Why Weight Management For Older Dogs Can Extend Your Dog’s Life

17 April, 2023 admin 0 Comments 1 category

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Like people, when dogs get older, weight can all too easily be gained or lost. Changing weight dynamics in older dogs is common, it’s expected and in most cases it’s nothing to get too alarmed about.

But there are tips and techniques that can help dog owners understand the various approaches we can take to ensure our older dog’s weight management is properly monitored and managed.

Older dog weight gain

Sometimes the reason older dogs gain weight is quite simple and can be easily remedied, at other times we might need some veterinary advice to make sure there is no underlying problem.

How to evaluate your older dog’s weight and condition

Watch the video below. It teaches you how to establish if your older dog is too fat, too thin or ideal weight. You don’t need scales or any special equipment, you can perform this weight test in your own home.

3 Simple ways to manage weight gain in older dogs

Here are 3 of the most common reasons older dogs can gain weight and how you can help your senior dog stay healthy.

Exercise: Shake up your dog’s regime

Just because our older dogs can’t do the miles they once did and we’re conscious of how exercise will impact on their joints, doesn’t mean they have to miss out altogether.

Worth a read: Do joint supplements for dogs actually work?

Use it as a good excuse to find a new walking route, somewhere full of new smells and sights where you can do short bursts rather than long stretches.

You can also consider introducing new fun games to play at home which are good for mental stimulation and provide outlets for short bursts of activity. For example, does your dog have a favourite toy they will still work for?

If so, why not have a game of hide and seek?

K9 Magazine says,

Canine hide and seek might sound like a bit of a laugh, but it stimulates an integral area of many dogs’ natural instincts such as scent tracking. People lost in avalanches are only too glad that the St Bernard that finds them likes a good game of hide and seek, and now you can bond with your dog indoors or out come rain or shine, in this fun, obedience orientated and stimulating activity.

Nutrition: Change your older dog’s diet

As your dog gets older, their body evolves too, and this changes the way and speed at which they digest and absorb food. This is why you’ll often see senior dog foods with different ingredients highlighted on the label.

Look into different dog foods and learn what might best suit your dog, for example, would a diet dog food work for them at their stage of life, or would they prefer an alternative diet which is more suited to their age with adjustments made elsewhere (such as swapping their normal treats to a healthier, less calorie heavy alternative) to keep their weight in check?

Health: manage and monitor your older dog’s health

You know your dog better than anyone else so it goes without saying you can pick up on the subtlest of changes to their behaviour or health easier than anyone else.

It’s important that as your dog gets older, you keep an eye on their health and wellbeing.

If they gain weight, ask yourself if there’s an underlying issue to be treated?

Is their weight gain sudden / dramatic?
Is your older dog eating normally but gaining weight at a rapid rate?
Has the weight gain come about because your older dog is exercising less and, if so, is there an underlying mobility problem that needs to be investigated?

Two common medical reasons for sudden weight gain in older dogs

Factfile: Cushing’s Disease in dogs

Canine Cushing’s syndrome is a chronic illness that, if left untreated it can rapidly and severely affect your dog’s quality of life and can lead to a range of more severe health problems and in certain cases can cause fatal complications.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in dogs could save your pet’s life. Cushing’s syndrome is an incurable but entirely treatable condition that is caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland. The pituitary gland governs growth and governs adrenaline production.

The pituitary gland produces a hormone called cortisol, which stimulates growth and also stimulates the adrenal glands in to production. A healthy pituitary gland will create growth hormones during the normal canine growth period and will cease production once the dog is fully grown. An over active or otherwise malfunctioning pituitary gland can cause excessive growth.

Cushing’s disease can also cause excessive adrenaline production as it sends incorrect messages to the adrenal glands. The over production of adrenaline is what causes Cushing’s Syndrome in dogs (and people). In most cases Cushing’s disease affects older dogs but if the disease is diagnosed in its earliest stages and the correct treatment is provided, it is possible that the dog’s life expectancy can be normal.

The symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome are often mistaken for the regular signs of old age but some symptoms are more pronounced, including:

We’re all familiar with the physical changes that can come with human ageing – hair loss, change of body shape, etc. But when these changes begin occurring in a dog, it can be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome, a disease that can be difficult to diagnose and is often mistaken for other medical conditions that are common in mature dogs.

Cushing’s syndrome is caused by a tumour of either the pituitary gland or adrenal glands. The disease, to make matters more confusing, has symptoms similar to other diseases and can be a challenge to diagnose.

“Unfortunately, diagnosing what’s wrong with a mature dog can take some time,” explains Dr. Vern Otte, a practicing veterinarian in suburban Kansas City. “Often if an older dog has an increase in thirst, the owner calls us and automatically assumes it has diabetes. While some of the symptoms may be similar, the dog may instead have Cushing’s syndrome.”

Due to the complexity of accurately diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome, special blood tests are necessary to confirm the disease. By diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome early and using prescribed medication, pet owners can help their dogs live happier and more vibrant lives.

Dr. Audrey Cook, Clinical Associate Professor from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University, says dog owners need to be alert for Cushing’s syndrome.

“A dog owner should begin checking the dog when it is around seven years old. Some of the signs that a dog may have Cushing’s syndrome are increased water intake, lethargy, a ravenous appetite, excessive panting, hair loss and thin skin,” states Cook.

Cushing’s syndrome is a disease that may also affect the physical appearance of a dog. Cook says one way a pet owner can help the veterinarian with evidence of the physical changes a dog is going through is by providing photos during an office visit. These photos can help the veterinarian with an early diagnosis.

“If Cushing’s is diagnosed early and treated with an FDA-approved product like VETORYL® (trilostane) Capsules, the dog can have a much happier and longer life.”

“If left untreated, Cushing’s syndrome increases the dog’s risk of developing serious conditions such as diabetes, blood clots in the lungs, kidney infections, urinary tract infections or inflammation of the pancreas,” added Dr. Cook.

Dr. Otte explains that treatment of Cushing’s syndrome can make a difference in how a dog spends its later years. “We now have the capability to dramatically improve the quality of life for the dog. I have seen marked improvement in dogs with the new medication available.”

Pet owner Judy Lafferty saw a remarkable change in her dog, Dutchess, since she has been on the VETORYL treatment. The suburban Kansas City pet owner’s King Charles/Spaniel mix can now navigate the stairs and is able to take several short walks a day.

“Before she was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome and placed on this treatment, we had thought of putting her down,” says Lafferty. “Now, she’s almost like a puppy, with eyes like Bambi.”

It’s important to not overlook the subtle changes in your dog’s appearance. Some early signs of Cushing’s syndrome may be confused with the normal signs of aging. When changes occur, a call to your veterinarian is recommended.

Some breeds are more prone to the disease than others and advice.dog has teamed up with the pet health care experts at Dechra Veterinary Products to offer a completely FREE report on Canine Cushing’s Syndrome which includes advice on: breeds most at risk of Canine Cushing’s disease spotting the symptoms of Canine Cushing’s disease what to do if you think your dog has Cushing’s syndrome

You can download this report – completely FREE of charge.

In some cases, parasites, can also lead to weight gain and some parasites, fleas, for example, can sometimes lead to others, such as tapeworm (also known as the cucumber tapeworm because of its appearance), so make sure you find a good dog flea treatment to treat your pet is regularly.

Changes to behaviour, lumps and bumps and weight loss should be monitored and checked out too.

Your dog’s weight can have an impact on their organs and joints, which is why it’s crucial you make sure your dog’s weight is kept in check so as little extra weight and strain is put on them as possible.

Older dogs weight and life expectancy

Dog owners shouldn’t need much motivation to ensure their dog is the healthiest weight for their age, breed and lifestyle but how about this – dogs who are kept at the optimum weight can and do live longer.

Worth a read: How to extend your dog’s life (100 ways to help your dog live longer).

Here’s the science

Procedures
Dogs were paired, and 1 dog in eachpair was fed 25% less food than its pair-mate from 8weeks of age until death. Serum biochemical analy-ses were performed, body condition was scored, andbody composition was measured annually until 12years of age.

Age at onset of chronic disease andmedian (age when 50% of the dogs were deceased)and maximum (age when 90% of the dogs weredeceased) life spans were evaluated.

Results
Compared with control dogs, food-restrict-ed dogs weighed less and had lower body fat content and lower serum triglycerides, triiodothyronine,insulin, and glucose concentrations.

Median life span was significantly longer for dogs in which food was restricted.

The onset of clinical signs of chronic dis-ease generally was delayed for food-restricted dogs.

Conclusions suggest that 25% restriction in food intake increased median life span and delayed the onset of signs of chronic disease in these dogs.

Read The Study in Full

Conclusion: Weight management for older dogs

In conclusion, weight management is a crucial aspect of ensuring that older/senior dogs maintain their health and quality of life as they age. Obesity in dogs can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, which can significantly reduce their lifespan.

Senior dogs are more susceptible to certain medical conditions that can impact their weight, such as Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. It is important for pet owners to be aware of these conditions and work closely with their veterinarian to manage them appropriately.

There are several simple steps that dog owners can take to help their older dog maintain a healthy weight. These include:

Regular exercise: Even if your senior dog’s activity level has decreased, it is important to provide regular exercise to keep them moving and maintain muscle mass.

Proper nutrition: Older dogs may have different nutritional needs than younger dogs, and it is important to choose a high-quality senior dog food that is appropriate for their age and lifestyle.

Portion control: Feeding the appropriate amount of food at each meal can help prevent overfeeding and weight gain.

Avoiding table scraps: Giving your dog table scraps can contribute to weight gain and unhealthy eating habits.

Regular vet checkups: Regular checkups with a veterinarian can help identify potential health issues and ensure that your senior dog is maintaining a healthy weight.

In summary, weight management is a critical aspect of senior dog care, and pet owners should work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their older dog is maintaining a healthy weight as their body and activity levels change. By following simple steps such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, portion control, avoiding table scraps, and regular vet checkups, pet owners can help their senior dogs stay healthy, active, and happy as they age.

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