How easily can you feel your pet's backbone? If those bones (they're called the vertebral bodies and processes) are very prominent and easy to feel, then your pet may have decreased muscle mass and one of a host of the underlying conditions that can lead to such muscle loss.
With senior dogs, in particular, when their spine sticks out, it could mean that they have spondylosis. If you believe your pup has a spinal problem, even if it is caused by old age, it's crucial that you take them to their veterinarian for a check-up.
Is It Normal For An Old Dog To Lose Weight? While we might think of older dogs piling on the pounds as they get less active, they may have the opposite response to aging. Changes in their hormones with age can change the way the body generates energy. This could leave them being naturally leaner.
Feel Your Dog's Spine
Again, you should be able to feel the bones, but they shouldn't be protruding. If you can't feel the bones, or they seem to be buried under fat, you have an overweight dog. If the spine is very pronounced with little or no flesh on top of the individual vertebrae, you have an underweight dog.
Unfortunately, many dogs begin to lose weight as they age.
In some cases, this is normal and no cause for serious concern — particularly if the weight loss occurs over a long period of time. But in other cases, such as when the weight loss occurs rapidly, you'll want to seek prompt veterinary care.
A 13- to 15-year-old dog, depending on her size and health, is roughly equivalent to a 70- to 115-year-old person. In her elder years, it is harder for your dog to learn new things. In fact, she likely will be resistant to changes in her surroundings and routine.
Walking is a great way to strengthen your dog's back legs. If you're walking your pet, keep it slow and short. After all, a long walk could end up doing more harm than good. You could take your dog for a swim or try stretching your pet's hind legs for more strength.
You can know if your senior dog is in pain by observing for behavior changes. Symptoms such as limping, reluctance to walking and rising, sitting, or shifting body weight to one side of the hip, are easy giveaways as far as pain is very likely involved.
You should be able to feel the spine and ribs, with only a small layer of fat over them. Amberlie R. Some dogs are just born with a topline (spine) that is a bit higher in parts. As long as they are at a healthy weight, it shouldn't bother them.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
What has caused my dog to lose weight? Weight loss is the result of insufficient caloric intake relative to the body's requirement. This may be caused by: high energy demand associated with excessive physical activity or prolonged exposure to a cold environment.
He has lost interest in all or most of his favorite activities, such as going for walks, playing with toys or other pets, eating treats or soliciting attention and petting from family members. He cannot stand on his own or falls down when trying to walk. He has chronic labored breathing or coughing.
As dogs age, their muscles also shrink and lose strength. The loss of muscle tone means less physical ability, but that isn't all. It also creates greater strain on the bones and joints.
Although the spinal cord compression occurs in the neck, the hind legs are often affected first. The mildest form of cervical stenosis results in stumbling or irregular walking or running. "In severe cases, the dog may suddenly develop total paralysis of all four limbs."
Disc Degeneration and Canine Paralysis
There are two methods of treating a slipped disc, relieving the spinal pressure through surgery or strict crate rest to allow the issue to resolve itself over time. Crate rest is the preferred treatment for dogs experiencing back pain, but are still able to move their back legs.
Dog Dying Process and the Moment of Death
Their body will go completely limp. If still open, their eyes will have a blank stare. Their heart completely stops beating. As all tension leaves their muscles, they may release urine or defecate as the muscles that control these bodily functions completely relax.
Wincing, Whining or Crying
All three of these actions indicate an injury or some kind of pain your dog is experiencing. If you start to pet your dog and they shy away from your hand or whine, you know there is something wrong.
Sadly, most dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose control of their legs, bladder and bowels completely, and need to be put to sleep. The average life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy is 1-2 years from diagnosis.
Many mobility issues can cause a dog's hind legs to give out and collapse underneath them suddenly. For example, a dog's back legs can collapse due to an injury, leg weakness in an older dog, arthritis, or a more serious health condition such as Degenerative Myelopathy.
Sudden onset of collapse can be secondary to a variety of disorders including spinal cord injury, orthopedic disease, or systemic illness. This sudden hind-leg weakness may be a sign of a disease that requires prompt attention from your regular veterinarian. Or even a trip to the emergency room.
Walking a Senior Dog
Walking is an excellent, low-impact exercise that promotes a healthy body and mind for both you and your dog. As your dog ages, you'll want to pay attention to your pace, the weather, and how your dog seems to feel during and after the exercise.