Great article from Pet Place.com and a reminder for those of us who tend to spoil your dogs by over-feeding them: I recently attended the North American Veterinary Conference - a large annual conference in Orlando. Dozens of speakers communicate new information to veterinarians and vendors show off new products in the exhibit hall. I'd like to pass along some things I learned at the conference today to help keep you up to date with the newest and latest information.
So, which disease affects more than 80% of some dogs? It is arthritis. I have always known that this was a common disease in dogs but I didn't know just how common. Based on research, 33% of adults (human) have arthritis and more than 20% of all dogs have arthritis. With age or obesity those numbers get even higher. This is unbelievable but about 83% of obese dogs have arthritis*!
Like I said, I knew the number was high but I didn't know it was that high. That is amazing.
I guess it makes good sense. The more weight the dog (or human) carries, the more stress is put on their joints. As for age, most seniors (humans) have some aches and pains somewhere, just from constant wear and tear. This is probably why many dogs seem to slow down as they get older. But this really makes you stop and think - it may not be that these dogs are just getting old - it may be that they just plain hurt.
Exercising your Senior Dog
Exercise and play is important to all dogs, including your elderly dog.
First of all, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight may lead to a number of health problems. It places excess stress on your pet's heart. Excess weight on degenerating joints can speed up the development of arthritis.
Your elderly dog's mental health may also benefit from exercise. Activity keeps oxygen and other nutrients at optimum levels in the brain. The brain is like every other organ in the body in that it requires good nutrition.
So, which disease affects more than 80% of some dogs? It is arthritis. I have always known that this was a common disease in dogs but I didn't know just how common. Based on research, 33% of adults (human) have arthritis and more than 20% of all dogs have arthritis. With age or obesity those numbers get even higher. This is unbelievable but about 83% of obese dogs have arthritis*!
Like I said, I knew the number was high but I didn't know it was that high. That is amazing.
I guess it makes good sense. The more weight the dog (or human) carries, the more stress is put on their joints. As for age, most seniors (humans) have some aches and pains somewhere, just from constant wear and tear. This is probably why many dogs seem to slow down as they get older. But this really makes you stop and think - it may not be that these dogs are just getting old - it may be that they just plain hurt.
Exercising your Senior Dog
Exercise and play is important to all dogs, including your elderly dog.
First of all, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight may lead to a number of health problems. It places excess stress on your pet's heart. Excess weight on degenerating joints can speed up the development of arthritis.
Your elderly dog's mental health may also benefit from exercise. Activity keeps oxygen and other nutrients at optimum levels in the brain. The brain is like every other organ in the body in that it requires good nutrition.
