back to the original host species the next time the mosquito bites. The process of change in the mosquito takes about 10 days in warm climates, but can take six weeks in colder temperatures.

The worms grow and multiply, infesting the chambers on the right side of the heart and the arteries in the lungs. They can also lodge in the veins of the liver and the veins entering the heart. The first sign of heartworm infestation may not manifest for a year after infection, and even then the soft cough that increases with exercise may be dismissed as unimportant by the owner. But the cough worsens and the dog may actually faint from exertion; he tires easily, is weak and listless, loses weight and condition, and may cough up blood. Breathing becomes more difficult as the disease progresses. The progression is traumatic: the dog’s quality of life diminishes drastically and he can no longer retrieve a Frisbee or take a long walk in the park without respiratory distress. Congestive heart failure ensues, and the once-active, outgoing pet is in grave danger.
Epidemiology

Heartworm disease is present on every continent except Antarctica. It occurs where these four factors are found:

* a susceptible host population
* a stable reservoir of the disease
* a stable population of vector species
* a climate that supports the parasite’s life cycle

Dogs are considered the definitive host for the parasite; even though the disease is not transmitted directly from one dog to another, untreated dogs provide a stable reservoir for the disease. Mosquitoes of several different species are the vectors (intermediate host for the developing microfilariae). Development of the microfilariae in the mosquito requires a temperature at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for about two weeks. No larval development takes place in the mosquito below 57 degrees F.
Testing

Heartworms can be detected by blood test. The filtration test finds microfilariae in the blood; the occult test locates adult worms in the heart. Many veterinarians prefer to do both tests as the absence of microfilariae in the blood does not necessarily mean that there are no adult worms in the heart. Both tests are done with a single blood draw, preferably in the early spring before daily temperatures warm above 57 degrees F.

Radiographs (X-rays) can also detect the presence of adult heartworms in the heart and lungs.
Treatment

If a blood test or the onset of symptoms alert owner and veterinarian to the presence of this devastating parasite, treatment is possible and successful if the disease has not progressed too far. The first step is to evaluate the dog and treat any secondary problems of heart failure or liver or kidney insufficiency so that he can withstand the treatment. The next step is to kill the adult worms with an arsenic compound. Veterinarians now have access to a Immiticide, a new compound that has fewer side effects than the previous drug and is safer for dogs with more severe infestations.

The treatment is administered in two doses each day for two days, followed by several weeks of inactivity to give the dog’s system a chance to absorb the dead worms. Exertion can cause the dead worms to dislodge, travel to the lungs, and cause death.

At least three-to-four weeks after the administration of the drug to kill the adult worms, further treatment to kill the microfilariae is needed. The dog is dosed daily for a week, then the blood test is repeated. If microfilariae are still present, the dose can be increased. Follow-up studies should be done in a year.

Surgical removal of the adult heartworms is possible and may be indicated in advanced cases with heart involvement.
Prevention

Preventive doses come in oral and topical versions and are only available from a veterinarian. Diethylcarbamazine is given daily. Ivermectin (Heartguard), Milbmycin (Interceptor) and Moxidectin (ProHeart) are given monthly. Selamectin (Revolution) is a new preventive applied topically. Some of these drugs also kill other parasitic worms, and Revolution also acts against fleas, ticks, and mites.

Moxidectin (ProHeart® and ProHeart® 6, ) is a potent preventive compound available in a six month sustained release injection administered by veterinarians or a monthly oral dosage form.

Many veterinarians recommend and many owners use a year-round heartworm prevention program to guard against the occasional mosquito flying about in areas with mild winters. If your pet has already had his yearly check-up, call your veterinarian to schedule a heartworm check. If he’s due for yearly vaccination, be sure to include a heartworm check in the visit.

Animal First Aid for the Accident-Prone

Our pets usually aren’t as accident-prone (read: clumsy!) as we humans are, but it’s not uncommon for Boo Boo to get a boo-boo now and then. If a wound isn’t serious—then we will further explain how to determine the extent of the injury—you can easily treat minor cuts, scrapes and abrasions at home.

CUTS

As a general rule, if the cut is smaller than a half inch in diameter, you usually won’t need to seek professional help. By following our step-by-step treatment plan, you should begin to see improvement in a couple of days:

* Carefully clip the fur around the wound. Electric clippers are recommended, if you have them.
* Thoroughly flush out the wound with warm salty water (add 1 teaspoon of salt to two cups of water) or saline solution. If you’re unable to prepare the salt water solution, warm water is fine. Just be sure to remove all dirt and debris from the cut. You may need to use tweezers to remove larger pieces of debris.
* Apply an antibiotic cream
* Seek veterinary help if the cut becomes larger or doesn’t show signs of healing after several days.

ABRASIONS

Your pet’s fur offers increased protection from abrasions, which occur when the top layers of skin are scraped away. Abrasions smaller than a half inch in diameter can be treated in the home:

* Carefully clip the fur around the wound.
* Thoroughly flush out the wound with warm salty water or saline solution. If this isn’t practical or possible, wash the affected area under running water.
* Apply antibiotic cream or a soothing first-aid cream.
* If the abrasion is on a part of your pet’s body that will get rubbed or must bear weight, such as the foot, you may want to apply a bandage for further protection.
* Call your vet if you see pus forming on the wound, or if you don’t notice any improvement after a couple of days.

ME-OUCH!

When assessing the condition of your pet’s wounds, it’s okay to be overly cautious. If you notice excessive bleeding, very deep wounds, or if your pet seems to be in pain, call the veterinarian immediately. If you notice a foreign object in the wound, such as a piece of glass or other object imbedded in a paw, it’s best to call the vet first.
Minor Pet Injuries vs. Heavy Bleeding

In cases of deep wounds, or wounds with severe bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound and head straight for the vet. As excessive or frequent handling of the animal or manipulation of the wound can cause further injury, it is recommended that you keep the animal as stable and still as possible.

TOP 15 signs that measure your pet’s health

Pets are like people; as they age, it is noticeable, and they need
more care as they grow older and older. As your precious pet ages, you
will need to be aware of and look for signs of aging, as well as being
increasingly familiar with possible danger areas and/or diseases that
older pets are susceptible to.

Some classic signs of aging in dogs are similar to those of humans.
They tend to lose hair, it tends to turn gray or white around their
muzzle, and it loses its luster and shine. Their eyes can become
somewhat glassy and can turn a bluish milky-gray color instead of the
sparkling black or brown they had when they were younger. Their muscles
also tend to weaken, and they are not as active and agile as they used
to be. They tend to walk more slowly and sleep more often. Their
temperament sometimes may become more relaxed and docile. Some older
pets are also susceptible to joint problems such as arthritis.

As your beloved pet ages, be sure to keep an eye out for warning
signs of greater issues. If you spot anything suspicious, take your pet
to their veterinarian immediately. Here is a short list of some common
warning signs in elderly pets:

- Poor dental health; loss of teeth, bleeding or irritated gums, exceptionally bad breath,
and difficulty chewing food
- Excessive panting or labored breathing while walking or jogging
- Lameness or noticeably weakened limbs; difficulty walking
- Frequent vomiting
- Fluctuation of weight by 10% (either loss or gain)
- Change in housebreaking habits, such as excessive urination
- Significant change in appetite (increase or decrease)
- Unusual lumps or masses noticeably felt or seen on or under the skin
- Significant change in energy level (either lethargy or hyperactivity)
- Dizziness, loss of balance or unusual head tilting that favors one side
- Significant increase in water intake
- Coughing
- Vision loss, excessive drying of the eyes, filmy eyes
- Loss of hearing

For elderly dogs, the most common issues are heart disease,
hyperthyroidism, arthritis, kidney disease and severe dental issues. It
is in your dog´s best interest to keep your eyes and ears open for
significant changes in your pet´s behavior and physique. You should
take your elderly pet to the veterinary clinic for routine check-ups
about every six months.

As you precious dog ages, continue to keep a critical eye on them
and make them as comfortable as possible. This may mean purchasing
items such as a comfortable doggie bed, a ramp up to the bed or a ramp
for getting in and out of the car easily. This will take the strain off
their joints and will help you from lifting them into the car for their
routine veterinary appointments.

As your best friend ages, remember the various warning signs of
serious illness and disease. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if you
should have any questions pertaining to your pet´s health or
behavior. Keep your dog comfortable, and enjoy just having your pet
around!