The prostate is a gland that’s part of the reproductive system in many mammals, including humans and dogs, but did you know that almost all intact male dogs display prostate enlargement as they age? Many neutered dogs may as well. Fortunately, prostate enlargement in dogs does not necessarily pose a problem by itself, but it is an issue that you must keep an eye on as your dog gets older. Here are some other conditions to be aware of. Common issues of the dog prostate Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) This is the simple enlargement of your dog’s prostate. Typically, there will be the same le ..read more

Los perros mayores son a menudo ignorados ​​en los refugios por aquellos que eligen la próxima generación de cachorros juguetones y traviesos. Pero, si eres el Líder de la Manada de un perro en sus años dorados sabes que eso es una lástima, porque los perros más viejos todavía tienen mucho amor para dar y aún tienen mucha personalidad y ánimo, mismo que no tengan tanta energía como cuando eran más jóvenes. Los perros mayores también suelen requerir menos ejercicio, sufren menos problemas de comportamiento y vienen a ti ya adiestrados para ir al baño afuera. Por estas razones, son una opción ex ..read more

Humans can’t join AARP until they’re 50 and really aren’t considered senior citizens until their 60s, but for dogs most breeds are considered seniors once they reach eight years of age. As with all things related to dogs aging, this number is a bit lower for larger dogs and a bit higher for smaller dogs. If we take the proper steps to keep our senior dogs healthy, they can remain active and happy well into the equivalent of their 80s or 90s. This is a wonderful thing, because senior dogs also tend to be calmer and mellower, and less likely to suddenly develop misbehaviors or phobias because th ..read more

Senior dogs are often overlooked at rescues and shelters in favor of the next generation of bouncy, yappy puppies. But if you’re a pack leader to a pup in his golden years, you know that’s a shame because older dogs still have a lot of love to give — and they can still have lots of personality and spunk even if they don’t have as much energy as they did in their younger years. Senior dogs typically require less exercise, suffer from fewer behavioral issues, and come to you potty trained. They are an excellent choice for those adopting their first dog. But just because senior dogs are more mana ..read more

You may be surprised and disheartened if you learn that your dog has diabetes. But with proper care, your beloved pup can live a long and healthy life. Just like in human beings, this form of condition is marked by a lack of insulin, the hormone that keeps blood sugar in check. When an animal or human has diabetes, its muscles have trouble converting glucose into energy. An excess of glucose builds up in the blood, causing a state of hyperglycemia. If left untreated, this will develop into severe health problems. Types of Diabetes Type I The cells responsible for producing enough insulin have ..read more

I get lot of questions about how the fulfillment formula – Exercise, Discipline, then Affection – changes as dogs age and don’t require as much physical activity and energy draining. Here are some tips to keep in mind as your dog enters his senior years. I always stress how important it is to get a dog that fits your energy level and lifestyle, but at some point, even the highest energy dogs that are in great health will slow down as they enter their senior years. Nothing is more important than prevention, so it’s important that throughout your dog’s life, you are providing exercise, a nutriti ..read more

According to most veterinarians, a dog falls into the “senior” category around age seven. The size of a dog, however, affects this categorization. Smaller dogs mature slower and become seniors later in life than larger dogs. Animal shelters are filled with healthy and active senior dogs that are in need of a home. When you’re thinking about picking up a dog from your local shelter, don’t look past the older dogs. They make great pets for a number of reasons. Positives to Adopting and Older Dog  Senior dogs at shelters need homes just as badly as younger dogs Many older dogs were once owne ..read more

By Josh Weiss-Roessler Helping seniors cope with aging can mean taking care of their finances, medical care, and living arrangements. None of these responsibilities is easy, but one difficult decision rarely discussed is when it’s time to place an older person’s dog with someone who can provide better care. This can be a challenging conversation to have, but it’s essential if you notice that the dog is being neglected. What Signs Should You Look For? Weight Loss If you notice that the dog keeps getting skinnier and skinnier, there’s a good chance that his aging dog parent forgets to feed him ..read more

When a dog gets old, it may begin to lose its eyesight and ability to hear. While this may be traumatic for you to witness, it is much more stressful for the dog. Imagine suddenly not being able to hear familiar noises, find things around the house, or see who is approaching you. While losing its vision or hearing does make things more difficult for a dog, with a little help, it can adjust to its altered lifestyle rather quickly. Tips on How to Prepare for a Dog that is Losing its Eyesight and/or Hearing Ability Signs of Vision Loss Dogs that are losing their vision may appear to be clumsy and ..read more

Signs and Symptoms of Joint Discomfort in Dogs As the Pack Leader you must know if your dog is uncomfortable because of joint issues. Typical signs include: Trouble getting up and down Slow or stiff when moving Difficulty climbing stairs Joint swelling Excessive panting Limping Frequently holding a leg off the ground Favoring one leg Common Causes of Hip and Joint Discomfort in Dogs: Hip dysplasia in dogs In hip dysplasia the hip socket has not formed properly and this results in damage and arthritis from the poor fit. This condition is most often seen in breeds such as the Labrador retrieve ..read more