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Five Tips For Maintaining Mobility in Older Dogs

29 November 2005

You love them as much as ever, but you notice changes as your dog grows older. He or she can’t do what he did before. The daily walk is more of an effort. He limps sometimes, and can’t climb stairs as he did before. Getting up after lying down takes longer and more obvious effort.

Older dogs – particularly big breeds - often have a harder time getting around due to hip disorders, arthritis and other problems. While arthritis is not such a problem in toy breeds of dogs, for them heart conditions may be common.

But there are things you can do to help keep your dog mobile and make his life easier and more comfortable.

When is your dog considered “geriatric”?

It's encouraging that the average lifespan for dogs has increased from 7 years in the 1930's to more than 12 years today. With the right care, it's not uncommon for dogs to live to 14 or 15.

For every year a human ages, a dog ages the equivalent of 4 or 5 years. Size and weight of the dog is a factor, as well. A small dog of less than 20 pounds might not seem to show any signs of age until she is 12 or so. A 50-pound dog won't seem old until about 10. Larger dogs begin to show their age at 8 or 9.

Many giant breeds, such as Great Danes could be considered seniors at age six and only may live to age 8 or 9. Small dogs, like Pomeranians, may not qualify for senior status until they are over 10, and may live long past age 15. By being aware of your dog’s potential lifespan you can provide the best of care.

Tip No 1 Control Your Older Dogs Weight

The simplest way to tell that your dog is overweight is when you can’t feel his/her ribs with gentle pressure on the sides.

Weight will make a big difference to how mobile your dog will be and how easy he finds it to exercise. Weight will worsen his joint and muscle problems, make his heart work harder and restrict lung capacity.

Forget fattening treats this Christmas. Feeding tidbits of ham, turkey and other tasty morsels from the table can cause serious tummy upsets.

Change his food to one which is high in fibre and carbohydrates and low in fat. Dogs burn more calories digesting carbohydrates and extra fiber or roughage gives a feeling of fullness.

Just be aware that grains (which make up a large component of dry dog food) tend to increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis. A better alternative would be to switch to home-prepared meals with either cooked or raw meats and vegetables.

Feed your dog several small meals instead of one large one. Small meals burn more calories in digestion and are more emotionally satisfying.

After arthritis, obesity is the most common problem for older dogs.

As dogs age, metabolism slows and energy requirements decrease by about 20%. Because their activity usually decreases as well, their energy needs are decreased by another 10-20%. – a total of 30 to 40% overall.

Yet we tend to feed them the same as when they were younger and feel mean if we restrict their food and put them on a diet.
It is estimated over 40% of US dogs and between 30 and 50% of UK dogs are overweight. And guess what? Most obese dogs have an obese owner and getting the weight off your companion usually helps you lose weight too!

For purebreeds, being overweight is usually defined as being 10% to 15% over the recommended "ideal" weight. But this definition is not as simple as it sounds. Any "ideal" weight will vary based on sex (females are generally 10% lighter than males), bone structure, and overall size.

Average Weight(in pounds)

VERY SMALL BREEDS
Chihuahua 4
Pekingese 9
Miniature Schnauzer 15

SMALL BREEDS
Boston Terrier 19
Cocker Spaniel 25

MEDIUM BREEDS
Beagle 30
Brittany Spaniel 35
Siberian Husky 50

LARGE BREEDS
Airedale Terrier 50
Standard Poodle 55
Pointer 65
Golden Retriever 70

VERY LARGE BREEDS
Old English Sheepdog 95
Great Pyrenees 115
Great Dane 130
Newfoundland 140
St. Bernard 165

Tip No 2 Nutritional Supplements for Older Dog Mobility

Arthritis and joint problems affect one in five dogs over the age of seven, and is particularly common in older dogs of the larger breeds. But it also occurs in smaller dogs- particularly those that were bred for unusual body shapes such as dachshunds
There are several dietary supplements with good scientific evidence for being effective in supporting joint health in older dogs.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced from the shells of chitin (shellfish) that works to stimulate joint function and repair. It has been proven effective in numerous scientific trials for easing osteoarthritis pain, aiding in the rehabilitation of cartilage, renewing synovial fluid, and repairing joints that have been damaged from osteoarthritis.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Dogs don’t usually get enough Omega 3 fatty acids in their diets. Omega 3 helps to regulate pressure in the joints, among many other things. A good source for this is fish oil capsules. Additional vitamin E will also be needed since adding more oil to the body increases the need for this vitamin.

Shark cartilage
Animal studies show it has major potential application in the treatment of arthritic pain and inflammation. The main beneficial effect from one British study seemed to be reduction in the local swelling and inflammation in the joints of the dogs. The researcher described the overall effect in the dogs as "impressive."

Green lipped mussel extract
In 1997 Japanese veterinarians investigated the effects of Green Lipped Mussel Extract on 43 dogs and 6 cats which had been taken to treatment for joint problems in Tokyo. New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract proved to be very effective in 80 %, slightly effective in 14 % and ineffective in 2%. The improvements were verified also in X-rays. No clinical adverse side-effects were observed.

Bee Venom Nutritional Supplements for Older Dogs

Bee venom has been traditionally used as an arthritis remedy since the days of Hippocrates the “Father of Medicine” in the 4th century BC. In the last decade growing anecdotal evidence supports the use of bee venom taken orally as a joint support and pain relief supplement for people and pets. The active ingredients in bee venom include several peptides with recognized anti inflammatory activity, include Melittin and Peptide 401.
Clinical trials with dogs and bee venom done in the US in the 1970s showed arthritic dogs gained improvements in mobility when injected with bee venom in solution.

Honeybalm for Pets is a proprietary honey and bee venom formula taken as a nutritional supplement on food or in capsule form. Marketed in New Zealand and the US, it has helped improve normal mobility and joint function in older dogs.

Tip No 3 Keep Your Older Dog Exercising

It is important to keep older dogs moving, but unrealistic to expect they will be capable of running the same distances or with the same intensity they may have enjoyed when they were younger. Adjust the length and degree of difficulty of exercise to your dog’s needs, and if he is struggling allow him to rest.
Two shorter walks are easier for an older dog than one long walk.

A good walking pattern to follow is:

a warm-up of about 5 minutes, gradually increasing the pace

brisk walking of about 20 minutes

a cool-down of about 5 minutes, during which you gradually decrease the pace

Plenty of water to drink at the end

If you play fetch with your older dog, throw the ball or toy a little closer than you did when your dog was younger, and repeat the toss fewer times. Don’t overdo exercise with vigorous stops and starts.

When swimming, remember that an older dog will become chilled much more quickly than a young dog. Dry off your dog before he begins shivering.

At-home exercise is also a good alternative for older dogs. Use a carpeted area for the session, and one of your dog's favorite toys. “Play Wrestle” with her or encourage her to lie on her back to "kick the air." to keep her active and moving in an unstressed way.

It's never too late to start an exercise program for your dog. Just as with a human, though, you should check your dog's general health with your vet, and then begin the exercise program gradually. Easy companionable walks of about ten or fifteen minutes a couple of times a day will make a good beginning.

Consider babysitting a younger pet to give your older dog a companion and encourage him in playful exercise.

Tip No 4 Take Good Care Of Older Dogs Grooming
Skin and Coat Care

Older, less mobile pets are more likely to develop lick-associated sores on their skin. This is because of boredom and the skin not being as resilient

Many topical creams for dogs contain mineral oils which cause further irritation and ulceration if they are licked off. Use a natural cream like Honeybalm Active Manuka UMF 15+, a natural anti bacterial cream from a wild New Zealand honey to avoid this problem. It contains no petroleum-based parabens as preservatives.

Less mobile pets will also develop mats of hair along their backs as stiffness hampers their grooming. Shampoo with a medicated preparation regularly to ensure good coat health, and add Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to the diet for coat health.

Older, heavy animals living on hard surfaces will develop inflamed calluses on their elbows. Sometimes the bursas associated with the elbow will enlarge also. The best treatment for this problem are mats or carpet flooring.

Tip No 5 Ensure Your Older Dog has a Comfortable Environment

Keep Your Dog Warm and Cozy on Cold, Damp Days

Set up a soft bed or some layers of fleece in the area where your dog normally sleeps.

Put up baby gates to keep an unstable dog off staircases.

Put nonslip rugs down where there are hard floors if the dog is showing any signs of arthritis, such as wobbly legs or stiff movements.

Raise food bowls off floor level. so your dogs does not have to bend their head down to eat.

On hardwood floors and linoleum it can be tough for your dog to get good traction. Put down some throw rugs, mats or other carpeting.

Older dogs may need assistance in getting up steps or stairs. Pre-made ramps are available at pet store or you can even make your own.

Going up hill or steps may be difficult when out walking. There are leashes made especially for dogs with hip problems that involve a harness which allows you to easily lift your dog's rear when needed.